Category: Media Release

PLEASE NOTE AFRIKAANS TEXT FOLLOWS ENGLISH

The launch of The Wine Arc on 11 November 2021 signifies the start of a new beginning and growth prospects for black-owned brands.  Thirteen brands, which are Aslina Wines, Bayede!, Cape Dreams, Carmen Stevens Wines, Koni Wines, La Ricmal, Libby’s Pride Wines, M’Hudi Wines, Paardenkloof Wines, Ses’fikele Wines, The Bridge of Hope Wines, Tesselaarsdal Wines and Thokozani Wines will be participating in the pilot programme that will kick off in December 2021.

In his welcome address, the chairman of the SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit (SAWITU), Mr Tshililo Ronald Ramabulana said that this is the first step to cementing the black-owned brands in the wine industry.

Carmen Stevens, speaking on behalf of the participating black owned brands stated that The Wine Arc symbolizes three turning points in the industry.  “This brand home symbolizes the end of more than two decades of not having a home in the South African wine industry.  It is a retail space that is friendly and accommodating and provides prospects of growth and opportunity for our brands”.  Stevens further mentioned that The Wine Arc represents the past, present and future for black-owned brands in the country.

Ms Joyene Isaacs, Chairperson of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) said that economic development is crucially important and we all need to think differently and creatively and get our hands dirty moving forward, because the challenges we are faced with on a daily basis, demand it of us. “The ARC has R12 billion in infrastructure and we need to figure out how to use it to the benefit of all South Africans. Creative partnerships such as the one with SAWITU provides the creative space for people to come into the ARC”, said Isaacs. In her congratulations to the black-owned brands, she challenged them to be unapologetic about making money via The Wine Arc and complemented the SAWITU Board for creating this platform for black-owned brands, not only in the Western Cape, but across the country.

In his address, Dr Ivan Meyer, MEC for Agriculture in the Western Cape mentioned the importance of the five priorities he identified since taking office.  One of them is market access and since wine is one of the single biggest export commodities for South Africa, Dr Meyer recommitted their support by signing a continuation funding agreement for The Wine Arc E Commerce platform upon conclusion of his speech.  “The Wine Arc creates optimism and worth for black-owned brands and our collaboration makes it real”, said Dr Meyer.

Ms Thoko Didiza, National Minister for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development honored the champions in industry who have played key roles in the transformation of the wine industry, one of which is Jabulani Ntshangase, a pioneer in the wine industry. She thanked Mrs Wendy Petersen, Operations Manager of SAWITU, for her resilience, capacity to take the blows and the tenacity to stay on the course. “We need to build an inclusive industry, although we recognize the need for supporting black-owned brands and therefore the direct focus on them.  However, we need to move to total inclusivity within the wine industry. At the end of the day, irrespective if you’re from a big corporate or a small winery, it’s all about wine!”

Didiza stressed the importance of working with provincial counterparts in government to increase market access on the African continent and abroad and make sure South African wines captures the markets.

The wine brands went through a stringent process of scrutiny on different levels which included commercial, marketing and technical 360 evaluation to ensure their preparedness for this programme.  During the technical evaluation the brands were tasted blind against current competitor products in the market, and the brands rated high during these assessments, emphasizing the quality of the wines which will be presented on this platform.

Malcolm Green, co-owner of La Ricmal, commented on the remarkable standard of The Wine Arc facility. “La Ricmal is humbled to be chosen as one of the thirteen brands and be making history in South Africa. It took a lot of people to do this for us and there are no words to thank them properly.  It is not about rands and cents, it’s about much more, and we are grateful.”

For more information about The Wine Arc follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @thewinearc

For more information about SAWITU, visit our website www.witu.co.za and follow us on Facebook (@WITURSA), Twitter (@witu_sa) or LinkedIn (SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit).

The Wine Arc – die wegspring van ‘n nuwe begin

Die bekendstelling van The Wine Arc op 11 November 2021 dui die wegspring van ‘n nuwe begin en groeimoontlikhede vir wynhandelsmerke in swart besit aan. Dertien handelsmerke, wat insluit Aslina Wyne, Bayede!, Cape Dreams Wyne, Carmen Stevens Wyne, Koni Wyne, La Ricmal, Libby’s Pride Wyne, M’Hudi Wyne, Paardenkloof Wyne, Ses’fikele Wyne, The Bridge of Hope Wyne, Tesselaarsdal Wyne en Thokozani Wyne sal aan die loodsprogram deelneem wat in Desember afskop.

In sy verwelkomingstoespraak het die voorsitter van die SA Wynindustrie Transformasie-eenheid (SAWITU), mnr Tshililo Ronald Ramabulana gesê dat dit die eerste stap is om wynhandelsmerke in swart besit in die wynbedryf te vestig.

Carmen Stevens, wat namens die deelnemende handelsmerke gepraat het, het genome dat The Wine Arc drie draaipunte in die industrie simboliseer. “Hierdie wynhandelsmerktuiste simboliseer die einde van meer as twee dekades in die Suid-Afrikaanse wynbedryf waar ons nie ‘n handelsmerktuiste van ons eie gehad het nie.  Hierdie is ‘n kleinhandelspasie wat vriendelik en akkommoderend is en vooruitsigte van groei en geleenthede vir ons handelsmerke bied. Stevens het verder genome dat The Wine Arc die verlede, hede en die toekoms vir wynhandelsmerke in die land verteenwoordig.

Me Joyene Isaacs, voorsitter van die Landbounavorsingsraad (LNR) het genoem dat die ekonomiese ontwikkeling krities belangrik is end at almal anders en kreatief moet dink en ons hande moet vuil maak soos ons vorentoe beweeg, want die uitdagings waarmee ons op ‘n daaglikse basis gekonfronteer word, vereis dit van ons.  “Die LNR het R12 biljoen se infrastruktuur en ons moet uitwerk hoe om dit tot voordeel van alle Suid-Afrikaners te gebruik.  Kreatiewe vennootskappe soos die een met SAWITU voorsien die kreatiewe spasie vir mense om nader aan die LNR te beweeg”, sê Isaacs.  In haar gelukwensing aan die wynhandelsmerke in swart besit, daag sy hulle uit om geensins verskonend te wees omdat hukke geld via The Wine Arc maak nie en het die SAWITU raad gekomplimenteer dat hulle hierdie kreatiewe platvorm vir wynhandelsmerke in swart besit, nie net in die Wes-kaap nie, maar regoor die land, geskep het.

In sy toespraak het Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister vir Landbou in die Wes-Kaap die belangrikheid van die vyf prioriteite wat hy sedert sy toetrede as landbouminister identifiseer het, genoem.  Een daarvan is marktoegang en aangesien wyn een van die grootste uitvoerprodukte van Suid-Afrika is, het Dr Meyer na afloop van sy toespraak sy ondersteuning herbevestig deur ‘n voortsettingsooreenkoms vir die befondsing van die e-handel platform vir The Wine Arc te teken. “The Wine Arc skep optimism en waarde vir wynhandelsmerke in swart besit en ons samewerking maak dit ‘n werklikheid”, sê Dr Meyer.

In haar hoofrede het me Thoko Didiza, nasional Minister vir Landbou, Grondhervorming en Landelike Ontwikkeling erkenning gegee aan die voorlopers in die industrie wat kernrolle gespeel het in die transformasie van die wynbedryf. Een van hierdie voorlopers is Jabulani Ntshangase, ‘n pionier in die wynbedryf.  Sy het me Wendy Petersen, Operasionele Bestruurder van SAWITU vir haar veerkragtigheid, kapasiteit om die aanslagte te weerstaan en haar volharding om op koers te bly, bedank. “Ons moet ‘n inklusiewe industrie bou, alhoewel ons die behoefte aan ondersteuning van handelsmerke in swart besit erken en daarom direk op hulle fokus. Ons moet egter beweeg tot totale inklusiewiteit binne die wynindustrie.  Aan die einde van die dag, ten spyte daarvan of jy ‘n groot korporatiewe besigheid of slegs ‘n klein wynmakery het, gaan dit alles oor wyn!”

Didiza het die belangrikheid van samewerking met die provinsiale eeknieë in die regering beklemtoon sodat marktoegang op die Afrika continent en die res van die wêreld verhoog kan word en dat daar seker gemaak word dat Suid-Afrikaanse wyn die markte se aandag trek.

Die wwynhandelsmerke het deur ‘n tawwe proses op verskillende vlakke ondergaan, wat kommersieel, bemarking en ‘n tegniese 360 evaluasie om hulle gereedheid vir hierdie program te verseker.  Tydens die tegniese evaluasie het die handelsmerke ‘n blinde wynproe met kompeterende handelsmerke in die mark ondergaan en het hoë punte behaal, wat die kwaliteit van die wyne wat op hierdie platvorm aangebied word, beklemtoon.

Malcolm Green, mede-eienaar van La Ricmal, het kommentaar gelewer op die uitstaand standard van The Wine Arc fasiliteit. “La Ricmal is geëerd om gekies te word as een van die dertien handelsmerke en dat ons geskienis maak in die Suid-Afrika.  Dit het baie mense gekos om hierdie vir ons op te rig en daar is geen woorde wat ons dankbaarheid kan beskryf nie.  Hierdie gaan nie oor rand en sent nie, dis gaan oor baie meer as dit, en ons is opreg dankbaar.”

Vir meer inligting oor The Wine Arc, volg ons op Facebook, Twitter en Instagram @thewinearc

Vir meer inligting oor SAWITU, besoek ons webwerf www.witu.co.za en volg ons op Facebook (@WITURSA), Twitter (@witu_sa) of LinkedIn (SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Afrikaans version follows after English 

The recently announced brand home for black-owned wine brands, which will be hosted in the Tasting Room and Cellar Complex at the Agricultural Research Council’s Nietvoorbij Campus in Stellenbosch, will be called The Wine Arc.

The name emphasizes the strong character and values of the SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit (SAWITU) and the wine brands that will be participating in this initiative.

The Wine Arc brand also demonstrates unity, strength, quality and consistency and brings together people of all cultures.

“The Wine Arc is a symbol of hope and revival for our wine brands, especially amidst the devastating global pandemic and numerous bans on alcohol sales in South Africa”, says Wendy Petersen, Operations Manager of SAWITU.

“The authenticity of the brand name was important to us”, says Petersen.  “We wanted it to differentiate black-owned brands in the wine industry, unite them as a collective and enable them to build their own legacy based on their culture and background”.

“We also see The Wine Arc as a home of South Africa’s wine industry transformation and not only the home of black-owned brands”, says SAWITU board member, Khumbuzile Mosoma.

The Wine Arc is a vehicle to grow a strong business platform for the individual brands, give them greater access to markets and e-commerce facilities and to reach consumers in an attractive lifestyle setting.  It is also a creative innovation hub for entrepreneurs and young winemakers to grow and become more sustainable.

“Good things take time, and although we are excited for the brands to move into The Wine Arc, we first have to make sure that everything is in place and works perfectly”, says Petersen.  “We will open in time for the tourist season and look forward to welcome local and international guests to our beautiful new ‘home’”.

END

The Wine Arc is gebou op sterk karakter en waardes

Die handelsmerktuiste vir wynhandelsmerke in swart besit wat onlangs aangekondig is en in die Proelokaal en Kelderkompleks van die Landbounavorsingsraad se Nietvoorbij kampus gehuisves gaan word, heet The Wine Arc.

Die naam beklemtoon die sterk karakter en waardes van die Suid-Afrikaanse Wynindustrie Transformasie-eenheid (SAWITU) sowel as die handelsmerke wat aan hierdie inisiatief gaan deelneem.

The Wine Arc handelsmerk demonstreer ook eenheid, sterkte, kwaliteit en konsekwentheid en bring mense van alle kulture bymekaar.

“The Wine Arc is ‘n simbool van hoop en herlewing vir ons wynhandelsmerke, veral te midde van die verwoestende globale pandemie en die vele beperkings op alkoholverkope in Suid-Afrika”, sê Wendy Petersen, Operasionele Bestuurder van SAWITU.

“Die egtheid van die handelsnaam was belangrik vir ons”, sê Petersen.  “Ons wou hê dat dit wynhandelsmerke in swart besit in die bedryf onderskei, hulle as ‘n kollektief verenig en hulle in staat stel on hul eie nalatenskap op grond van hul kultuur en agtergrond te bou.”

“Ons sien ook The Wine Arc as ‘n tuiste van Suid-Afrika se wynindustrie transformasie en nie net ‘n tuiste vir wynhandelsmerke in swart besit nie”, sê SAWITU raadslid, Khumbuzile Mosoma.

The Wine Arc is ‘n voertuig om ‘n stewige besigheidsplatform vir individuele handelsmerke te laat groei, dit gee groter toegang tot markte en e-handelfasilitiete en hulle kan verbruikers in ‘n aantreklike leefstylomgewing bereik.  Hierdie is ook ‘n middelpunt vir kreatiewe innovasie vir entrepreneurs en jong wynmakers om te groei en meer volhoubaar te word.

“Goeie dinge neem tyd, en alhoewel ons baie opgewonde is vir die handelsmerke om in The Wine Arc in te beweeg, moet ons eers seker maak dat als in plek is en perfek werk”, sê Petersen.  “Ons sal betyds oopmaak vir die toeristeseisoen en sien daarna uit om plaaslike en internasioenale besoekers by ons pragtige nuwe ‘tuiste’ te verwelkom”

Please note Afrikaans version follows English text

Khumbuzile Mosoma has been appointed as the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) representative board member for the South African Wine Industry Transformation Unit (SAWITU) from July 2021.

Masoma, who previously occupied various positions in both the public and private sectors, is currently the senior manager for Agribusiness Development at the NAMC.  She brings a wealth of expertise in the fields of agribusiness development, market access, transformation, economics, research and finance, which will greatly contribute to the advancement of the transformation strategies and programmes for the wine industry.

Masoma holds a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and is currently studying for her PhD in Economics.  She serves on various committees within the NAMC structure and is also a board member of the Mohair Empowerment Trust since 2014.

“With my key skills and knowledge, my contribution to SAWITU will include the designing of transformation projects that create a positive impact in terms of job creation, food security and sustainable rural economies whilst ensuring compliance to agricultural transformation guidelines”, says Masoma.

“Khumbuzile has an exemplary track record in identifying opportunities that inspire strategic business growth.  Her high energy levels and innovative nature will give new momentum to our transformation objectives”, says Ronald Ramabulana, chairperson of SAWITU.

“We welcome her to the board of SAWITU and thank the outgoing board member, Prof Diale Rangaka, for his service over the past five years and his valuable contribution to the transformation of the wine industry.”

Khumbuzile Mosoma voeg groot waarde toe tot wynbedryf se transformasie-eenheid

Khumbuzile Mosoma is vanaf Julie 2021 as die Nasionale Landboubemarkingsraad (NLBR) se verteenwoordiger vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Wynindustrie Transformasie-eenheid (SAWITU) aangestel.

Masoma, wat voorheen verskeie posisies in beide die openbare en private sektor beklee het, is tans die senior bestuurder vir Agribesigheidsontwikkeling by die Nasionale Landboubemarkingsraad.  Sy bring ‘n magdom kundigheid op die gebied van landboubesigheidsontwikkeling, marktoegang, transformasie, ekonomie, navorsing en finansies, wat grootliks sal bydra tot die bevordering van die transformasiestrategieë en -programme vir die wynbedryf.

Masoma het ‘n Meestersgraad in Landbou-ekonomie en studeer tans vir haar PhD in Ekonomie.  Sy dien op verskeie komitees binne die NLBR-struktuur en dien ook sedert 2014 op die raad van die Sybokhaarbemagtigingstrust.

“Met my sleutelvaardighede en kennis sal my bydrae tot SAWITU die ontwerp van transformasieprojekte insluit, wat ‘n positiewe impak sal maak ten opsigte van werkskepping, voedselsekerheid en volhoubare landelike ekonomieë, terwyl dit voldoening aan landboutransformasieriglyne verseker,” sê Masoma.

“Khumbuzile het ‘n uitstaande rekord ten opsigte van die identifisering van geleenthede wat strategiese sakegroei inspireer. Haar hoë energievlakke en innoverende aard sal nuwe momentum aan ons transformasiedoelwitte gee”, sê Ronald Ramabulana, voorsitter van SAWITU.

“Ons verwelkom haar by die raad van SAWITU en bedank die uittredende raadslid, prof Diale Rangaka, vir sy diens oor die afgelope vyf jaar en sy waardevolle bydrae tot die transformasie van die wynbedryf.”

Klein Môrewag, a grape producing farm in the Swartland district of the Western Cape has been home to Dawid Diederiks for most of his life.  It is on this very farm that Dawid worked as a farm labourer for more than thirty years before his dream became reality and he was granted farming rights by the state in 2012.

At the same time, Perdeberg Wines was looking for a new grape supplier when their paths crossed with Klein Môrewag.  This was the start of a strategic partnership between the farm and the winery, with Perdeberg providing operational funds, mentorship and a long-term grape supply agreement to Klein Môrewag.  “The supply agreement enabled Perdeberg to issue Dawid shares in the company in line with his grape deliveries and he started attending shareholder- and producer meetings,” says Gerhard van der Watt, CEO of Perderberg.

Dawid cultivates popular varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Sauvignon blanc and Chenin blanc on the 321-hectare farm, which has its own dam for irrigation and housing for Dawid, the workers and their families.  “I am very proud that I am able to secure a future for my family and fellow workers on the farm,” says Dawid.

Always eager to learn, Dawid spend significant time with Perdeberg’s viticulture, production and finance teams who have been instrumental in advising and supporting him over the years. He now produces grapes to the full potential of the vineyards and is skilled in finance and business administration.

“Mentorship support for us is a team effort and to a large extent hands-on help in the field,” says Gerhard. “It’s also a continuous process that requires full involvement and commitment in order to achieve success.”

With the help of fellow farmers in the Swartland area, Dawid diversified the business by using a section of the farm for grazing.  The farmers also donated some of their calves so Dawid could establish his own herd of cattle.

“We’ve come to know Dawid as a humble, friendly person, but what we appreciate most is his commitment to help others,” says Gerhard.  “Dawid not only ensures the welfare of the farm workers by providing them with an income, housing, transport and after-school care facilities for the children, he also donated feed to the Karoo farmers during the devastating drought in that region.”

To honor Dawid’s journey from worker to owner, Perdeberg launched a wine label called The Ploughman, which is sold internationally and provides a financial benefit to Klein Môrewag.

In a narrow valley of the Kleinrivier Mountains in the Overberg District is the Dreyer’s Family vineyards called Raka Wines. This is the southernmost mountain range in Africa and its slopes provide a variety of soil types ideally suited for vineyards. With breezes from Walker Bay and Agulhas, the Klein River wine district is cooler than the traditional wine growing areas of the Cape. It is here that a group of farm workers started growing their own vineyards.

The Dreyer Family is involved with different businesses across several sectors and have been staunch supporters of employee empowerment. In 2013, the Raka Empowerment Trust was formed for 20 of their farm workers. This led to the development of Akkedisberg Boerdery Pty Ltd, a farming entity which was allocated 20 hectares of land on a 30-year lease agreement from the Dreyer family.

They initially started with 4 hectares of vineyards in 2015, funded by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP).  A further 3 hectares was funded with an interest-free loan from Raka Wines and over the years, Akkedisberg Boerdery expanded their vineyards to 16 hectares.

Significant financial assistance for production inputs was recently received from the SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit (SAWITU), ensuring the continued development of the farming project.

Like many similar farm worker empowerment initiatives, a big focus is skills development and mentorship.  This has been a slow process and a steep learning curve for the beneficiaries as the initial level of education needed to be raised first.

“A secondary aim of our employee development is to encourage beneficiaries to motivate their children to achieve qualifications that can be useful in developing Akkedisberg Boerdery further,” says Josef Dreyer, winemaker at Raka Wines and mentor to the group.

Two other factors stand out for this innovative empowerment initiative. The Dreyer Family has its commercial roots in fishing and the Trust owns shares in a fishing vessel, a clever way to diversify its revenue.  This entity paid out dividends, which is a huge encouragement for the beneficiaries of this developing enterprise.

Raka Wines has also committed to buy all the produce of the farm, although Akkedisberg Boerdery has the option to sell to any other buyer.

Future plans include producing their own wines sourced from their vineyards, but such plans have been put on hold as the industry still suffers from the repercussions of alcohol sales bans and the glut of wine in several key markets around the globe.

Elethu is a 62ha grape farm near Bonnievale in the Breede River Valley. Surrounded by rugged mountains, the valley is climatically diverse and known to be the largest fruit and wine producing valley in the Western Cape.

Elethu was awarded to the Bonnievale Workers Empowerment Trust by the Langeberg Municipality in 2007.  At the time, the farm was in need of development, but it has since been cultivated with 24.2 ha of vineyards, producing white and red grape varietals.  The farm is a producer member of the Bonnievale Wine Group (BWG).

“Making a success of a long-term perennial crop require meticulous planning from Elethu’s management, and seeing the farm produce high quality grapes and good yield over the years makes it very rewarding!”, says Kristin Johnson, Cellar and Production Assistant of BWG and responsible for Elethu’s farm administration. “Not only have we been able to develop the skills required to run a farm of this size, but we have also been able to pay dividends to the 39 beneficiaries of the Trust”.

Elethu, meaning “It is ours” in Xhosa, has 4 permanent employees and uses seasonal workers to farm the land.  The farm is owned by the Trust, which is 100% black empowered and consists of the 4 employees and 35 staff members who are gainfully employed by BWG.

“We could not have been successful without the partnerships that have shaped our journey along the way”, elaborates Johnson.  Besides the operational mentorship and financial support received from CEO John Barnardt and the management team of BWG, the staff at Elethu has been assisted by a commercial farmer and former mentor.

“Also key to our success has been the tremendous help received from the TU” explains Johnson. The South African Wine Industry Transformation Unit (colloquially known as the TU) progressively drives transformation in the wine industry. “We have made good use of the training and development opportunities the TU provided and received funding for essential infrastructure upgrades, which aided us with the further development of the farm”.

“The staff’s responsiveness to mentorship guidance and advice helped them grow the business and develop in their personal capacity,” says Sakkie Bosman, viticulturist at BWG and current mentor on the farm. “Everyone understands that farming is a 24 hour, 7 days a week business that requires dedication and commitment.”  He is very proud of the staff that is making such a huge success of Elethu.

“The Trust was formed to create a better future for ourselves in the agriculture sector”, says Johnson, “but first, we needed to build a sustainable enterprise and become more independent”.  Since mid-2020, Elethu has been running on its own steam with Johannes Fredericks as farm manager and the farm produced its first wine made by award-winning winemaker, Edwin Mathambo.  The wine is maturing in barrels and will be released in 2022.

“We are also very proud that we were able to produce our product with the necessary ethical and environmental compliance”, concludes Johnson “and trust that South African and global wine consumers will enjoy drinking our wine, as much as we have enjoyed producing it!”

Nestled between the striking mountain ranges of Langeberg and Riviersonderend and with the graceful Breede River running through it, is the Robertson Wine Valley. It is here that the Retief family, owners of Van Loveren Family Vineyards successfully concluded the historic Black Economic Empowerment land reform partnership with employees and pensioners back in 2004. The De Goree farm has since been awarded the National Agri BEE project of the Year in 2008 and has expanded its operation from 50 to 80 hectares wine grapes and pears.

We chatted to Phillip Retief, Managing Director of Van Loveren Family Vineyards.

What was the motivation behind this Employees Trust?

In the mid-2000’s Van Loveren was in a growing phase and the De Goree Farm was the first empowerment initiative we embarked upon. We are fortunate to have 3^rd and 4^th generation employees working alongside us, and we wanted to help them unlock opportunities that developed from South Africa’s unique history.

How many workers benefit from The De Goree Employees Trust?

At the moment 61 current and pensioned employees are beneficiaries.

What are the benefits for beneficiaries?

There are several levels that employees participate in. Three beneficiaries are Trustees and we found that exposing our employees to the full awareness of business realities has created a sense of pride in them and their loyalty has been further solidified. Several beneficiaries are in managerial positions.

The development of employees is a daily activity in the business. The Trustees have been trained in budget management and financial forecasting, farming practices, computer skills and management principles.

De Goree has been profitable since year one due to a long-term grape supply contract with Van Loveren Private Cellars. The grapes have also been used to create the Five’s Reserve wine range, of which the Trust owns 25%. Beneficiaries have thus received substantial dividends from the commercial growth of these businesses.

The Five’s Reserve Bursary Scheme has been specifically created to benefit the children of employees, some of which have been assisted with high school and college education.

 How do you keep the partnership healthy?

The Employees Trust owns 52% of the De Goree Farm while Van Loveren owns the remaining 48%. It is a joint-risk venture, and this understanding is part of the reason why it has been successful. Further, we make sure that decision-makers are accessible by having open dialogue in our regular meetings.

What are the key learnings from this partnership?

The risk of failure was significantly reduced due to the generous application of the expertise available. The Retief Family has successfully nurtured the relationship with employees for more than a decade, and with proper business planning it was inevitable that the venture would be successful.

Employees exposed to the intricacies of the business has blossomed, furthering the trust and confidence of all involved.

We have learnt that starting a Trust with a smaller number of beneficiaries is more efficient in developing empowerment projects and will be using this lesson in the future.

What does the future hold?

Managing the farm sustainably will ensure continued business success.  De Goree has recently acquired a liquor license to be able to supply retail stores directly in the foreseeable future.

Van Loveren is also involved in two other successful empowerment initiatives. Olyfberg is a Level 2 BEE olive business partnership between the Retief and Karaan Families and Middelburg Vineyards is a grape farm that also grows almonds and cherries with a 30% empowerment shareholding.

How has the SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit supported the De Goree Farm?

We received funding this year to replace 2 hectares of vineyards, which includes technical advice and mentorship support from Vinpro.  We are also exploring the option of training employees in life skills coaching, conflict handling and communication skills as part of SAWITU’s industry training plan.

Van Loveren Vineyards has received its Fairtrade accreditation in 2011 and has certainly upped the pace for transformation in our agriculture sector. We look forward to seeing what the “Four Cousins” will develop next!

Many successful people in business had a mentor in their career who assisted them to reach their full potential and provide them with sound, honest guidance.  Mentorship provides a knowledgeable sound board and is a source of experienced advice to propel growth in a mentees’ journey.  The SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit (SAWITU) believes in the positive effect of mentorship, and asked Berene Sauls and Anthony Hamilton Russell to share their journey as encouragement to others.

When Anthony Hamilton Russell, owner of Hamilton Russell Wines, appointed Berene Sauls as au pair for his four daughters in 2001, he quickly realized her ambition and talents were wasted and encouraged her to apply for a position in his wine company.

With his vast experience of running the wine farm for the last 30 years, as well as his background in investment banking and management consulting, Anthony mentored Berene and steered her towards developing a career in the wine industry.

Berene’s interest in wine was ignited by the wine tastings and presentations Anthony exposed her to.  His faith in her abilities gave her the edge she needed to take the plunge of creating her own wine brand. “She clearly had the drive, ambition, intelligence and overall work ethic to make a success of her own wine brand and take it even further towards land ownership” says Anthony.

“In 2014 Anthony approached me with an opportunity to wholly own my own business as a wine producer with the expert winemaking skills of Emul Ross who joined our team in that same year”, says Berene. “It is a team effort from which I am still learning, sound boarding and getting guidance from to develop and steer my professional career.”

Berene started at the bottom and worked her way to the top, gaining experience in marketing, packaging, export logistics, wine administration and certification before mastering the art of winemaking and the sensory evaluation of wine.  This gives her the competitive edge she uses to advance her business.

“Her skills and personality gave me little doubt that she would be able to get a wine both made and sold at a profitable price. Most people starting out focus entirely on production, and however important it is, this is by far not the only criterion for success,” says Anthony.

Berene has been inspired by Anthony’s mentorship and pays it forward by developing the skills of the ladies who are working with her in the packaging logistics division.  “Once my property in Tesselaarsdal in the Overberg is developed, I would like to offer someone else the same opportunities I had.  That is my ultimate goal,” says Berene.

Despite the challenges facing the South African alcohol industry at the moment, there are good news stories.  Bayede! Marketing, a level two BBBEE company based in Paarl, is one such example. Says CEO, Antoinette Vermooten, “2020 made us streamline our business to save on costs. We also changed our sales strategy and put significant efforts into our online store and exports.”

Bayede!, endorsed by the late HM King Goodwill Zwelithini, is a diverse business, selling liquor, coffee, olive oil and vinegar. Vermooten further explains, “We value relationships and with our partners we have been able to survive the three alcohol sales bans and even seen some growth and created employment.”

Long-time industry partners Van Loveren Vineyards, Imbuku and Oude Molen Distillers have been key to Bayede’s recent endeavours. The Joint Venture partners support their job creation initiatives.

Bayede! sources the ethnic beadwork it uses to embellish its products, from 25 women across rural South Africa. Antoinette elaborates, “I believe in women empowerment and the principle of “Ubuntu”. The monies from the beadwork are their only source of income.” A boon for its job creation projects was the recent inclusion of beaded neckpieces in the USA based Mana boxes. A Mana box consists of handmade lifestyle goods created by women from the USA and South Africa and is sold as a subscription.

Another partner is the SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit (SAWITU). “The emotional support received from Operations Manager, Wendy Petersen since the start of the pandemic has been invaluable”, says Vermooten “and the financial support helped us to quickly pivot and develop our export business”. SAWITU supports black-owned wine brands and generates and promotes equitable access within the wine value chain.  “In order to stay abreast, brands must find innovative ways of doing business, try different ways of connecting with consumers and invest in long- term focused initiatives and agreements that will result in business growth and sustainability,” says Petersen.

Bayede! has fulfilled orders across the globe over the last couple of months for its liquor products, with deals from the USA, Canada, Germany, UAE, Ethiopia, India and China.

“We are very proud that our Bayede! King Shaka Zulu Pinotage and Chenin blank as well as our Bayede! Royal XO Cape Brandy received double gold medals in the Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Competition,” says Vermooten.

Although the uncertainties of the pandemic will continue to influence business decisions, the future looks very promising for this dynamic brand.

Koni Maliehe, owner of Koni Wines, is a feminine tour de force.  Leaving the Financial Services scene, she wanted to explore a new world and soon made in-roads in the wine industry.

We asked Koni a few questions to get a sense of where she’s at and what drives her.

Who is Koni and what makes her “tick”?

“Koni is an Entrepreneur, Daughter, Sister and Aunt. I am surrounded by people who believe in my dreams and goals. A favourite quote is “Dreams only die if you let them starve”.

I am shaped by principles of hard work, courage, honesty, respect, and inclusivity and believe that all humans given a chance, can be great! To be great comes with responsibility to also serve others and inspire them to do the same!”

What gets you going in the morning?

“Besides my quiet time, I read a lot. I read a variety of topics that support and edifies me and my business.

On the work front, I believe in planning and revisit my weekly objectives and revise accordingly – then put ACTION into it.”

What makes you laugh?

“I am always the loudest in the room, especially when there is humour, joy, and positive energy! I also make a habit of laughing at myself…and there are so many wicked stories to laugh at!”

What is your biggest fear?

“My biggest fear is that time is limited. Time is also a gift, but life is short!  We only have limited moments to achieve results and do better than yesterday.

So, I fear losing focus on the bigger picture and being caught up on un-productive issues that adds no value to my vision.”

What makes you love what you do?

“One of the reasons I started the business was to stretch myself into newness, I was tired of the known and wanted to totally learn something new. Wine is a challenging, slow business.

I have great respect for those in the industry and greatly admire those who, like myself, had to self-fund their business from inception and persevered through the hardships.

There is so much effort and investment that went into the business that to give up is not a choice!”

Tell us about your customers? 

“My ideal customer is the affluent market who are experienced wine drinkers. I also work on converting non wine drinkers who may be intimidated by wine language and culture.

A key success factor has been partnering with corporates that serve my wine at their functions and present it as gifts to guests. Relationship building is a skill that has and continues to serve me well!”

What has been the reasons for your success?

“Business is about relations, networking and achieving results. Most of my big breaks came from referrals but getting marketing support and market access opportunities from organisations such as the SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit surely makes a great difference.

Positive energy speaks loud and actions even louder! It is simple really, surround yourself with people who know more than you!”

How did the SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit assist you with business growth?

SAWITU assisted my business with Financial Marketing & Mentorship Support and this played a huge role in relaunching my business in 2020.  Support such as this plays a massive role for us SME’s who are self-funded.  SAWITU also assisted with market access where Koni Wines was able to participate in some international & local wine events such as Tops Wine Shows.

With entities such as SAWITU more black wine businesses will be afforded an opportunity to excel and grow.

What lies ahead for Koni Wines? 

Having been selected as a participant in Hollard’s Big Ads for Small Business campaign, with the aim to drive sales and brand awareness, we have been working hard on our strategy to align with the campaign and really take advantage of this “miraculous” break. Koni Wines will be featured on DSTV, Good Hope FM and a billboard.

Also, more collaborations are in the pipeline, so things are very exciting at last!”

What is your advice to business owners?

“Remove self-entitlement from your attitude.  Be driven by values rather than personal gain.

Put extra effort and hard work into it.”

Koni Wines is a very good illustration of the dedication and perseverance it takes from the owner in achieving her dreams. The journey of developing a sustainable wine company and wine brand is not an easy one and requires a focused strategic plan with clear, achievable and realistic goals. We are excited about the Koni Wines journey and future prospects.