The Cape Winemakers Guild Billy Hofmeyr SETA Bursary
Programme provides students with financial support during their final year of
study, after which they can apply to the Guild’s three year Protégé Programme.
This year’s bursary recipients include three Western Cape students, Kiara Scott, Clayton Christians and Danielle Jacobs, and Mahalia Matshete from Gauteng.
Kiara Scott who comes from Strandfontein, Mitchells
Plain, has always been passionate about wine from a young age and loves how
nature and man can work together to make a great and yet diverse product: “I am
a very inquisitive person and will always aspire to do and know more. I believe
I can bring new and innovative ideas to the wine industry while preserving its
simplicity and authenticity.” Kiara hopes to work with some of the best
winemakers in the industry and to travel abroad to experience harvests in
different wine making regions of the world.
With a strong work ethic and a drive for success, Clayton
Christians of Cloetesville, Stellenbosch, would like to become a winemaker at a
well-respected wine estate: “I would like to be able to craft and produce
quality wines, invent new methods of improving wine quality, aromas, longevity
and make it possible for consumers not only to enjoy a world class wine, but
enjoy a wine that will suit their budget.”
Danielle Jacobs who hails from Kleinbron Park,
Brackenfell, aims to set herself apart from the rest in the winemaking
industry: “My goal is also to be in a position where I am able to educate other
young, aspiring winemakers.” With previous work experience in the industry and
an enthusiasm for winemaking, Danielle wants to develop her own style of wine
with the knowledge that she gains through her studies.
Born and raised in the dusty streets of Vosloorus, a
township in the East Rand, Mahalia Matshete has always wanted to work outdoors
with nature and have a career that blends chemistry, microbiology and
horticulture. Winemaking was the perfect fit for her as she understands the
importance of dedication, determination and hard work. Mahalia dreams of
becoming one of South Africa’s leading female winemakers: “I want my
contributions to the wine industry to help South Africa continue to be a world
class wine producing country.”
This is the 6th year the Guild offers students
bursaries. After completing their final year and graduating, these
aspiring winemakers will be able to apply for the 3-year internship with the
Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme. This programme is a great opportunity
for the students to gain insight into the winemaking industry and will give
them the opportunity to work alongside some of the county’s best winemakers who
are members of the Guild.
The Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme was launched
in 2006 with the support of the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Trust and plays
an active role in the transformation of the industry to ensure its long term
health and sustainability by cultivating, nurturing and empowering promising
individuals to become winemakers of excellence.
For more information on the Guild, contact Tel: 021 852
0408 or send an email to info@capewinemakersguild.com.
Students interested in applying for the Protégé Programme can visit the Guild’s
website at www.capewinemakersguild.com.