Ses’fikile, which means ‘we have arrived’ in isiXhosa, is owned by four black women, three of whom are school teachers, namely Nondumiso Pikashe, Jackie Mayo, Nomvuyo Xaliphi and Phelela Mgundlwa.Flagstone’s proprietor and winemaker, Bruce Jack introduced the Ses’fikile four as ‘a powerhouse of women’ and emphasised that the winery’s main contribution and involvement is that of mentor. The focus is on skills transfer not only in winemaking but very importantly wine marketing, he commented.Ex-Wines of South Africa board member, Thandi Ndlovu, currently serving on the South African Wine Industry Trust’s (SAWIT) board of trustees, lauded the Ses’fikile women for occupying a niche in the value chain and conceptualising a sustainable business model. ‘These women are here to demonstrate things can be done differently,’ she said.In her capacity as SAWIT’s chairperson-in-waiting, Ms Ndlovu pledged the organisation’s support of the Flagstone-Ses’fikile partnership.The Ses’fikile range includes three tiers: Rain Song (retailing between R18-R25/bottle), Folklore (R40-R50/bottle) and The Matriarch (R80-R100/bottle), described by the brand owners as aimed at ‘discovery’, ‘exploration’ and ‘the best of the best’, respectively. Negotiations for national local distribution are underway and the brand’s export strategy includes targeting the UK, US and various African countries.Asked why they chose the wine industry to invest their efforts in, Nondumiso Pikashe explains: 'The wine industry is so dynamic. It is an amazingly fast-moving, highly demanding business that requires lateral problem solving skills and masses and masses of energy – characteristics women need just to survive! Wine itself is so multi-facetted and exciting, with so many different angles to explore and new things to discover everyday. There is the fascinating history, the art of winemaking, the millions of aromas and flavours, the amazing synergy with food… there is so much going on… it’s fascinating and captivating. We have the passion and the ambition to introduce this excitement, glamour and sophistication to the emerging market in South Africa.'For more information, contact:Nondumiso Pikashe083 431 0254sesfikile@gmail.comFlagstone WineryTel: +27 21 852-5052 E-mail: marketing@flagstonewinery.co.za www.flagstonewines.com