VOASA MEMBERS’ HALL OF FAME
Honouring the Industry Pioneers of South African Timeshare
We are honoured to induct the following visionaries into the VOASA Members Hall of Fame, recognising their exceptional contributions and lasting impact on the timeshare industry.
Celebrating the Visionaries Who Paved the Way

Alan Gooderson
Gooderson Leisure
Alan Gooderson
Gooderson Leisure
Alan Gooderson, Chairman of Gooderson Leisure, has been prominent in South Africa’s hospitality and leisure industry since 1958, when he joined his family’s business in Durban. In 1979, he took ownership of the company and steered Gooderson Leisure into the timeshare market. Alan was immediately drawn to the idea of offering affordable holidays, recognising its potential to make holiday ownership accessible to more people. In 1988, Gooderson Leisure launched its first timeshare development, Riverbend Chalets, which sold out almost immediately. Alan’s vision extended beyond the initial beachfront resort developments. He expanded the company into diverse offerings, including world-class golf resorts, with Fairways and Riverbend being two of the significant project developments out of the seven resorts. Throughout his six-decade career, Alan has navigated the industry’s ups and downs, from economic shifts to political uncertainty. His guiding principle that everyone deserves a great holiday has driven his mission to make holiday ownership affordable and accessible.

Anthony Ridl
First Group
Anthony Ridl
First Group
Anthony Ridl qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1972 and later left the profession to become the Managing Director of a small hotel and leisure group. Antony made his mark in the timeshare industry in 1981 by redeveloping a South Coast property into one of the first timeshare resorts. From 1981 to 1988, he developed several timeshare resorts in South Africa and founded Ovland Timesharing, one of the largest timeshare organisations at the time. He also pioneered timeshare in Cape Town by developing the iconic Bantry Bay International Vacation Resort, which became one of the most successful timeshare developments in South Africa and globally. In 1989, he developed Champagne Sports Resort alongside tennis player Kevin Curren. A year later, he co-founded Flexi Holiday Club, South Africa’s first points-based vacation ownership system. In 1994, he formed Club Leisure Group (now First Group) with Stuart Lamont. Antony serves on several timeshare boards, including the Southern Sun Timeshare Boards, and chairs prominent resorts such as Umhlanga Sands, Drakensberg Sun, and Breakers Resort.

Brian Stocks
BSP Group
Brian Stocks
BSP Group
Brian Stocks began his career as an Accountant and in 1975, after the passing of his father, became Joint Managing Director of the Stocks & Stocks Group. In 1980, he founded Brian Stocks Properties Group, specialising in converting residential apartment blocks to sectional title ownership. After attending an RCI conference in London, Brian pioneered the conversion of Umhlanga Sands Hotel to timeshare ownership. Recognising the importance of long-term management in timeshare ownership, he partnered with Sol Kerzner to form Southern Sun Timesharing. In 1982, the launch of Umhlanga Sands marked the world's largest timeshare development at the time and set a global sales record. Between 1982 and 1992, another eight landmark developments were built and sold out, including Beacon Island Resort - another global sales record. Brian's influence extended beyond development, serving in the early days as a Councillor of SAPOA (South African Property Owners Association), where he helped form a timeshare sub-committee. He was instrumental in drafting the Property Timeshare Control Act 75 of 1983, establishing governance for the industry. Under his leadership, the committee evolved into the Timeshare Institute of South Africa (TISA), later known as VOASA. Brian’s innovative ventures continued with Sun Vacation Club at Sun City, setting global sales records. He retired as Chairman of Sun Vacation Club in September 2020, leaving a lasting legacy in the timeshare industry.

Ian Wilcocks
Uni-Vision Group
Ian Wilcocks
Uni-Vision Group
Ian Wilcocks started his journey in the timeshare industry from humble beginnings in 1988 and quickly advanced from sales to management. In 1991, guided by faith and a commitment to meaningful work, he established the Uni-Vision Group, a diverse company spanning hospitality, financial services, and property development. Ian is known for pioneering client-focused innovations such as the Quality Vacation Club and the Leisure Portfolio Association, providing customers with flexibility and choice. Under his leadership, Uni-Vision expanded across South Africa and other African markets. Guided by his faith, Ian attributes his success to God, seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. His dedication to people and sustainable growth has set a high standard of integrity and excellence in the industry.

John Beekman
Beekman Group
John Beekman
Beekman Group
John Beekman, Managing Director and founding partner, has been a cornerstone of the Beekman Group since 1970. His remarkable vision for identifying potential in older properties and transforming them into iconic resorts set the foundation for the company’s success. John’s strategic approach to securing top marketing companies to drive sales has fostered long-lasting industry relationships that remain strong today. While he continues to offer advice and guidance, John is confident in the Group’s future under its second-generation leadership. Alongside his late co-founder Bram, their complementary strengths and close partnership were key to their success.

Rioma Cominelli
First Group
Rioma Cominelli
First Group
Rioma Cominelli began her journey in the timeshare industry at the age of 23. With over 40 years of experience, she now serves as Director of Strategy for First Group. A marketing graduate with distinction, Rioma spent nearly two decades leading Trafalgar Resorts in partnership with Syfrets Bank, overseeing the development of 14 successful resorts. Her industry contributions include chairing the Timeshare Industry under the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and Chairing and Vice chairing the Timeshare Institute of Southern Africa. In 1986, she authored the first Industry Code of Conduct, a significant contribution to the sector.

Stuart Lamont
First Group
Stuart Lamont
First Group
Stuart Lamont, an accountant turned property developer, entered the timeshare industry in 1988. Initially acquiring Margate Sands in KwaZulu-Natal for its retail spaces, Stuart soon became deeply involved in the timeshare business. His experience auditing hotels and resorts sparked a passion for property development, and he managed several commercial properties along the Natal coast. His timeshare journey began when he took over operations at Margate Sands, launching Fun Holidays to rent unused timeshare weeks. In 1991, he embraced the revolutionary points-based system through Flexi Holiday Club, transforming Margate Sands and positioning Flexi Club as a key player in South Africa’s timeshare industry. In 1994, Stuart co-founded the Club Leisure Group (now First Group) with Tony Ridl. Stuart continues to lead as Executive Chairman, driving innovation and quality in the leisure sector.

Weston Dickson
Dream Hotels & Resorts
Weston Dickson
Dream Hotels & Resorts
Weston Dickson, founder of Leisure Options in 1988, has been a transformative force in South Africa's timeshare industry. What began as a sales agency providing essential expertise soon became a major contributor to the development of many well-known resorts, with The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel standing as a key achievement. In 1999, Weston launched Dream Vacation Club, which has flourished for over 25 years, growing to over 22,000 members and establishing itself as one of South Africa's leading timeshare clubs. Weston’s leadership of Dream Hotels and Resorts has been marked by his reputation for trust and honesty. A passionate believer in South Africa’s potential, his optimism for the country's future continues to inspire those around him. His dedication and innovative spirit have significantly shaped the industry, fostering a vibrant community of holidaymakers and enhancing South African tourism.
Remembering The Pioneers Whose Legacies Have Left An Indelible Mark On The Industry

Bram Beekman
Beekman Group
Bram Beekman
Beekman Group
Bram Beekman, co-founder of the Beekman Group, was a visionary in South Africa’s holiday accommodation industry. Beginning his career alongside his brother John, Bram transitioned from early roles in Railways and Hyster-Africa to focus on the growing holiday sector. His first investment in the timeshare market came in 1982 with the acquisition of Suntide Banana Beach, marking the start of a legacy in vacation ownership. In 1993, Bram co-founded The Holiday Club, introducing an innovative points-based system that revolutionised the timeshare industry. As Chairman of the Beekman Group until his passing in 2011, Bram's strategic insight and leadership were central to building a trusted, family-focused holiday business. His legacy endures in his pioneering work to make holiday ownership more accessible and appealing to generations of families.

John Meyer
Univision Group Consultant
John Meyer
Univision Group Consultant
John Meyer’s journey in the timeshare sector began in 1988 as the Marketing Director at Resorts Ownership Ltd., a position he held until 1995. From 1995 to 2004, John served as Executive Director of the Timeshare Institute of Southern Africa (TISA) and worked as a consultant, sharing his wealth of knowledge with organisations across the industry. John's expertise extended beyond South Africa. He was a founding member of the World Timeshare Council and contributed significantly to the Global Alliance for Timeshare Excellence. His leadership was evident in the directorships he held across numerous organisations, where he guided them towards stability and growth. Recognised for his vast knowledge, John was sought after for his consultancy in management training, legal principles, and arbitration within the timeshare sector. His contributions earned him numerous awards, including induction into the RCI Hall of Fame and the DTI Consumer Award. Throughout his life, John demonstrated an unwavering passion for the industry's growth and development, making a profound and lasting impact through his dedication, expertise, and leadership.

Judith Gooderson
Gooderson Leisure
Judith Gooderson
Gooderson Leisure
Judith Gooderson worked closely with her husband, Alan Gooderson, in the growth and success of Gooderson Leisure. Beginning her career in the 1960s, she was a vital part of the partnership that helped expand the company’s operations, particularly in the timeshare sector. As Managing Director of Goodtime Developments, Judith applied her interior design and project management expertise to many of the group's key developments. Together with Alan, their shared vision and dedication shaped Gooderson Leisure into a respected name in the hospitality industry. Judith’s legacy remains intertwined with the company’s continued success and growth in South Africa’s leisure and timeshare sectors.

Peter Foaden
MagicBreakaways Property Developments
Peter Foaden
MagicBreakaways Property Developments
Peter Foaden began his career with Stocks & Stocks in 1983, transitioning from his background as an accountant to follow his passion for property development. As the head of Stocks Leisure Developments, later known as MagicBreakaways, Peter led the development of renowned resorts such as La Côte d'Azur, Kwa Maritane, Bakubung, and Kruger Park Lodge, many of which achieved RCI Gold Crown status. As the industry evolved, Peter expanded the company into syndicated and whole ownership developments, including notable projects at Wilderness Dunes, Brookes Hill, Elephant Point, and Bakubung Villa. Elephant Point is remembered as Peter's final and perhaps greatest achievement. As a founding member and chairman of TISA (later VOASA) for 12 years, Peter’s contributions to the timeshare industry were honoured with his induction into the RCI Hall of Fame. He passed away in December 2019, leaving behind a dedicated team that continues to carry forward his remarkable legacy at MagicBreakaways.

Richard Weilers
Southern Sun Hotels
Richard Weilers
Southern Sun Hotels
Richard Weilers played a key role in the expansion of Southern Sun Hotels, into the timeshare market. Working closely with Brian Stocks, this initiative led Southern Sun to become one of the first hotel operators to enter the timeshare market through the conversion of Umhlanga Sands Resort. Building on this success, the company subsequently converted Cabana Beach and Beacon Island Resorts into timeshare properties. Richard had a long and distinguished career with Southern Sun. After retiring, he relocated to Montagu, where he successfully ran a popular restaurant until his passing in 2023.