A few words
About Us
THE STORY
Transforming Lives Through Compassion and Faith
Founded from a lifelong passion for aiding the marginalised, Aviel House traces its roots back to a childhood marked by compassion. From a poignant encounter with a homeless man during Christmas to grappling with addiction in adulthood, the journey of its founder led to a transformative encounter with faith.
Guided by the Holy Spirit and spurred by a dream, the vision for Aviel House crystallised: a haven for youths without father figures, offering them a chance at redemption and renewal.
Rooted in faith and fueled by a desire to serve, Aviel House emerges as a testament to God’s unfailing goodness and the power of surrendering to His will.
THE PEOPLE
Our Directors
JP du Plooy
JP du Plooy embodies a steadfast commitment to faith, family, and service, a testament to the transformative power of grace and resilience. As a proud husband, father, and born-again Christian, JP’s life journey is guided by his devotion to honouring God and uplifting others.
With a background as a professional rugby player, JP garnered invaluable life lessons on the field, cultivating a spirit of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. These experiences continue to shape his character and outlook, fueling his passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Currently serving as the Director of Colla Consulting Services, JP is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions in the FinTech space, empowering communities across South Africa. His commitment to excellence and innovation reflects his deep-seated belief in the transformative potential of technology to drive positive change.
JP’s heart for people and his compassionate spirit drive his philanthropic endeavours, as he remains determined in his mission to uplift the lost and vulnerable. His life goal is a testament to his unwavering faith and generosity of spirit, as he strives to honour God through the talents gifted to him, connecting with others with empathy, compassion, and a generous heart.
JP brings a wealth of experience, integrity, and compassion as we continue our shared mission of building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
John-Laffnie de Jager
John-Laffnie de Jager epitomizes excellence in the world of professional tennis, boasting a dynamic career that spans playing, coaching, and leadership roles at the highest echelons of the sport.
With a remarkable tenure of 15 years as a professional tennis player, John-Laffnie soared to prominence as a former top 10 doubles player on the prestigious ATP Tour. His on-court prowess and strategic finesse solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor.
Following his illustrious playing career, John-Laffnie transitioned seamlessly into coaching, where he made an indelible mark on both the ATP and WTA Tours. As the revered Davis Cup Captain for South Africa for a decade, he guided and inspired his team to remarkable achievements, leaving an enduring legacy of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
John-Laffnie’s contributions extend beyond the court, as he played a pivotal role in organizing the historic Match in Africa between tennis icons Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. This groundbreaking event, orchestrated by his company No Boundaries, shattered the world record for attendance at a tennis match, with an awe-inspiring 51,954 spectators.
John-Laffnie brings a wealth of experience, insight, and passion to every endeavor. His unwavering dedication to the sport and his visionary leadership continue to shape the landscape of tennis on a global scale.
Susan Venter
Susan’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to service.
Growing up amidst the landscapes of the countryside in Mpumalanga, Susan’s formative years instilled in her a deep appreciation for community and a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Armed with a BA in Communications from Johannesburg University (formerly RAU) and a BA Hons in Psychology from UNISA, Susan embarked on a multifaceted career showcasing her versatility and leadership prowess. From her early days at Sanlam to her tenure at SITA (State Information Technology Agency), Susan honed her skills in computer systems, client support, and eventually ascended to top management, where she spearheaded client services.
In 2002, Susan embarked on a new chapter as an entrepreneur, carving her path in the business world with tenacity and vision. As the founder of her own business and a trusted director in several other companies within the plastic manufacturing industry, Susan’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive innovation and excellence in every endeavour. The wellbeing of factory workers is of utmost importance to her, and she has a compassion to enable them for a better life.
Beyond the boardroom, Susan’s heart beats for community service and philanthropy. A longstanding member of Soroptimist International, where she also served as the National Secretary for Soroptimist South Africa, Susan has dedicated countless hours to fundraising projects aimed at empowering and uplifting those in need.
Susan’s passion for people, especially children, shines through in her every action. With a deep-seated commitment to addressing the needs of the less privileged, she is an active supporter for their rights and well-being, embodying the spirit of compassion and empathy.
As a valued member of our team, Susan brings a wealth of experience, integrity, and compassion, enriching our collective mission to create positive change and foster inclusive communities. Her unwavering dedication to service serves as an inspiration to us all, as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable future for South Africa’s youth.
Danie du Toit
With over two decades of Senior Executive Level Management expertise spanning the realms of Health Sciences, Professional Sports, and Political Consultancy within the Southern African landscape, Danie du Toit brings a wealth of diversified experience to the table.
Throughout his illustrious career, Danie has honed his leadership acumen, steering teams towards success and fostering innovation in challenging environments. His tenure included significant roles in the African Union, where he navigated the intricate political dynamics of the region, contributing to impactful decision-making processes.
In 2020, Danie embarked on a profound career transition, answering a higher calling by embracing the role of a full-time Pastor within his community. This pivotal shift reflects his unwavering dedication to serving others and nurturing spiritual growth.
Danie’s multifaceted journey underscores his commitment to excellence, compassionate leadership, and unwavering faith. As a valued member of our team, he continues to inspire and uplift, embodying the core values of integrity, compassion, and resilience.