Huntington’s Disease - A Devastating Reality for Cape Town Families, and a Call for Connection

Cape Town, 13 August 2026 – The Cape Winelands look peaceful and pretty. But behind the charm of the Cape Winelands lies a stark and often hidden reality for many South African families. Huntington’s disease (HD), a fatal neurodegenerative condition, imposes a devastating burden that reaches far beyond the patient, deeply affecting family life, emotional wellbeing, and financial stability. As the Cape Town community prepares to come together at the Timeless August Art Gala at Webersburg Wine Estate on 28 and 29 August, it is an opportunity to reflect on the human cost and the power of connection in the face of these challenges.

Huntington’s disease is a genetic time bomb for some South African families. This neurodegenerative disease is a serious illness that affects the brain. It cannot be cured, and it doesn’t only hurt the person who has it. It also hurts their family. Parents, children, and caregivers often struggle with stress, depression, and financial problems.

On 28 and 29 August, Webersburg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch hosts the Timeless August Art Gala. The event offers an opportunity for us to reflect on families living with Huntington's disease. It is also an occasion to help people support each other.

The human cost

Huntington's disease is passed down in families. If a parent has the disease, each of their children has a 50% chance of getting it too. That is like flipping a coin. Over time, the disease makes it hard to move, think, and feel well emotionally. In the Western Cape, many families have lived with this disease for a long time. This brings its own challenges.

Studies show that families with Huntington's disease have a hard time, both emotionally and financially. One study looked at 880 caregivers from around the world. It found that when a patient's symptoms get worse, caregivers feel more stress and sadness. But the study also found something hopeful. Caregivers who feel close to their family and friends tend to feel better overall. Having people to lean on really helps.

In South Africa, Huntington's disease can be very costly for families. A study in the Western Cape found that patients often need expensive medical insurance to pay for care. This can cost thousands of Rands every month. Getting life insurance is hard, too. If a family can get it, they may have to pay twice as much as other people.

Many patients cannot work anymore. This means families lose most of their income. Some families need help from the government to get by. This kind of help was not always available for people with Huntington's disease. It only became possible a short time ago.

The disease is tough on people's emotions, too. Families may fight more. Some people feel very sad or feel like a burden to the people they love. This can be dangerous, and sometimes even lead to thoughts of suicide.

Hope, art and connection

Even with all these challenges, hope and friendship still matter. That is why the Timeless August Art Gala at Webersburg was started. Cape Town Current reported that Johan Smit organised this annual event. His family has lived with Huntington's disease for sixteen years, ever since his brother Ben was diagnosed. Johan did not want the story to be only about loss. Instead, he wanted to create an event that helps people learn more, talk openly, and feel connected to each other.

“For us, hope is not about pretending difficult realities don’t exist. It is about refusing to let them define every moment,” says Smit.

This philosophy underpins the weekend’s experience, which blends fine art, live music, thoughtful conversation, and the serene beauty of the historic Webersburg estate. While not a traditional fundraiser, proceeds from Johan Smit’s own artwork will directly support his family’s caregiving efforts and ongoing community awareness around Huntington’s disease.

This event, detailed by Cape Town Current as "a weekend where art, the Winelands and human connection come together," is a celebration of the very things that research shows are most needed: community, shared experience, and a sense of peace and connection. As experts call for more interventions that support both the individual and the family system, Timeless August offers the public an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with what matters most.

Event details

What: Timeless August Art GalaWhen: Friday 28 & Saturday 29 August 2026Where: Webersburg Wine Estate, StellenboschTickets: Starting from R300. VIP Overnight Packages available. Book via TopGuideZA.com (WhatsApp +27 71 443 6448).

For more information, read the full feature on CapeTownCurrent.com For media enquiries, please contact the event organisers.