It is with much sadness that we say a final goodbye to Sam Van Coller, who passed away 15 January 2026. Sam was a remarkable person – a man of great intelligence, integrity, compassion and faith, and was deeply loved by those who knew him.
Born in Cathcart in the Eastern Cape, Sam attended St Andrews Primary School , after which he completed his matric at St Andrews College. Having achieved outstanding results in his final year, Sam was awarded a scholarship by the school to study further. He went on to complete his BA LLB at the University of Cape Town. During this time he was encouraged by an ex teacher to apply for a Rhodes Scholarship, which he did. He won the scholarship on the strength of his motivation as to why he should be given it, saying that he wished to be part of a change in South Africa that would bring about equality for all. He subsequently studied an MA B in philosophy, politics and Economics at Oxford, England.
While studying at Oxford, Sam fortuitously took a short vacation to the ski slopes of Austria. It was here that he met and fell in love with Peggy, who happened to be on vacation while studying art in Italy. Being a man of decisiveness, Sam proposed to Peggy just five days after meeting her! And thus, Peggy became Sam’s lifelong, wife, partner and co-founder of Lindani.
Coming back to South Africa after his studies (now married to Peggy), Sam took various positions with the Chamber of Mines, Anglo-American, the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa and the Urban Foundation. But it was driving home from a trip to Botswana, that he and Peggy fell in love with the beautiful Waterberg. In his usual decisive manner , the first of the four farms now making up Lindani Game and Lodges, was purchased not long after that, in 1992. Lindani was to become Sam’s great passion for the last years of his life.
Sam’s (and Peggy’s of course) vision for Lindani was three-fold: to return the land to its natural state, having been eroded by human settlements and cattle farming; to create jobs for people living on the farm and in the surrounding area; and to provide easy access and opportunity for people who love the bush, to experience the beauty and peace the surrounds have to offer. They thus set about turning cattle water troughs into watering holes for game, removing alien plant species and stocking the farm with an array of animals endemic to the Waterberg. Having a talent for repurposing old buildings, they turned existing, somewhat dilapidated dwellings and outbuildings into beautifully renovated lodges. These included the Stone House, the Loft, Skebenga, and Motseng. Even the delightful Maroela, was converted from a waterhole hide! These were supplemented by Bush Camp, Thabeng, Molope tented camp and the campsite. Each of Lindani’s lodges is completely unique, creating a “Home from Home feel, that has become so much part of the Lindani ethos.
Despite all of Sam’s academic and other achievements, he remained a man of humility and roundedness. He always showed great interest in other people, no matter their cultural or social background. Whether guests, family, staff, conservationists or friends, he always showed great interest in who they were and what they were doing, inspiring them and encouraging them in their various endeavours. His compassion for people as well as his passion for conservation are deeply rooted values in Lindani’s character.
Our deepest sympathies go to Peggy, family, staff and friends. Rest in Peace, Sam. You will be greatly missed, but we trust your legacy will live on, as all of us at Lindani continue to strive to meet your goals and vision for your beloved Lindani and for the Waterberg as a whole.