SA: Valiant Swart to host auction for wife’s cancer treatment

The two auctions will feature performances by Swart and guest artists Anton Goosen and Gian Groen. The first auction will be held at The Blue Crane Restaurant and Bar in Pretoria on 27 January. The venue and date for the Cape Town auction is yet to be announced.

Besides treatment, the funds will go towards Swart and Nolte’s travel and accommodation expenses before, during and after the treatment. Some of the items that will be auctioned include new electric guitars, bottles of Mystic Boer brandy, signed framed photographs, artwork as well as handwritten and framed lyrics of hits like ‘Songvanger’, ‘Die Mystic Boer’, ‘Eyeshadow’ and ‘Duisend Myl Blues’.

“Lanelle is an iron lady and wonderful mother to our children,” Swart said. ”She has always had an active lifestyle and held the fort when I had to be on the road for work. Lymphedema has significantly changed her life.”

Funds will be raised through donations and advertising space on the WOES online auction page. There will also be raffle tickets for prizes like a holiday, hunting weekend, golf package and spa getaway.

WOES founding member Jaco van Dyk said: “When Kobie from Vonk Musiek approached us to help raise funds for Lanelle, we immediately agreed. We would like to generate as much money as possible, as the couple still has a very uncertain road ahead of them. WOES was established at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to help artists but has expanded rapidly to schools and other institutions. We have already done 90 programmes, including two Ons Sal Self concerts, in association with Coleske Artists and Vocal Events, and two Red Die Boer Restaurant concerts that made a big difference. Viewers enjoy the programme because it gives them the opportunity to make a difference. We do what we love and are grateful that we are able to help as many people as possible in the process.”

Nolte, 51, who is Swart’s agent, underwent cancer surgery two years ago. However, there have been complications. After thorough research, the couple discovered a micro-surgical procedure done by a revered specialist in Cleveland, Ohio, who wants to start treatment early in 2022.

“Lymphedema affects all aspects of my life,” Nolte said. “Apart from chronic swelling, pain and discomfort, it also affects my immune system and can lead to life-threatening bacterial infection. The worst for me is the fear that I might lose my mobility. This operation will give me a chance to function normally because it creates an alternative drainage route for the lymph, which helps to slow down tissue change and reduces the risk of infection.”

Businesses and individuals who would like to make donations, sponsor prizes, buy advertising space or get involved can send an email to valiant@valiant.co.za. Tickets to attend the concert and auction are available here.