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Who we are

Empowering Lives: Our Mission

Transforming Care for Quadriplegics

History

Andries Olivier was a Quadriplegic, fully paralysed from the neck down. An avid draughtsman, Andries successfully negotiated with the Durbanville council for a piece of land and drew up plans for a self-help centre. He founded a house at 42 Gerryts Street De Kuilen Kuils River in November 1994 which eventually provided accommodation for five quadriplegics.

His ultimate goal was to establish a house for fellow quadriplegics but unfortunately did not see his vision materialise due to his premature death on 1 February 1998 after undergoing an unsuccessful kidney operation.

The Quadriplegic Association of the Western Cape and his very good friends Danny and Alta Retief made it their goal to see their friend’s dream become reality and continued the project of building a house for quadriplegics in the Durbanville area.

The Durbanville municipality donated a piece of land to the association which enabled them to start building in 1995 but construction stopped for several years due to insufficient funds. Due to government funding building work resumed in 2000 and the House was officially opened on 29 August 2001.

Former resident and friend of Andries, Martin Sodoms decided to name the Centre as it is officially known, Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre (aka House Andries Olivier)

Mission and Vision

At Huis Andries Olivier, our mission is to provide full-time accommodation and care to adult quadriplegics and paraplegics.

We aim to empower individuals who have become wheelchair users due to catastrophic spinal cord injuries, offering them a supportive environment where they can live fulfilling lives.

Our vision is to run a resident-driven facility that promotes independence, community integration, and personal growth.

Vision

  • To enhance, protect and promote the interests of Quadriplegics and Paraplegics. 
  • To maintain the environment and living conditions in the house as close as possible to those in normal life.
  • To promote a better understanding of the needs and problems of Quadriplegics and Paraplegics.

Mission

  • To maintain a suitable, clean, tidy and comfortable accommodation. 
  • To provide adequate and suitable staff to cater for the needs of the house. 
  • To promote a friendly and homely atmosphere where all are treated fairly, evenly and without prejudice.  
  • To develop skills and talents. 
  • To involve the community on a voluntary basis. 
  • To generate funds, from private and public sources, to enhance and achieve goals.

Chairmans report

Read oir Chairmans Report

Meet Our Residents

Our residents are the heart and soul of Huis Andries Olivier. Each individual plays an essential role in the management and day-to-day running of our facility.

From serving on the management committee to actively participating in fundraising initiatives, our residents are committed to ensuring the success and sustainability of our center.

Meet the inspiring individuals who call Huis Andries Olivier home and learn about their personal growth journeys.

Andrew Grobler

Andrew Grobler

Chair Person

I’m Andrew Grobler, I was born in 1996. I’m a C5-C6 Quadriplegic. Born and raised in the Northen suburbs of Cape Town.
I love our mother city and even though I want to travel I will always want to come back.

I matriculated in 2014 from Edgemead High School. After which I studied IT for a year before discovering it was not for me. I then bar-tendered up until I broke my neck.
I broke my neck in a pool diving accident on the 28th of December 2016. Luckily my friends were close by, they quickly realized what had happened and saved my life.

Since then I’ve adapted to my new life as a Quad and I’m happy. Life has definitely not been easy but we adapt, we become stronger and we survive. You stop thinking about what you’ve lost and start thinking about what you can still be doing. Life is a blessing, I’m grateful to still have mine and have the support and love of friends and family.

Moving into Huis Andries Olivier was a big step for me and I’ve been steadily growing as a person ever since.I have ambitions to study once again and continue to become as independent as possible.

Terence Moore

Terence Moore

Vice Chair Person

I’m Terence Moore, born on May 4, 1973, in Ceres. I attended Laerskool Gericke for primary school and completed my Grade 12 at Hoerskool Charlie Hofmeyr in 1991. In 1993, while studying Electrical Engineering at the College of Cape Town, I suffered a life-changing motorcar accident at the age of 20, resulting in quadriplegia due to a broken neck.

Following the accident, I spent 8 months at Conradie Hospital before returning home to live with my parents for nearly 28 years. During this time, I assisted my parents in various ways, including helping with my dad’s business and other tasks. Additionally, I was fortunate to have traveled to several countries in Europe and Africa. In November 2020, I moved into the Centre.

 
Rosabelle Riese

Rosabelle Riese

Supporters CLub

Fizel De Vries

Fizel De Vries

Kitchen Management

My name is Fizel De Vries. In 1995, a gunshot left me with C5 quadriplegia, rendering my limbs unusable. Unable to return to my former school, I enrolled in Astra School for Physically Disabled. Since 2001, I’ve resided at Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre, managing the kitchen and handling new applicants. From 2003 to 2005, I pursued Business Management at CPUT.

Since 2006, I’ve worked at WCRC for 17 years. My hobbies include mouth painting and wheelchair rugby, both starting in the early 2000s. Representing Stellenbosch University “Maties,” I joined wheelchair rugby in 2002/2003, making the South African Training Squad in 2009.

Wheelchair rugby has improved my health and taken me to tournaments in Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, East London, and Bloemfontein. I enjoy watching sports live and on TV, having met the 7’s Springbok and Stormers Rugby teams in 2015. Our team’s match against the 7’s Springboks in September 2015 showcased our dedication to the sport.

Heiron Roneen Joseph

Heiron Roneen Joseph

Staff Management

I am Heiron Roneen Joseph, a 43-year-old tetraplegic born in Springbok in 1978. I completed my primary schooling in the Northern Cape before moving to Vredenburg on the West Coast in the early 90s.

On January 5th, 2005, I had a diving accident that left me paralyzed from the neck down. Before my accident, I worked in the engineering field. Since then, I’ve embraced mouth painting as both a hobby and a profession. Additionally, I pursued studies in business administration while navigating life in a wheelchair.

My hobbies include reading and mouth art painting. Despite my challenges, I cherish the outdoors and approach life with boundless energy.

Freddie van der Walt

Freddie van der Walt

Hiring Goods

Meet Freddie van der Walt, who, at 17, faced a life-altering spinal cord injury, becoming a C3/4 tetraplegic. Despite obstacles, he completed Matric and pursued Tourism Management studies. Excelling for 12 years in Quality Assurance at a call center, Freddie transitioned to Community Manager for a social media content creator in 2023.

Currently at Andries Olivier Durbanville Quadriplegic Centre for a year, Freddie manages the hiring goods service, a vital fundraising initiative, and oversees the HAO Facebook page. His journey epitomizes resilience and determination, making significant contributions to both his professional career and the supportive community at the Centre.

Pieter van Greunen

Pieter van Greunen

Website Management

My name is Pieter van Greunen, aged 35, born on September 20, 1988. On September 16, 2017, I experienced a swimming pool diving accident, resulting in me becoming a c4 c5 incomplete quadriplegic.

Before the accident, I was self-employed, managing my timber construction company, PVG Projects. Following the incident, I felt lost and unsure of my next steps. Eventually, I began educating myself in digital marketing, website building, graphic design, SEO, and content creation for social media.

Since late 2023, I’ve initiated a clothing brand called WildGuard Wear, dedicated to combating the poaching of Elephants and Rhinos. We donate a portion of our profits to wildlife initiatives supporting this cause.

I am blessed with a wonderful son named Kai, who turns 7 in April 2024. His presence keeps me motivated and resilient in facing life’s challenges.

Sihle Fella

Sihle Fela

Resident

Hello! I’m Sihle Fela, 28 years old, born in 1995. After finishing school in 2015, I got a scholarship to study IT at Prestige Academy but later found out it wasn’t for me. Instead, I started working as a merchandiser for SAB. In 2018, I got shot in the chest, leaving me paralyzed, but I’ve used this experience to become a better person.

Now, I’m doing an internship with Alexander Forbes through QASA. I’m really interested in entrepreneurship. In 2023, I bought a vehicle and started using it as an Uber. This shows my determination to overcome obstacles and create opportunities for myself.

My journey has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of never giving up. I’m excited to see what the future holds and continue inspiring others with my story.

Allen Christian Petersen

Allen Christian Petersen

Probationer

In 2006, a diving injury left me tetraplegic, causing paralysis from the neck down and impacting movement and sensation in all limbs. Currently seeking employment, my passion lies in governance and social reform, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

However, I’m open to any opportunity to serve others. In 2017, I earned a Bachelor of Social Science in Sociology and Public Policy & Administration from the University of Cape Town. At House Olivier,

I am on probation, being assessed for my compatibility with other residents and my contributions to the community.

OUR BANKING DETAILS

Bank: ABSA Bank

Account Number: 3010141663

Branch Code: 632005