About Us

It all began in 1955, when Sarel Pool started making deliveries for customers of his wife Hettie’s busy general store. What started as a helping hand soon grew into a thriving business. With his first truck, then a fleet, and later a formally registered company in 1965, Sarel built a reputation for safe, punctual, and reliable service. Over the years, together with his sons Ulrich and later Helmut, the family expanded Pool Transport into a respected name across the Western Cape and beyond—eventually operating over 90 trucks nationwide.

But Sarel and Hettie’s true legacy was never just about trucks and deliveries. It was about people. They believed that business should not exist in isolation, but within and for the community. Known for their open hearts and generosity, they gave tirelessly to local charities, churches, and families in need. Hettie, a formidable businesswoman in her own right, became famous for her bold compassion—whether fundraising for causes close to her heart or ensuring loyal customers from marginalised communities still received food and essentials during times of unrest. Her determination to serve, even when it meant bending the rules to make sure people had light, warmth, and dignity, lives on as a powerful example of courage and humanity.

For the past 70 years, the Pool family has carried forward these values: integrity, service, and social responsibility. Their story reminds us that true success lies not only in building a business, but in uplifting a community.

Today, the Pool Family Trust exists to keep that spirit alive. It is the “why” behind everything the Trust does: to honor Sarel and Hettie’s belief that business and community are inseparable, to preserve their legacy of generosity, and to turn it into lasting impact. By investing in education, social upliftment, and opportunities that create dignity, the Trust ensures that the values which shaped a family business can continue to shape the future of the Breede Valley and beyond.