Citadel recently raised R2.5 million to ensure the future of the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School. The funds will be managed by Citadel in an endowment for the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation to ensure the sustainability of the school well into the future.
Investment in the education of South Africa’s children is a powerful act of belief – a decision to nurture potential, unlock opportunity and stand alongside the next generation.
Citadel CEO Andrew Möller shared these words at the specialist wealth management company’s annual gala charity event and auction, A Citadel Experience, on Saturday, 28 March 2026. Every year since 2018, Citadel raises funds for the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation to secure the future of the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School in Lanseria. The school was founded in 1990 by the legendary golfer and his late wife. The school focuses on education and holistic development for 125 children from nearby informal communities.
Over the last 8 years, Citadel has deepened its commitment to the cause through managing an endowment for the Gary and Vivian Player Foundation. Our collaboration has raised a total of R13.9 million to date, to secure the long-term sustainable future of the school.
This year’s event began with a golf tournament hosted by Gary Player at the Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate, attended by local business leaders, Springbok rugby legends and other guests. The championship course was designed by Player himself and is ranked among the top five in South Africa. The experience concluded with a gala dinner and charity auction hosted at Stay by Inimitable. The evening featured entertainment from Boyzlife, featuring Brian McFadden (formerly of Westlife) and Keith Duffy (formerly of Boyzone), as well as a performance by the internationally acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir.
“We do this because South Africa is an extraordinary nation and there is so much worth building here. That belief is exactly why the Citadel Philanthropy Foundation has chosen to focus so deliberately on education.”
“We need more Ubuntu and love right now,” said Player, who added that he no longer wanted to be known as a golfer and rather wanted to be defined as a philanthropist. “The Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School has changed the lives of generations of children and our hope is that the sustainable funding we secured with Citadel will ensure that it continues to impact lives for generations to come. This was my wife’s final wish.”
The school serves as a beacon of hope for the community, providing early childhood education and a nurturing environment. For many of these children, the meal they receive at school is possibly the only one they have each day.
Brian McFadden, a longtime friend of Gary Player, expressed his continued dedication: “It’s an honour to be involved. I’ve said to Mr Player that I am committed to this cause – it’s amazing to see the impact created.”
Brian and Keith both visited the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School ahead of the event, spending meaningful time with the children and gaining first-hand insight into the impact that the fundraising initiative will have on their early learning journey.
Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School Principal, Kate Medupe, explained, “The early preparation provided by the school is vital for future success. Children from Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School adapt more easily to structured learning and formal classroom settings, giving them a clear advantage as they move into Grade 1.”
Reflecting on the initiative’s impact, Citadel Head of Philanthropy, Jean de Villiers, who served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, noted that the net proceeds from the auction would ensure the school’s continued sustainability. “Since 2013, the Citadel Philanthropy Foundation has raised more than R68 million to make a profound difference to various charities, one such beneficiary is the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School.”
“We are committed to this cause because Citadel is dedicated to making a long-term, structured and sustainable difference in the lives of South African children and that will never change,” de Villiers concluded.
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| Citadel CEO Andrew Möller delivered a powerful speech at A Citadel Experience annual gala charity event and auction.
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Gary Player delivered a heartwarming speech at A Citadel Experience annual gala charity event and auction. | Citadel Head of Philanthropy Jean de Villers was the master of ceremonies at A Citadel Experience annual gala charity event and auction.
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| (L) Keith Duffy and (R) Brian McFadden at A Citadel Experience annual gala charity event and auction. | Ndlovu Youth Choir performing at A Citadel Experience annual gala charity event and auction. | Ndlovu Youth Choir and Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School children performing at A Citadel Experience annual gala charity event and auction. |