Christel Fortuin is a
star in the making
Brian Berkman
N
ow that the rains have returned to
the Boland, the farm road leading to
the office at Lakeview Farm is muddy
and the previously scorched and
thirsty earth is now ready for the next crop of
fruit. The nearby Theewaterskloof Dam, so
depleted just a few months ago, is more than
56% full.
Lakeview, a 100% BEE-owned farm is among
the Villiersdorp farms that supply apples
and pears to Two-a-Day in Grabouw. Along
with the permanent workers of Waterval,
Green Oaks, Skoongesig, Monte Vista, Willem
Thonie and Westfahlen these farm workers
own 100% of the shares at Lakeview, a farm
owned and managed by The Lakeview Farm
Worker’s Trust with Two-a-Day as the strategic
partner of the farming business. Importantly,
the farm has a board of directors that
comprise some of the beneficiaries, Two-a-
Day representatives and commercial farmers.
The permanent workers of the farm also have
shares in Ithemba Elitsha (Pty) Ltd - Corner
Farm.
managing director Mr Attie van Zyl. Then
he said: ‘Oh, so you are Christel. I only hear
good things about you from the team at head
office.’ I was amazed as I had no idea that
he even knew my name,” she smiles while
retelling this story.
Fortuin is born and bred in this apple and
pear growing valley. “I went to Kosie de
Wet Primary school and then completed
matriculation at Villiersdorp Secondary. My
With her soft voice Christel Fortuin is an
unlikely candidate for an Administration Clerk
on the farm until you get to know her. In just
a few moments of conversation you too will
know you are dealing with someone who will
continue to go far - a star in the making.
“I was working at my desk one day when
a management team from Two-a-Day was
meeting with the farm manager Michael
Jaarson. I was introduced to Two-a-Day’s
AgriKultuur |AgriCulture
54