ABOUT VPN

VPN – Virtual Players Networking – was born out of a simple idea: What if we could mix business and friendship around a game we actually enjoy?

We (the founders) started VPN not as a formal networking group, but as a place where people like us — entrepreneurs, business owners, freelancers — could get out from behind the desk, play some rolbal, and connect in a more relaxed, human way.

There are no name tags. No pressure. No awkward elevator pitches. Just good people, real conversations, and the occasional brilliant referral that grows out of trust — not targets.

So here’s what we ask:

• 🧠 Bring your business — we want to know what you do
• 🤝 Get to know the others — if you connect with someone, share their name
• 🎯 And most importantly, come for the game, the laughs, and the break from the daily grind

VPN isn’t about keeping score. It’s about showing up, joining in, and seeing where the connection takes you.

See you on the green.
– The VPN Founders

OUR MISSION

At VPN, our mission is simple: To build a community where business owners come together over a shared love for the game — and where genuine relationships lead to real-world opportunities.

We believe in:

• 💼 Showing up for your business — and others’
• 🟢 Playing the game with heart
• 💬 Letting trust and referrals grow naturally from connection

We’re not just here for the scoreboard — we’re here for the people. Yes, we track progress. Yes, we value growth. But we always keep it human.

MEMBER SHOWCASE

Every VPN member is not just a player — but a brand ambassador. Meet a few of our pioneering professionals who build their businesses while building others'.

Werner van den Heever

Advocate of the High Court

Skukuza Law Chambers
van den Heever Law Practice

Helgard Barkhuysen

Real Estate & Bridging Finance

Cash For Homes
Plus Assist
Plus Group Properties

MEDIA & PROMO

Virtual Players Networking is not just a chamber — it's a movement. Watch how strategy, sport, and business converge on the greens and beyond.

📹 Ons sien uit daarna om ons eerste ooit dag se video op te laai — hou hierdie spasie dop.

Want to see our members in action? Follow us on our Instagram and Facebook pages.

⚠️ We grow through referrals — not ads.
If someone like-minded comes to mind, refer them. It’s the word-of-mouth that counts most.

EVENT GALLERY

JOIN VPN

Interested in taking a seat in the Sake Kamer? Submit your business details below to begin your membership application. A committee member will review and contact you shortly.

CONSTITUTION OF VIRTUAL PLAYERS NETWORKING NPC

PREAMBLE:

We, the undersigned, establish the Virtual Players Networking Non-Profit Company (VPN NPC) to unite professional individuals through the game of bowls, fostering ethical business promotion, strategic referrals, and purposeful networking.

NAME AND LEGAL STATUS:

The name of the organisation is Virtual Players Networking NPC, hereinafter referred to as “VPN”. It shall be registered in terms of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 as a Non-Profit Company.

OBJECTIVES:

• To promote and develop networking among business owners through the structured use of bowls as a unifying sport.
• To require all members to actively promote both their own businesses and those of fellow members.
• To foster transparent and measurable business growth through referrals, scored outcomes, and tracked impact.
• To ensure discipline, accountability, and camaraderie within the membership structure.

MEMBERSHIP:

Any individual aged 18 or older who owns, operates, or manages a business in South Africa may apply for membership. Every member must:

• Take a “seat” in the VPN chamber;
• Promote their own business and another member’s business at every networking opportunity;
• Participate in bowls games as part of the VPN activity calendar;
• Adhere to the Constitution and Code of Conduct.

OFFICERS AND GOVERNANCE:

VPN shall be governed by a Committee elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), comprising:

• Chairperson (also serving as Legal Officer)
• Vice Chairperson (also serving as Treasurer)
• Secretary

GENERAL MEETINGS:

The Annual General Meeting shall be convened once per year with 30 days’ notice. A quorum shall be 40% of registered members. Decisions shall be made by majority vote.

Note: The Committee may propose additional general networking sessions on a quarterly (P/Q) basis to support member engagement and continuity of referrals.

FINANCES:

Membership fees shall be determined annually by the Committee. A bank account shall be maintained in the name of the NPC, requiring two authorised signatories. Annual financial records shall be independently reviewed and presented at the AGM.

DISCIPLINARY CODE:

All members are bound by the VPN Disciplinary Code. Misconduct shall be classified into levels and dealt with accordingly. Affected members have a right to be heard at a disciplinary hearing and to appeal any decision in writing within 7 days.

• Level 1 Offences: Gross misconduct, dishonesty, aggression – may result in termination
• Level 2 Offences: Disruptive behaviour, repeated absences – written/final warning
• Level 3 Offences: Hygiene, lateness, improper dress – verbal/written warning

Refer to full VPN Disciplinary Code and Penalty Matrix in Annexures A and B.

DISSOLUTION:

VPN may be dissolved by an 80% majority vote of members. Upon dissolution, assets shall be transferred to a similar NPC or registered charity.

ADOPTION:

This Constitution was adopted on [INSERT DATE] by the Founding Members.

SIGNATORIES:

_____________________________
Werner van den Heever
Chairperson and Legal Officer

_____________________________
Helgard Barkhuysen
Treasurer and Vice Chairperson

ANNEXURE A: DISCIPLINARY CODE

This Disciplinary Code is adopted in terms of the Constitution of Virtual Players Networking NPC (VPN). It serves to ensure order, integrity, and mutual respect among all members, and to uphold the ethical and professional standards expected from participants in both networking and sporting contexts.

1. PURPOSE:

To establish clear guidelines governing acceptable and unacceptable conduct, and to ensure that disciplinary procedures are applied fairly, consistently, and transparently.

2. PRINCIPLES:

• Every member has the right to a fair hearing and to be heard before any sanction is imposed.
• Every member has a responsibility to uphold the reputation of VPN and its members.
• Sanctions shall be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the misconduct.
• Records of disciplinary outcomes shall be kept confidential but accessible to the Executive Committee.

3. LEVELS OF OFFENCE:

LEVEL 1 (Serious Misconduct):

• Violent behaviour or threats of violence
• Dishonesty, including falsifying referrals, achievements, or business claims
• Discrimination, hate speech, or defamatory conduct
• Persistent refusal to comply with rules or instructions

LEVEL 2 (Misconduct):

• Absence without apology or justification from more than three events per quarter
• Disruptive conduct during meetings or games
• Failure to promote fellow members as required
• Insubordination towards committee directives

LEVEL 3 (Minor Offences):

• Persistent tardiness to events
• Poor personal hygiene or dress inconsistent with VPN standards
• Negligent handling of VPN property or shared equipment
• Inappropriate use of VPN platforms or communication channels

4. PROCEDURE:

• All complaints must be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee.
• The member shall receive a formal notice of the complaint and be invited to respond in writing or in person.
• A disciplinary hearing will be convened within 14 days of notification where required.
• Outcomes may include verbal warnings, written warnings, suspension, or termination of membership.

5. APPEALS:

A member found guilty may lodge a written appeal within 7 (seven) calendar days from the date of the decision. The Committee will review the appeal and may uphold, amend, or overturn the outcome.

ANNEXURE B: OFFENCES AND PENALTY CHART

The following matrix is adopted as the formal guide for all disciplinary proceedings. It sets out misconduct categories, examples, and recommended sanctions for each level of offence.

CONTACT US

We welcome your enquiries, ideas, and collaboration. VPN is not only a chamber — it's a movement. Reach out to us below or visit us at our headquarters.