Together we achieve more
Our story
Our story
Vista Nova’s Parent Teacher Association was responsible for the school fundraising activities up until the end of 2004. During the course of 2004 the association came to the realisation that in order to obtain funding on a more consistent basis they required an official entity that is completely separate from the school and focused exclusively on fundraising. This registered entity would also qualify for tax exemption and ensure that funders are comfortable that the school and their needs are being met when providing the donations that the school desperately requires.
The first part of 2005 was spent laying the groundwork and completing the constitution that would see the establishment of Friends of Vista Nova as an officially registered NPO in May of that year. At this time the organisation also obtained its PBO status. Since its establishment, Friends of Vista Nova has worked hard to not only continue and grow the successful fundraising activities established by the PTA, but also to open doors in the corporate fundraising circles.
Today Friends manages a number of highly successful fundraising initiatives such as an annual charity auction, tin drive and a bargain shop. Added to these activities are continued efforts to obtain funding from corporate donors. Established in 1954 by the concerned parents of four children, the school’s focus would specifically fall on children with Cerebral Palsy. Initially, the school was located in a home in Rosebank but through government subsidies and generous financial aid the current premises in Rondebosch were acquired with the official opening on the 7 March 1968.
At that time the school also started admitting learners with specific learning disabilities, as no other facility was able to cater for them. A steady annual increase in learner numbers and a growing waiting list necessitated the establishment of a separate High School campus in 1989. This campus is located in Pinelands.
From humble beginnings in 1954 with only 4 pupils, 2 teachers, a nursing sister and a physiotherapist, Vista Nova has grown to an enrolment of over 420 pupils, some 120 staff members and a full time bus service provided by a fleet of 6 busses. It is a remarkable story of how a need developed into a necessity.
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The Vista nova team
Friends of Vista Nova is a separate entity that falls outside of the management of the Vista Nova School Executive and Governing Body. As such it is managed by an executive committee made up out of:
Chairperson: Ursula Dobbie
Vice Chairperson: Christoff Oosthuysen
SGB Representative: Peta Johnson
Treasurer: Ruth Smith
Secretary: To be appointed
For fundraising and marketing enquiries please contact us directly by emailing us