Yvette van der Merwe has been elected President of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine at the 22nd OIV General Assembly in Dijon, France, on 18 October 2024. Photo: Baptiste Paquot
The South African wine industry celebrates a historic moment as Yvette van der Merwe, executive manager of South Africa Wine Industry Information and Systems (SAWIS), is appointed as the president of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). She is the first female from Africa to hold this prestigious position since the organisation's inception in 1924.
With a career spanning nearly three decades in the South African wine sector, Van der Merwe brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Her instrumental role in shaping the industry's trajectory, including serving as the president of the Economy and Law Commission at the OIV and executive manager of SAWIS, is a testament to her dedication.
"Yvette van der Merwe’s appointment as president of the OIV is a momentous occasion for her and a proud milestone for the entire South African wine industry," says Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine. "Her unwavering dedication and unparalleled expertise have long been recognised within our community, and her elevation to this esteemed position reinforces the depth of talent and leadership within our ranks. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Yvette. We are confident that her visionary leadership will further elevate the global wine industry while inspiring future generations of wine professionals in Africa and beyond."
Van der Merwe’s remarkable journey in the wine industry began in 1996, and her contributions have been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives to enhance the industry's global competitiveness and sustainability. She played a crucial role in developing the Wine Industry 2020 strategic document, which laid the foundation for a world-class business intelligence system and ensured the industry’s continued growth on the international stage.
As president of Commission III on Economy and Law at the OIV, Van der Merwe has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing scientific and technical cooperation within the global wine community. Her appointment as president of the OIV is a testament to her outstanding contributions and commitment to excellence.
The significance of Van der Merwe’s appointment is further underscored by its coincidental timing with the OIV's centennial celebrations. The elections, held today in Dijon, France, mark a historic moment in the organisation's 100-year history. Her leadership will usher in a new era of innovation and collaboration.
Speaking about her appointment, Van der Merwe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president of the OIV. She reaffirmed her pledge to continue championing the organisation's mission of promoting scientific research, technical cooperation, and sustainable development in the global wine industry, instilling confidence in the industry's future.
“Being elected as OIV president is both an honour and a responsibility, which I am prepared to embrace with dedication and enthusiasm,” she says. “I recognise the global challenges facing the wine industry and am committed to addressing them through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices. Additionally, I pledge to support the successful execution of the OIV’s newly adopted strategic plan.”
The South African wine industry congratulates Yvette van der Merwe on this landmark achievement. It looks forward to her leadership in advancing the interests of the global wine community.
South Africa Wine also extends our heartfelt thanks to Minister Naledi Pandor from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and Minister Thoko Didiza from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, who were both serving as Ministers at the time, for their unwavering support of Van der Merwe's candidacy and nomination for the position of OIV president. Their steadfast support from these two Departments made it possible for her to achieve this significant accomplishment.