On 23 January 2025, Atterbury Property Western Cape welcomed clients, property brokers, suppliers, and associates to its annual “Afskop” event – a unique kick-off to the year that’s become a cherished tradition. Now in its fifth year and unlike typical year-end functions, “Afskop” is all about looking forward, celebrating partnerships, and igniting enthusiasm for the year ahead.
Gerrit van den Berg, Head of Developments for the Western Cape, set the tone for the afternoon with a warm welcome and a candid reflection on the past year. Acknowledging the challenges of 2024, including a quiet economic market and some setbacks, Gerrit emphasised Atterbury’s unwavering optimism for 2025. He highlighted several positive factors on the horizon, including the seemingly promising collaboration of the GNU (Government of National Unity), the Springboks’ continued reign as world champs, anticipated interest rate decreases, and a playful nod to the political landscape across the Atlantic.
Gerrit’s speech resonated with the audience as he spoke about the privilege of working with a diverse range of individuals, from inspiring CEOs to passionate entrepreneurs. He shared anecdotes of recent encounters that had sparked his own inspiration, citing examples like Adrian Basson of Hungry Lion whose forward-thinking embrace of AI, cloud computing, and automated systems that is revolutionising the food industry and results in a massive expansion and roll-out for the group.
Harold Spies of Similan Properties and their commitment to creating a remarkable community residential estate in Stellenbosch, and the ongoing work of Rabie Property Group and our partners Martin Venter and Ryk Neethling from Val De Vie, who continuously set new benchmarks in luxury estate developments.
He emphasised the shared passion and “skin in the game” that drives everyone involved in the property sector.
Atterbury’s success is built on strong relationships, and this event was an opportunity to recognise the individuals and teams who contribute to our journey. Gerrit expressed his gratitude to our consultants, acknowledging the risks and shared dreams that drive our projects forward.
Special recognition was given to Alex de Beer for his 12 years of dedication to Atterbury, leaving a lasting legacy in Gauteng and the Western Cape. Additionally, awards were presented to outstanding consultants, including:
- Karien Coetzee from Empowered Spaces
- Mario Filippi from Lyners and Associates
- Ben Pretorius from Stabilid Cape Construction
This year’s “Afskop” was particularly significant as Atterbury celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024. This milestone provided a moment to reflect on the company’s journey, its growth, and its enduring commitment to building iconic structures and fostering thriving communities. The event underscored Atterbury’s dedication to collaborative partnerships, recognising that every individual’s contribution plays a vital role in collective success.
As Atterbury Western Cape embarks on 2025, the “Afskop” event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, resilience, and shared vision, setting the stage for another year of remarkable achievements.
