April 27th, 1994 is a hugely significant day in South Africa's history, being the first time that every citizen of South Africa could make their mark and vote in the country's first democratic election. The day is commemorated annually as a public holiday, and aptly named Freedom Day. 2019 sees us celebrating 25 years of democracy and with this in mind, we have made April the wine industry's #wineforgood month - publishing a good news story every day during Freedom Month in our wineforgood.co.za website.
The idea is to flood the world with great positive vibes from the South African Winelands.
wine.co.za started the #wineforgood initiative in 2016, and we are very proud that we have already gathered and published over 120 stories - garnering readership from all over the world. We are delighted that Wines of South Africa (WOSA) has collaborated with us this year and together we have made a significant impact, sharing good news stories making a difference in thousands of people's lives.
Take a look at our trending #wineforgood stories:
- Compagniesdrift: Empowering women and the next generation: see HERE
- The Cape Wine Auction Trustees; wineland superheroes who have raised nearly R90m: see HERE and HERE
- A little mentorship goes a long way - Siwela Wines and Denzel Swarts: see HERE
- Pebbles Project Changing Lives since 2004: see HERE
- Bottled Education at Du Toitskloof Wines: see HERE
EDUCATION - a critical focus to change lives - we have highlighted just a few of these stories - from ECD to Adult education
- Hermanus - in the Hemel en Aarde there are 2 schools that we know of:
- Hamilton Russell started their preschool in 1996 and recently upgraded it - see more HERE
- Creation - working with The Pebbles Project just launched their new school - see HERE
- Breedekloof - Du Toitskloof was one of the first wineries in South Africa to be Fairtrade accredited, with each bottle generating an income which is managed by the workers - and spent on education for their children - see more HERE and HERE.
- Bonnievale - the Jakes Gerwel Technical High School, started by Philip Jonker of Weltevrede is making a significant difference to 1000+ children's education - view more HERE
- Across the winelands - from Vredendal to Orange River to Franschhoek - the Winetech Study groups expose Cellar Assistants to extended knowledge - see more HERE
- The Pinotage Youth Development Academy has already graduated 150+ Wine Tourism students, some of whom have really taken their roles seriously and making a difference at many wineries. Some are even travelling the world expanding their knowledge and work experience. wine.co.za launched an annual 12-month learnership program in 2018, and already their first candidate, Jamie-Lee Appolis is gaining valuable work experience in their Content Team - see more HERE
GENERAL UPLIFTMENT
- StreetSmartSA has been changing the lives of children at risk since 2005, now also in the winelands. wine.co.za is a proud supporter too: see more HERE
- The Distell Inter Hotel Challenge has been making a significant difference in the hospitality industry - see more HERE
EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN - Women have traditionally had a tough time in the wine industry.
- Drostdy Hof will be choosing a graduate from the Pinotage Youth Development Academy to be mentored for the next year - see HERE
- Compagniesdrift: Empowering women and the next generation: see HERE
- Kathy Jordan and PIWOSA Women in Wine Initiative have made a significant impact: see HERE
CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
- Painted Wolf Wines have contributed over R2m to African Wild Dog Conservation - read more HERE
- Remember Hank the Elephant? Balance Wines Bucks support Elephant Human Relations - see more HERE
- Backsberg has consistently worked on everything they do to minimise their impact on the environment - see more HERE
FOOD SECURITY
- Pebbles ensures that over 1500 healthy meals get to children daily so that they can concentrate on the business of getting educated. - see more HERE
- Spier, Woolworths and Sustainability Institute launch Living Soils Community Learning Farm - see more HERE
- The Nederburg Qhubeka #BicyclesChangeLives project providing bicycles as transport for gardeners to take their food to market - see more HERE
HEALTH
- The Pebbles Project provides a free Clinic which is stationed at Villiera wine farm and available to all who need it in the winelands - read more HERE
ART & LITERACY
- Distell's Fleur du Cap brand has been supporting the theatre world for over 50 years. Distell has also just launched the National Playwright Competition - read more HERE
- Leopard's Leap's Words for Wine campaign brings books to children - read more HERE
And these are just a select few of the many stories we have to tell - click on the image below or wineforgood.co.za to read more about all the good news stories from the South African Winelands.
If you have a story to share- please send to editor@wine.co.za
#wineforgood
