FACET aims to provide a crucial resource for the Pebbles Project through the development of a Graff Leadership Centre that will be built in the Stellenbosch Winelands.  The Centre will support Pebbles in their mission to better the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds with special educational needs, through providing support and training to local children and establishing after-school provision for older children living in the Winelands.  It is reported that a staggering 12% of children in the area suffer from Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

The evening included a drinks reception, followed by a dinner featuring the work of culinary genius Chef Christaan Campbell paired with Delaire’s award-winning wines, with entertainment provided throughout the night by one of South Africa’s most celebrated female groups, 3 Tons of Fun.  Former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss officiated as Master of Ceremonies for the evening’s guests who included South Africa’s top philanthropists and art collectors. 

The auction was presided over by renowned auctioneer Stephan Welz of Strauss & Co, and featured the work of the following artists: William Kentridge, Anton Smit, Deborah Bell, Cameron Platter, Dylan Lewis, Matthew Hindley, Colbert Mashile, Mikhael Subotzky, Lionel Smit, Gerhard Deetlefs, Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi, Barend de Wet, Anton Karstel, Sue Pam-Grant, and Johann Louw.  Lionel Smit’s work Girl Submerged achieved the highest result of the evening of R190,000, a record for the artist in South Africa, followed closely by Deborah Bell and Dylan Lewis.

The evening also featured additional lots courtesy of Delaire Graff Estate, including two cases of Delaire’s Reserve wine range, two exceptional vintages created by the Estate’s award-winning winemaker Morné Vrey.  The Reserve range includes the Delaire Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2008 and the Delaire Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2009.  The Delaire Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine reflecting the true expression of the Estate’s terroir, has gained the well deserved rating of 5 stars in the “2011 Platter’s Wine Guide”.  An indulgent weekend for two at Delaire was also auctioned, as was a shopping experience at the 100% Capri boutique located on the Delaire Graff Estate.  The final lot of the night was a beautiful diamond butterfly necklace courtesy of Graff Diamonds, featuring 49 stunning diamonds.  A special prize draw featuring a variety of exclusive prizes was also held on the night.

To continue the fundraising activity, a special Tree of Hope from the evening will stay on display in the reception of Delaire Graff Estate.  Envelopes are tied to the tree with coloured ribbon, each colour representing a donation level such as helping a child improve their literacy skills, and are available for purchase from Reception at Delaire Graff Estate.  In addition, a voluntary donation of R10 will be added to every Delaire Graff Restaurant bill, and R5 of every bottle of Delaire Chenin Blanc 2010 sold from the Delaire Graff Estate will be donated to FACET.

The evening was a memorable showcase of incredible talent and treasures that South Africa has to offer, and raised a significant amount of funds for a very worthwhile cause.

FACET is very grateful to all the artists and galleries who have donated work, including iART Gallery (now Brundyn + Gonsalves), SMAC Art Gallery and the Goodman Gallery.

FACET aims to provide a crucial resource for the Pebbles Project through the development of a Graff Leadership Centre that will be built in the Stellenbosch Winelands.  The Centre will support Pebbles in their mission to better the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds with special educational needs, through providing support and training to local children and establishing after-school provision for older children living in the Winelands.  It is reported that a staggering 12% of children in the area suffer from Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

The evening will include a drinks reception, followed by a dinner featuring the work of culinary genius Chef Christaan Campbell, paired with Delaire’s award-winning wines, with entertainment provided throughout the night by one of South Africa’s most celebrated female groups, 3 Tons of Fun. 

The auction will be presided over by renowned auctioneer Stephan Welz of Strauss & Co, and will feature the work of the following artists: William Kentridge, Anton Smit, Deborah Bell, Cameron Platter, Dylan Lewis, Matthew Hindley, Colbert Mashile, Mikhael Subotzky, Lionel Smit, Gerhard Deetlefs, Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi, Barend de Wet, Anton Karstel, Sue Pam-Grant, and Johann Louw.  A special exhibition of the work will be on display at Delaire Graff Estate from 20^th October leading up to the auction.  FACET is very grateful to all the artists and galleries who have donated work, including iART Gallery, SMAC Art Gallery and the Goodman Gallery.

The evening will also feature additional lots courtesy of Delaire Graff Estate.  Available for bidding will be Delaire’s Reserve wine range, two exceptional vintages created by the Estate’s award-winning wine maker Morné Vrey.  The Reserve range includes the Delaire Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2008 and the Delaire Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2009.  The Delaire Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine reflecting the true expression of the Estate’s terroir, has gained the well deserved rating of 5 stars in the “2011 Platter’s Wine Guide”.  A weekend at Delaire will also be up for auction, and will include a two-night stay in one of the beautifully designed lodges, with a three-course dinner at the newly opened restaurant Indochine, and a couples treatment in the Spa.  100% Capri, the fine Italian linen brand, have also very generously agreed to donate two outfits for the auction, which the winner can select at the exclusive 100% Capri boutique located on the Delaire Graff Estate.  As the final lot of the night, a beautiful diamond butterfly necklace from Graff Diamonds, featuring 49 stunning diamonds, will be auctioned as well.  A special prize draw featuring a variety of exclusive prizes will also be held on the night.

To coincide with the opening of the exhibition on the 20^th October, a Tree of Hope will be on display in the reception of Delaire Graff Estate.  Envelopes will be tied to the tree with coloured ribbon, each colour representing a donation level.  Each envelope will indicate what the donation will contribute to, such as helping a child improve their literacy skills, and will be available for purchase from Reception at Delaire Graff Estate.

In addition to the Tree of Hope, a voluntary donation of R10 for FACET will be added to every Delaire Graff Restaurant bill, and R5 for every bottle of Delaire Chenin Blanc 2010 sold from the Delaire Graff Estate will be donated to FACET.  The evening is set to be a memorable showcase of incredible talent and treasures that South Africa has to offer raising essential funds for a very worthwhile cause.

For additional general giving, donation cards will be available from Reception at Delaire Graff Estate, or by contacting marketing@delaire.co.za or info@facet-foundation.org.

Download the 2011 FACET auction catalogue here

The Centre is dedicated to creating a supportive environment through innovative educational and psychological support programmes for vulnerable youths aged 12-18+.  The Centre hosts the "Finding the Leader Within" leadership programme, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to empower youth, primarily those who are orphaned and vulnerable with a special focus on girls and their caregivers, to attain employment, sustain a respectable quality of life and become productive members of society. The Centre will provide the opportunity for these youths to become self-sufficient leaders in their communities; to promote the ability of youths, especially orphans, vulnerable children and girls to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS, sexual abuse, alcohol and substance abuse, as well as other peer or family pressure; and to advocate for youth leadership opportunities among leaders, businesses and communities.

Stepping Stones International (SSI), who operates The Centre, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization serving orphaned and vulnerable adolescents. The Graff Leadership Centre leverages off SSI’s existing model with FACET providing additional support, infrastructure and capital.

The partnership between FACET and Stepping Stones International demonstrates how a public-private partnership hinging on collaboration and sharing a common goal can change lives and promote beneficiation.

The Centre focuses on the development of job skills, community leadership, culture, gender, rights and responsibilities, responsible confrontation, financial management, academic leadership and the art of networking.  There is a strong emphasis on tertiary education, mentorship and job shadowing and internships; a newly built computer centre will be a key component of the programme and skills learned.

The beneficiaries of the new Graff Leadership Centre include more than 500 vulnerable children, youth and their caregivers and community stakeholders with outreach to 6,500 youths in schools, grandmothers and community leaders.

His Honourable Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Dr P.H.K Kedikilwe officiated at the event and was joined by the Private Secretary to the President Mr Eric Molale, Ministerial leaders, Village Chief Poni, the youth in the leadership program, community leaders, business leaders, SAFDICO and Stepping Stones International’s partners.

The programme of the official opening included welcome remarks by Village Chief Kgosi Time and a keynote speech by Dr P.H.K Kedikilwe who also wrote a quote on a wall of the Centre on the topic of leadership.  Eugene Jackson, a rising musician in Botswana entertained and the youth leaders performed a drama entitled “Finding the Leader Within”.  A tour of the Centre, complete with a drinks reception, signalled the closing of the day.

The workshops take place every second Saturday with lunch served, where the children create designs out of wax, from jewellery to animal statues.  The wax designs are then given time to harden from which molds are made, and filled with hot liquid bronze, which the children can then take home and display proudly.  Says Deetlefs, “The sights, sounds and smells of a working foundry are fascinating for the children.  What has impressed me most is the unusual ways in which the children approach the making of a sculpture object. I have seen some really out-of-the-box thinking that has astounded me at times”.

The workshops have given the children an opportunity to explore an art medium they might never have been exposed to otherwise, and the children have all really enjoyed the continuing workshops, which have illustrated a wider point about FACET’s work.  As FACET and all its partners in sub-Saharan Africa give time, resources and opportunities to children who are in real need, the children themselves give back just as much.

The goal of the Graff Leadership Centre in South Africa will be to enrich the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds with special educational needs, especially those whose lives are affected by alcohol, and to establish after-school provision for older children living in the Winelands. 

[Gerhard Deetlefs is devoted to increasing awareness of social injustice and is committed to using his artistic voice to speak for those who endure the horrors of sexual exploitation; Deetlefs envisions his work as a campaign to awaken social consciousness. While contemporary South African art remains socially aware, Deetlefs aims to use his work as a poignant display which provokes its audience to become an advocate for change.]

This development ties in with Graff's policy of giving back to all communities in which the company has operations.  The Graff Leadership Centre in Mochudi is particularly close to FACET's cause as Graff's local company Safdico has sourced some if its finest rough diamonds in Botswana.

The Graff Leadership Centre will build on the foundation of Stepping Stones International's model and significantly increase the access and outreach of services by providing additional qualified human resource support, training and services.  The Centre will also host computer and leadership training, job and life skills, tutoring and income generating activities.  A special emphasis on ensuring the quality of instructors, leaders and youth mentors is of utmost importance.

The Leadership Centre has the potential to directly benefit more than 510 orphans, vulnerable children (60% girls), youth and their caregivers (primarily aunts and uncles) and community stakeholders with outreach to 6,500 youth in schools, grandmothers and community leaders.

The Centre will also play host and develop the "Finding the Leader Within" programme, a groundbreaking programme that aims to empower youth, primarily those who are orphaned and vulnerable with a special focus on girls and their caregivers, to attain employment, sustain a high quality of life and become productive members of society.

The core values of Stepping Stones International are Self-Expression, Respect, Community Support, Education and Accountability, and are shared by the FACET Foundation.

Among the programmes this month was a highly successful Sports and HIV Event in partnership with Kick 4 Life to disseminate information, testing opportunities and raise awareness on issues relating to HIV/AIDS. Approximately 680 attended a whole day of games, education, fun and testing.

Another example of outreach to local youth is the Anti-AIDS Club debate with participation of students from four local high schools.  The youth spent at least two months preparing with support from the Graff Leadership Centre programme staff, such as the Leadership Programme Manager and Youth Leadership Officer, both funded by the FACET Foundation.

Help Lesotho has run a series of Young Women’s Gender multi-day conferences since 2006 called “Step Up and Speak Out” which will now be held at the Graff Leadership Centre. April will see the first  Young Men’s Gender Conference, funded by the FACET Foundation. Session will explore leadership skills and opportunities, healthy relationships, gender equity, safe sex, HIV/AIDS, grief and loss and making positive decisions.

Building staff capacity is a fundamental part of the Help Lesotho approach and with funding from the Facet Foundation, programme staff received a special Nutritional Training this month with facilitator Allison Schmale, a trained nutritionist. Given the state of health of most centre participants, this increased knowledge and understanding of the importance of nutrition will be invaluable and benefit all who come.

The Help Lesotho Leader Corps are a group of youth between 18-28 selected from a three month training program work as peer leaders and program helpers in the centre programmes. These youth are fine example of the value of training young people to make a difference in their communities. These youth receive a modest stipend, funded by the Facet Foundation, for their participation. They continue to training and mentoring as they learn to take on more responsibilities and activities.

Graff Leadership Centre in South Africa with Pebbles

THE FACET Foundation has decided to collaborate with the Pebbles Project (more info on Pebbles and its forthcoming work with FACET to be found under Projects) which is based in Stellenbosch Winelands and which looks after children affected by alcoholism and problems derived from this.

The Pebbles Project has potentially been given land by the Stellenbosch municipality and have begun the process of securing it for the second Graff Leadership Centre.

Graff Leadership Centre in Botswana

The FACET Foundation is looking at various charities in Botswana with whom to work on a leadership in the country.

Download Facet Catalogue



Laurence Graff is one of the world’s most prolific collectors of contemporary art, his strategy being equally a personal past time and business acumen. One of his most renowned acquisitions was Andy Warhol’s 1963 silk- screen print ‘Red Liz’ which he purchased in 2005. Since then his private collection, housed internationally, has expanded to include famous pieces such as Marc Quinn’s sculpture of Kate Moss and his “Evolution” series; Warhol’s double image of Elvis Presley and Vik Muniz’ Marilyn Monroe – part of the Diamond Divas 2004 series.

Graff’s collecting of modern art reflects his style: as with his diamond buying, he purchases pieces which will become the rare and collectible items of tomorrow. Bringing art and diamonds together makes a perfect match by which to raise money for the charity – an auction of art and jewellery with lots chosen using the same expertise and knowledge.

The artists confirmed are: Ed Ruscha; Marc Quinn; Damian Hirst; Anselm Reyle; George Condo; Jeff Koons; Marc Newson; Raqib Shaw; Tom Friedman; Tracey Emin; Do Ho Suh; Richard Pettibone; Stephane Graff; Toby Ziegler; Banksy; Christoph Schellberg and Erwin Wurm. Several of Laurence Graff’s collected artists from South Africa are also in this fantastic stable: Deborah Bell; Dylan Lewis and Lionel Smit.

Laurence Graff has donated a pair of exquisite diamond earrings called “Khotsa Nala” which in Basotho (language of Lesotho) means Peace Prosperity.

The event’s supporting committee is Hugh Grant; Barry Townsley; Dasha Zhukova; Arpad Busson; Uma Thurman; Naomi Campbell; Peter Brant and Lucia Van der Post. Jussi Pylkannen, President of Christie’s Europe, is the auctioneer at the event.

The reception, with food provided by L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon and champagne by Billecart Salmon, and art auction will be the charity’s first major fundraiser, being part of a series of events planned for both London and internationally.

The event will be held at Christie’s King Street, St James’s, London on 12th October 2009.