This year's Ubuntu Challenge by South African Sommeliers Association (SASA), in partnership with the Stellenbosch Wine Routes and Sommeliers Academy, will see the most epic battle between sommeliers from South Africa and Zimbabwe.
South Africa will be fronting seven candidates in the semi-final of which three will go head-to-head with their Zimbabwean counterparts to see who will take the honors.
This is the third edition of the Ubuntu challenge and each team has won it once. It's all to play for, who will be crowned champions this year?
The South African team to compete this year are (A-Z):
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Duane Jansen, head sommelier at Dusk Restaurant in Stellenbosch
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George Young, sommelier at Oldenburg Vineyards in Stellenbosch
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Itumeleng Mohale, sommelier at Simonsig Wine Estate in Stellenbosch
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Janine van Zyl, New World account executive at First Pour
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Nothando Snethemba Minenhle Khuzwayo, sommelier at Zimbali Lodge
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Sanelisiwe Lusanda Damawe, sommelier at Oldenburg Vineyards in Stellenbosch
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Stefan Reinmuth, head sommelier at Oldenburg Vineyards in Stellenbosch
These seven candidates will compete on 5 December at the beautiful Lanzerac Wine Estate for the title of Ubuntu Champions.
Spencer Fondaumiere, chairperson of SASA says, “It is great to see how this competition has grown in the last three years. It is all done in very good spirit and we are developing a healthy rivalry with our neighbours. I am excited to see if we get to keep the trophy this year”
For more information please contact us at info@sommeliers.org.za
Ubuntu Trophy competition & awards ceremony 2022
The Ubuntu Trophy Competition is back for the third time, and it is not to be missed in this battle between team South African Sommeliers Association (SASA) and team Sommeliers Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ). Who will win this time? Each country already has one win each!
During the Ubuntu Competition, there will be a ceremony for all the students who have passed the SASA Introductory and Junior Sommelier exam. Please join us for this joyous time in congratulating all the students who have passed.
For more information, please email info@sommeliers.org.za