More than a decade ago, we had the privilege of meeting Zahn Hulme, executive trustee of Atterbury Trust and head of brand marketing at Atterbury Group, to discuss how our agency could assist with content marketing. What started out as a business relationship soon evolved into a deep and treasured friendship. And it all revolves around the simple, yet profound sentiment inherent in the Afrikaans word omgee.
Zahn combines professional skill and infectious joie de vivre with a compassionate spirit devoted to improving lives. After roles as a Deloitte auditor and university academic she has led Atterbury Trust for over 20 years while contributing materially to Atterbury Group’s growth. Under her leadership, from 1999 to 2025 the trust supported 940 bursary loan students, with 178 current students in 2025 and 680 qualifications completed so far.
As Jacomien Rousseau, one of the first six Atterbury Trust student loan recipients, says: “Atterbury Trust believed in my potential and gave me a future.” She explains that the support was more than funding. It was a commitment to people and to a better future. She was never a number but part of something larger and credits Zahn with building a culture of care that has changed thousands of lives, hers among them.
Francois van Niekerk, co-creator with Louis van der Watt of both the Atterbury Group and Trust, says of Zahn: “She could certainly have achieved predictable success on any ‘normal’ corporate ladder. Instead, she chose to build Atterbury Trust. Her strategic vision, philanthropic passion and above all her faith-driven dedication have inspired me over the years. Beyond her leadership of the trust, Zahn proved her commercial acumen at Waterfall City. She created early momentum and helped initiate the project, laying a firm foundation for Atterbury’s sustained growth on this development.”
Never one to pass up on an opportunity to discover new destinations, Zahn has lived in many parts of South Africa, and Germany for a while. She has also travelled the world, always with her treasured family along for the ride. Zahn has climbed mountains, walked 500 miles and swum from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand. Twice (so far). She is an extraordinary woman who says “yes” many more times than the rare “maybe”. An inspiration to all who know her.
An exciting new chapter awaits Zahn and towards the end of the year she will step away from her day-to-day operational duties at the trust to live out her passionate purpose in new ways. What’s for sure, is that an adventurous travel schedule is ready to be pencilled in and there is no doubt she will continue giving to others because, as you can surely tell, she cares.
Fare-thee-well Zahn, we can’t wait to hear all about your new plans, schemes and dreams!
