In a dedicated effort to catalyze transformation within the South African wine industry, the Cape Winemakers Guild recently orchestrated an enlightening week-long expedition for 22 black female Grade 11 students, immersing them in the world of winemaking in the picturesque winelands.
Operated through the Guild’s esteemed Protégé Programme, the initiative aimed to provide these young learners with a tantalizing glimpse into the possibilities awaiting them should they elect to pursue a university degree in winemaking.
The selection criteria encompassed a fervent passion for biological sciences coupled with consistent excellence in mathematics and physical sciences. Originating from seven of the country’s nine provinces, these students hailed from schools spanning the Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Northern Cape, and the Western Cape.
Over the course of their stay from Monday, July 10th to Friday, July 14th, 2023, the students were immersed in a plethora of educational ventures. These included captivating tours of both Stellenbosch University and Elsenburg campuses, engaging grape tastings and museum explorations, and visits to a diverse range of wineries and cellars such as Vredenheim, Lievland, JC Le Roux, Alto, and Babylonstoren. Their residence at Metanoia also offered a glimpse into the social facet of student life.
An Industry in Transformation
Supported by esteemed partners such as Nedbank, Stellenbosch University, Elsenburg College, and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), the annual student tour of the winelands was inaugurated by the Cape Winemakers Guild in 2019. Four groups of young black women have since undergone this specialized introduction to the realm of winemaking.
Magda Vorster, the Protégé Programme facilitator, remarks, “The Cape Winemakers Guild is making strides in shattering barriers and paving the way for young black women to embrace grand aspirations in winemaking, cultivating a future marked by transformation and boundless potential.”
Since its inception in 2006, the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) Protégé Programme has emerged as the most triumphant skills development initiative within the South African wine domain. To date, 34 protégés have completed the comprehensive three-year internship, while seven remain actively engaged in this ongoing program. Furthermore, 18 former protégés have ascended to prominent winemaking roles or established their own projects.
“In the pursuit of magnifying excellence and propelling successful transformation since 2006, the CWG Protégé Programme stands as a beacon of achievement, nurturing skillful talents that flourish within the South African wine industry,” Vorster states.
A Week of Noteworthy Moments
When asked about their most cherished experiences, many students highlighted their meeting with Lievland winemaker and former Protégé, Mahalia Kotjane, as a standout memory.
One participant shared, “Mahalia’s journey inspired me to move forward because it demonstrates that, as a black woman, I can attain whatever I aspire to. I am prepared to put in relentless effort to transform my dreams into reality. This experience truly affirmed that the sky’s the limit; nothing is insurmountable.”
Another expressed, “Meeting Mahalia truly motivated me. Observing a woman of color excel in this industry instilled in me the belief that if she could achieve it, so can I.”
Although no commitment was required for the students to embark on a winemaking course, most conveyed that the expedition ignited a newfound enthusiasm for and fascination with the field.
Citing “diverse opportunities,” “connection with nature,” and the joy of observing “people relishing the results of their labor,” the students articulated their reasons for considering a career in winemaking.
“As the facilitator of empowerment, witnessing the transformative journey of these young women is both humbling and enriching. By unlocking doors to possibilities and nurturing their development, I find immense satisfaction in contributing to their trajectory toward success and greatness,” Vorster asserts. “We anticipate seeing numerous enrolments in winemaking courses come 2025.”
