I met Mapaseka "Maps" Litabe (@winehunt.sa) while she was doing her Honours in Wine Biothechnology at Stellenbosch University. She had invited me to speak to her class about wine.co.za, just an indication of how she always was trying to learn more about wine. She was such a bright energetic beam of sunshine and I personally enjoyed spending time with her.
She worked for a number of years in the pharmaceutical field as a sales representatives at Adcock Ingram before returning to academics to study her passion at Stellenbosch University.
She was always very enthusiastic about wine and the industry and was excited to take up her Wine Hunt SA wine club, which we set up and managed for her.
Maps passed away last week from kidney failure and our team will certainly miss her bright smile and energy.
Our thoughts are with her partner and daughter in this very difficult time.
Ina Smith, the queen of Chenin Blanc, has very fond memories of Maps:
I met Maps a few years ago in Cape Town at a Chenin Blanc Association event. She sat in the front row, and I could see her interest in the presentation. I introduced myself, and a wonderful friendship and mentorship started. At that stage, she was working as a medical representative. We kept in touch, and when she visited an area, for example, Worcester, she would call me and ask which winery she could visit during her lunchtime!
With her interest in wine progressing, she applied for her BSc Hons in Wine Biotechnology at Stellenbosch University, where she graduated in March of this year with a distinction in Wine Marketing.
During this time, I met up regularly with her in Stellenbosch to have lunch and discuss life and plans. It was not an easy journey; she struggled with health issues, but she persevered and always remained positive, and it was such a highlight to attend her graduation.
I was amazed and so proud of her accomplishments over the past few years, taking the plunge to leave a full-time job to further her studies and interest in wine, founding WineHunt SA, planning podcasts, and collaborating with wineries. She also planned to continue her studies and enrol for a Master's degree next year.
Maps achieved so much in her short life searched for opportunities, and immersed herself in the beautiful world of wine. I will miss you, my friend.
Celebration of life event for Maps
Ina is hosting an intimate celebration of life event for Maps and invites anyone that's interested to join them for a glass of Chenin Blanc on Tuesday, 24 September.
Bring stories and memories.
Venue: Ken Forrester Wines, corner of R44 and Winery Road
Date: Tuesday, 24 September 2024
Time: 11h00 - 14h00
RSVP: Contact Ina Smith at 0824674331 or ina.smith.chenin@gmail.com.