# Enthoven Family ## Basic Info **Name:** The Enthoven Family **What is it:** A South African billionaire dynasty and owners of the Yellowwoods Holding group. They are known for a "shared value" investment model that integrates large-scale commercial enterprises (Nando's, Hollard Insurance) with systemic social development and art patronage. **Location:** Johannesburg and Stellenbosch, South Africa **Link:** [Spier Arts Trust](https://spierartstrust.co.za/) **Who is involved:** [[Adrian Enthoven]] (Executive Chairman of Yellowwoods); Rob Enthoven (global management of the Nando’s brand); Mariota Enthoven (regenerative farming and sustainability initiatives at the Spier estate) --- ## Entries ### Yellowwoods The family operates primarily through **Yellowwoods**, a private investment house. Unlike traditional philanthropic models that rely solely on grants, the Enthovens use their business supply chains to drive social outcomes. Their most prominent vehicle, **Nando's**, functions as a massive commercial patron for South African art. By mandating original local art in thousands of restaurants worldwide, they have created a self-sustaining export market for hundreds of artists, moving beyond charity into a functional business-art ecosystem. ### Systemic philanthropy and Harambee A significant portion of the family’s influence is channeled into tackling South Africa’s structural unemployment. Through the **Enthoven Foundation** and their leadership roles, they were instrumental in founding and scaling the **[[Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator]]**. This initiative uses data-led solutions to bridge the gap between unemployed youth and the formal economy. ### The Spier ecosystem and art production The family-owned **Spier Wine Farm** in Stellenbosch serves as their operational hub for environmental and cultural projects. It houses the **[Spier Arts Trust](https://houseunionblock.co.za/pages/about-us)**, which manages professional development programs for artisans. Their "Creative Block" and "Spier Arts Academy" are structured as social enterprises; they provide specialized training in mosaics and ceramics, helping artists move from informal craft into high-end architectural commissions. This is paired with Mariota Enthoven’s focus on regenerative land management, treating the estate as a pilot for sustainable South African agriculture. ### Financial Inclusion via Hollard Insurance The family’s financial interests, specifically **[Hollard Insurance](https://www.hollard.co.za/our-world/better-futures/inclusive-insurance)** (South Africa’s largest independent insurer), are also aligned with their broader social strategy. They have pioneered "inclusive insurance" products designed for low-income households. This approach aims to build financial resilience in vulnerable communities, based on the family’s stated belief that the long-term viability of their businesses is dependent on the economic stability of the South African middle and working classes.