How Two Sisters Changed Two Towns
One Dream. Two Sisters.
1,200 Lives Touched
What began in a patch of soil in Vredendal and around a kitchen table in Riebeek Kasteel has blossomed into two flourishing, family-run businesses. Cape Garden Centre and Deli-Co Meat Wholesalers are fueled by the passion, grit, and vision of two sisters Nona van Niekerk and Susan Truter. Together these two businesses support over 1200 job.
This Women’s Month, we honour their deep - rooted commitment to community and their unwavering belief in growing by uplifting others.
She Who Sows, Grows:
Nona Van Niekerk's Blossoming business
At 36, Nona van Niekerk was a young mom with a fierce determination to achieve financial independence, a head full of ideas and a love for plants. In the heart of Vredendal, she planted the first seeds of Cape Garden Centre, a start-up nursery that quickly blossomed into one of the largest garden centres in the Western Cape.
Today, her legacy is a family tree in full bloom, with all four of her children, a few grandchildren, and even some of the original 1979 team still growing the dream alongside her.
Meat the Maker:
Susan Truter’s Recipe for Success
Standing at her farmhouse kitchen table in Riebeek Kasteel in 1993, Susan Truter carved out a bold vision—selling meat door to door—with a commitment to quality, care, and heart at every step of the supply chain.
That vision grew into Deli-Co Meat Wholesalers, now one of the town’s largest employers with over 650 permanent staff. The facility feeds 12,000 lambs daily, supplying more than 2,000 businesses nationwide.
Today, Deli-Co is a national name with deep local roots, run by all four of Susan’s children, their partners, and even her grandchildren.
Growing Communities
Two small-town family-run dreams have evolved into the beating heart of Vredendal and Riebeek Kasteel.
In Vredendal, Cape Garden’s beautiful farm is a place where both plants and people are nurtured, offering seasonal work, hands-on training, and long-term employment opportunities. Sit down at a table at The Lemon Tree Coffee Shop and you’ll get to experience the warmth, scale, and heart behind an operation that’s grown into a flourishing heartbeat of local growth.
Across every branch, Cape Garden delivers luscious plants and a genuine family feel, rooted in purpose and community. Its newest location in George opened in September 2024 and proudly run by Nona’s granddaughter Nicola and her partner Dewaldt, it is proof that the family legacy is still growing strong across generations and regions.
In Riebeek Kasteel, Deli-Co has grown into a full-circle operation, from feed mill and abattoir, factory to farm shop, and even a bistro. Each part of the process creates jobs, supports local enterprise, and instills a sense of local pride.
Potbelly Deli, run by Susan’s daughter Anneli, brings the Deli-Co spirit to life just outside Stellenbosch. A favourite stop amongst travellers and locals, it serves up farm-fresh meats, locally crafted goods and a delicious slice of community heart.
Big Dreams, Small Towns And One Incredible Legacy
Nona and Susan’s story of success is a testament to what’s possible when passion runs deep and roots run strong.
From a garden patch and a kitchen table the sisters have built something extraordinary, creating hundreds of jobs and bringing renewed hope to two small towns in the Western Cape.
Their journey continues to inspire, proving that when families dream big and care deeply, entire communities can grow.
Thank you for believing in small towns, big dreams, and the magic of growing together.
With love,
Nona van Niekerk & Susan Truter
…plus their eight children and 1,200+ Cape Garden & Deli-Co family
