Sarda still looking for a new home

Karen Watkins|Published 2 years ago

Bel Porto School puts on a dance performance at the Sarda Legends Race Day fund-raiser.

The SA Riding for the Disabled Association, also known as Sarda, is nowhere near close to finding alternative land after being impacted by a land claim since 2012.

This came to light on Saturday at the Legends Race Day fund-raiser at Kenilworth Racecourse.

As the non-profit races towards its 50th anniversary in 2023, its co-founder, Belinda Sampson, who attended the event, said the organisation grew from her backyard in 1973 into its current site in Brommersvlei Road in Constantia.

Now, over 9 000 children from 19 schools and institutions for special needs pupils have benefited from Sarda’s therapeutic training, helped by trainers, volunteers, supporters and loyal horses.

Guest speaker Professor Thuli Madonsela, the social justice chair at Stellenbosch University’s law faculty, said that while land restitution was just and equitable, the law should be fair to all and founded on ubuntu.

Riding for the Disabled Association president Princess Anne sent a message of support from Buckingham Palace in London. She visited Sarda about 28 years ago and saw first hand the life-changing impact of its activities.

“This is being brought out by the unique connection between the environment, participants, horses and volunteers that united bring psychological and physical benefits to as many disabled people as possible,” said Princess Anne in her message.

Former Wynberg Boys’ High School principal Keith Richardson, of Noordhoek, with Constantia gardener Wendy Flouquet.

The dress code was smart, black, white and gold. From left, are former councillor Liz Brunette with Sarda chairwoman Dawn Goodley, Hilary Lane and Mel van der Spuy.

Professor Thuli Madonsela, the social justice chair at Stellenbosch University’s law faculty, delivered the keynote address.

Sarda volunteers, from left, Brenda Wright, Mary Moodie, Margaretha van der Meijden and Carol Thomas.

Tessa Schreuder of Tokai with Sarda co-founder Belinda Sampson of Somerset West and Sarda’s first rider Andrew Sampson of Plumstead.

Friends, Zomzi Ndondo and Maureen Fernandes of Rondebosch. Maureen’s daughter, Belinda Fernandes, was one of the first Sarda riders, with Andrew Sampson, riding the horse, Pink Pyjamas.

Sal and David Carter of Hermanus. Sal was a Sarda chairperson in the 1990s.