The People of Somerset West
One of the best parts of living in Somerset West is the people – gardeners, business owners, drivers, consultants, security guards, carers, creatives and community-builders. Of course, there are thousands of locals who make Somerset West what it is, and we could never tell every story. But we can start with a few. Here are some of the villagers helping shape the rhythm and character of our village.
Hennie Paulse
Hennie’s story is one of quiet transformation. He joined the Somerset West Village Garden nine years ago, at a time when life felt uncertain and difficult.
Today, he serves as the garden’s foreman and says the space has completely changed his life. What started as unfamiliar work has become a source of purpose, belonging and pride. He now teaches others how to plant seedlings, make compost and harvest vegetables – skills he himself once knew nothing about.
More than anything, Hennie says the garden gave him back a sense of dignity and connection, “I love being part of the garden, people respect me for who I am and treat me without judgment. I feel part of the SWVG family. When I started at the garden, my family would not acknowledge me, but now I am seeing them again and even babysitting my grandchildren some afternoons.”
Richard Downing
Back in 1999, a 21-year-old Richard Downing bought a second-hand tent after spotting it advertised in a newspaper. What started as a single marquee and a big vision eventually became one of South Africa’s leading marquee rental companies.
Today, Downings Marquee Rentals creates large-scale temporary structures and event spaces across the country, but its home and history remain in Somerset West. Richard’s story is one of perseverance, creativity and local innovation – proof that some of our town’s most successful businesses started with very humble beginnings.
Shireen van Reenen
For the past eight years, Shireen van Reenen has worked as a Social Worker and Community Developer at the Helderberg Society for the Aged.
Having lived in Somerset West for nine years, she says the scenic beauty of the Helderberg and the strong sense of community are what make the town so special. Her work focuses on supporting older persons and their families through different seasons of life. She fulfils an invaluable role for the large community of ageing residents in our village, something which she describes as both a privilege and a joy.
Rohann Nolte
Rohann Nolte has been part of the Secure Rite team for 15 years, helping make Somerset West a safer and cleaner place for everyone who lives and works here.
Although he’s only lived in Somerset West for the past five years (after many years in Strand), he already feels deeply connected to the community. Outside of work, you’ll often find him walking his dogs with his girlfriend at Radloff Park – one of his favourite local spots. When asked what he enjoys most about his work, his answer was simple: seeing the Somerset West CBD improve over the years and knowing he’s played a part in it.
Mart-Marie de Jongh
Born and raised in Somerset West, Mart-Marie de Jongh still feels grateful to call this village home. She’s been part of the GraySwan Wealth team for 11 years, bringing a calm, thoughtful and people-first approach to her role as Investment Consultant.
She says one of the greatest privileges of her job is hearing people’s stories and helping clients feel confident and at ease about their investments. When she’s not in the office, you’ll likely find her enjoying a picnic in the Helderberg Nature Reserve or wine tasting at one of the local farms – making the most of the beauty that surrounds our town.
These are just a handful of the people who make Somerset West feel the way it does – dynamic, connected, resilient and deeply community-minded.