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Klein Goederus changes the narrative for farmworkers and black farm owners
When you meet the owner of Klein Goederust, a boutique wine farm in Franschhoek, you immediately get a sense of someone who loves the land, the vineyards and the produce they create on this quaint estate in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Western Cape. Paul Siguqa and his wife Makhosazana, also known as Khosi, are owners of the first 100% black-owned wine farm in Franschhoek. The couple bought the farm partly because of sentiment, but also as a business opportunity. Paul grew up on Backberg Wine Estate, not too far from Klein Goederust. He is the son of a farm laborer who taught him and his sister to reach beyond the farm gates and follow careers
The Wine Arc – the start of a new beginning
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
The Wine Arc built on strong character and values
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
New brand home for wine industry has an integrated empowerment approach
AFRIKAANS VERSION FOLLOWS AFTER ENGLISH The South African Wine Industry Transformation Unit (SAWITU) recently announced the development of a 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. This project, which will provide market access for black-owned brands into the local and international markets, is a collaborative initiative with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA). An integrated approach The project has an integrated empowerment approach. “Our approach challenges the slow pace of transformation’s status quo. Not only will the individual brands share facilities and business space, they will also be assisted and mentored by an expert
Crossing the bridge into a hopeful future
Rosemary Mosia, founder and CEO of The Bridge of Hope Wines, never imagined that she would own a wine brand one day. Coming from a financial and accounting career in a parastatal and corporate environment, she systematically crossed a bridge and transitioned into a new industry she gradually got to know and love. Discovering the world of wine Rosemary’s discovery of the world of wine can almost relate to peeling an onion. Every engagement was like a new layer being peeled off to bring her closer to the core of her future business venture. Her first introduction to wine was through an impromptu invitation by friends in 2001 to accompany them to a wine farm in Stellenbosch. The whole experience
SAWITU Statement
Dear members and stakeholders It is with deep concern that we have to share that any form of hate speech and verbal abuse from internal or external stakeholders against any members of our organisation or beneficiaries will not be tolerated. We want to make it clear that SAWITU strongly condemn any signs of this unprofessional behavior and will take the necessary serious action against any party found guilty of such conduct and abuse. Our organisations’ objective is to ensure that we build businesses and relationships towards a sustainable transformation trajectory. We have always had an open-door policy and trust that we can resolve any matter in a professional, mature and constructive manner. We thank you in advance for your co-operation
