There’s a moment that happens at Oasis Life that you don’t find in a brochure.
A barista who knows exactly how you take your coffee — before you’ve said a word. A maintenance assistant who pauses a job to pray with a resident. A waiter who receives a gift bag for his wife and newborn, simply because he showed up with care every day. A handyman who counts how many times he and a resident greet each other before the morning has even properly begun.
These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re the texture of daily life at this retirement estate in Cape Town — and they happen because of the people who choose to show up this way.
At the end of 2025, Oasis Life gathered across its estates to honour these individuals at the annual Oasis Life Star Awards. The evening celebrated what the brand calls its Promise Keepers: the team members who don’t just do their jobs, but who quietly make the lifestyle real.
What It Means to Keep a Promise
Oasis Life was built on four security pillars — financial, physical, healthcare, and emotional. The first three can be designed into a building. The fourth is harder. It requires people.
“Our estates don’t run on buildings or amenities alone,” says CEO Glyn Taylor. “They run on people. The daily warmth, pride and attentiveness of our teams are what transform a retirement estate into a place that feels like home.”
The Star Awards recognise this truth. From Brand Ambassadors and Star Performers to Rising Stars and Long Service recipients, the evening shines a light on the individuals who have made Oasis Life‘s promise more than a marketing line.
Meet Oasis Life's Brand Ambassador
Tatum — Events & Duty Manager at Clara Anna Fontein
Tatum is the Duty and Events Manager at Oasis Life Clara Anna Fontein, and was named Brand Ambassador for 2025 — the highest individual honour at the Oasis Life Star Awards.
When asked what the award meant to her, she didn’t reach for professional language. “I cried tears of happiness. This isn’t just a job to me — it’s something I care about deeply.”
What surprises people most about life at the Clara Anna Fontein retirement estate? “The fun. The love. The dancing. Our monthly happy hours get wild in the best way. There’s so much laughter and life here.”
And what do residents teach her? “That you’re never too old to laugh loudly, fall in love, or wear something fabulous.”
Meet Oasis Life's Employee of the Year
Quinton - Handyman at Oasis Life Burgundy Estate
Quinton is a handyman at Oasis Life Burgundy Estate, and was named Employee of the Year — an award he describes as “a big surprise.”
“I just come to work and try to do my best — even in the small things,” he says. “Knowing that the effort is noticed meant a lot.”
His description of the role goes well beyond fixing things. “It’s about building relationships. You get to know residents, hear their stories, share humour.” He smiles at the classic resident line: “While you’re here…” — which, he notes, usually means one job quietly becomes three.
One small ritual defines his mornings. “Around quarter past seven, Mr Key heads out of the estate and we greet each other. Then we count how many times we greet each other during the day. It’s a small thing, but it means a lot.”
What has working at this Cape Town retirement community taught him? “Patience and perspective. Many residents have lived long, full lives. I’ve learned about real human connection here. It’s more than a job — it’s being part of people’s lives.”
Meet Oasis Life's Rising Stars
Damian - Barista at Burgundy Estate
Damian is the barista at Oasis Life Burgundy Estate. His philosophy is simple: know the person behind the order.
“Knowing exactly how someone takes their coffee and remembering the little personal touches — I love helping residents start their day right,” he says.
He also values the stories. “I love listening to their life stories. It’s fascinating to see how differently people think and the lessons they carry.”
His work bestie? A fellow team member named Ntsinki. “We argue as all waiters and baristas do — but we’re always fighting for the same thing: delivering the best service. And we always end up laughing.”
Siya - Maintenance Manager at Clara Anna Fontein
Siya works as a Maintenance Assistant at Oasis Life Clara Anna Fontein. For him, the most rewarding part of the job isn’t completing a task — it’s what sometimes happens afterwards.
“One resident thanked me for my work and then asked me to pray with her. So I stayed — and we prayed. That was a beautiful moment I’ll never forget.”
His measure of a good day is uncomplicated. “A simple ‘thank you.’ Knowing I’ve made a difference means everything.”
Simba - Waiter & Bartender at Constantia
Simba is a waiter and bartender at Oasis Life Constantia, and brings a clear-eyed understanding of what makes this retirement community different from anywhere else he has worked.
“Oasis Life is a place where residents aren’t just neighbours and our staff aren’t just doing a job. We share a lot together and this creates belonging,” he says.
For Simba, it’s the small consistent interactions that build something lasting. “Building relationships over time. Sometimes it’s just sharing a nod or a quick chat, but this creates a positive vibe.”
His work bestie? A colleague named Micaela. “The way she connects with residents and remembers their stories is inspiring. She makes everyone feel seen.”
Meet Oasis Life's Star Performers
Percy - Waiter & Bartender at Burgundy Estate
Percy is a waiter and bartender at Oasis Life Burgundy Estate, recognised as a Star Performer for his consistent warmth and genuine interest in the people he serves.
“I love learning about their past careers and interests,” he says. “Many are eager to teach me something new, and I truly value that.”
Two moments stand out. “A resident surprised me with a gift bag for my wife, baby, and me. I simply try to give my best every day.” And on his birthday, another resident offered him life coaching lessons. “Those gestures meant a lot.”
What makes him proud to be part of the Oasis Life team? “Our team spirit. We support one another — there’s real collaboration between our teams in the Clubhouse.”
Vuyani - Chef de Partie at Clara Anna Fontein
Vuyani is the Senior Chef de Partie at Oasis Life Clara Anna Fontein, recognised as a Star Performer for the second year running — a testament to his consistency and high standards in the kitchen.
“Being recognised means a lot, especially receiving this award two years in a row. It reminds me that my hard work is seen and valued,” he says.
His approach to the role is straightforward. “As Senior Chef de Partie, I lead by example. Consistency and high standards in the kitchen are important to me.”
What does he enjoy most about working with residents? “Getting to know their preferences — their favourite meals and flavours — and consistently delivering delicious dishes they love.”
Micaela - Event & Duty Manager at Constantia
Micaela is the Events and Duty Manager at Oasis Life Constantia. Her description of her role is perhaps the most honest summary of what working at a Cape Town retirement estate actually requires.
“Some days I’m a friend, a pillar of support, a teacher, a tech guru — even a dog whisperer. It’s an all-encompassing role… but a little pressure makes a diamond.”
She finds purpose in the stories residents carry. “Their life stories inspire me to live with compassion and no regrets.”
And her vision for the Clubhouse? “Oasis Life reimagines modern retirement — it’s a lifestyle. I’m proud to help create experiences that make the Clubhouse feel like an extension of home.”
Five Years of Showing Up
The Star Awards also honoured four team members who have been with Oasis Life for five years: Neil (Group Operations Manager), Michele (Group Chef at Burgundy Estate), Clemence (Restaurant and Clubhouse Manager at Clara Anna Fontein), and Anathi (Barista at Clara Anna Fontein).
Five years at a Cape Town retirement community means something. It means watching estates grow from construction sites into thriving communities. It means knowing hundreds of residents by name — and being known in return.
Clemence and Anathi have worked side by side at Clara Anna Fontein for all five of those years, growing from colleagues into what they describe as brothers. Their morning ritual — a resident’s 8am Americano, always with a joke and a bit of banter — has become part of the fabric of the estate.
“It’s never just coffee,” says Anathi.
Retirement Estates Cape Town Can Be Proud Of
Oasis Life retirement estates offer thoughtfully designed homes, world-class amenities, and the financial security of the Life Right model. But if you ask residents what they value most, the answer is rarely the pool or the Clubhouse architecture.
It’s the people who remember their name. The team member who noticed they seemed quiet one morning and stopped to check in. The barista who had their order ready before they reached the counter.
This is what Oasis Life means by keeping a promise — and why the people who do it are worth celebrating.
Read the original article in The Edit Issue of Oasis Life’s quarterly Ripple magazine.
