GEM Village is a Retirement Village that was created in 1984 by the Gunners and Sappers Associations to serve as a safe, comfortable and affordable retirement facility for members of the South African Field Artillery, Anti- Aircraft Artillery and the South African Engineer Corps.
The Village is situated on the Farm Doornkloof in Irene adjacent to the General Smuts Museum in a quiet and picturesque rural setting. It consists of 36 single and 43 double housing units and 37 cottages housing up to 150 retired veterans and pensioners.
Recognising that all available accommodation will not always be required for occupation by Gunner and Sapper Veterans, any surplus accommodation is rented to descendants of Gunner and Sapper Veterans, Non-Gunner and Sapper Military Veterans and even Non-Military Pensioners to financially sustain the organization into the future.
Whilst most of the accommodation in the Village are rental units, GEM also has a fair amount of “Life Occupancy Right” Cottages available for those who wish to purchase longer term accommodation in the Village.
The Village has excellent security with good perimeter fencing, alarm system, security lighting and access control and is also contracted to a reputable Security Company who provide armed response in the event of the alarms being triggered or being notified of a security problem.
The Village also has excellent communal facilities which includes a large Community Hall with catering facilities, a library, as well as a “braai” and function area and the well maintained gardens provide a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.
The Village Management is directed and controlled by a Management Council that is appointed by the Gunners’ Association and the Sappers’ Foundation as the two Founding Organisations of the Village. This Council meets on a monthly basis.
A very active Residents Committee is elected annually by the Residents in the Village to coordinate a wide variety of events and activities for the Residents. GEM takes pride in the fact that the Residents are all part of the greater “GEM Family” and this distinguishes it from other similar Retirement Facilities.
GEM Village is registered with the Department of Social Development as a Non-Profit Organisation.