The Helderberg proudly boasts two pioneers in the South African wine industry who are taking remarkable strides in their field and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders while striving for greater heights!

Local pair Ken Forrester and Rydal Jeftha were among four outstanding industry role-players who were formally honoured at the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event earlier this year. The prestigious event is reportedly a strong tradition in the local wine industry, inspiring new levels of excellence in an inclusive way.

This year’s instalment celebrated the birth of South Africa’s wine industry 364 years ago while paying tribute to the four people of 2023 honoured who “have shown the way for future generations, unlocking their talents to ultimately leave a unique and proud legacy for South Africa.” They were honoured in four categories: Visionary Leadership, Growing Inclusivity, Wine Advancement, and Viti- and Viniculture.

The basin’s trailblazing duo clinched the first two title honours, Forrester honoured with the 1659 Visionary Leadership Award and Jeftha earning the recognition for Growing Inclusivity.

Others recognised in the aforementioned categories were Wendy Jonker (Wine Advancement) and Dr Erna Blancquaert (Viti- and Viniculture).

A visionary at the forefront of promoting local wines

Forrester, widely known as “Mr Chenin”, has profoundly enhanced the reputation of the South African Chenin Blanc cultivar. Over the years, his inspired work has resulted in sales growth and brought global renown to what is now regarded as the country’s de facto national white wine, a contribution which makes him a worthy recipient of one of the highest industry accolades.

“I do what I do, ‘grow grapes, make wine and have some fun’ – not always in this order – because I absolutely love what I do, truly,” Forrester said. “It is possible that someone may yet find out that I’ve barely worked a day in the last 30 years!” reckons Forrester when asked how he feels about his achievement, which was succeeded with yet another accolade, The Drinks Business Man of the Year, roped in at the London Wine Fair last month (May).

The flag-bearer for SA’s Chenin Blanc and CEO of Ken Forrester Wines claims that his success is testament to a “fantastic” team of individuals, many of whom have been at his side for 20 years with only one less than 10 years.

Forrester was born in Zambia but relocated to SA where he finished his schooling in Krugersdorp and celebrated an illustrious career in hospitality after obtaining his degree in hotel management from the Johannesburg Hotel School (now the University of Johannesburg). His winemaking profession was inspired by the opportunity to buy the historic Scholtzenhof Farm, which is located on the corner of Winery Road and the R44 in Raithby and where his love affair with the Chenin Blanc cultivar started.

“My wife Theresa and I decided to buy the completely abandoned, run-down property of 50 ha at auction in November 1993. Originally planted to vines in 1689, with the manor house (now home to the family) built in 1694. This was the dream – at last!”

Asked what initiatives he has pioneered and reaped fruits of, Forrester highlights his recent role as chairman of the Stellenbosch Wine Route for nearly 10 years and as one of the founding members of the Chenin Blanc Association, which has contributed to the wine’s global status and exponential financial growth.

As Forrester prepares to celebrate the milestone of 30 years in the wine industry next year, he reckons he’s hardly slowing down. “As we approach 30 years in the industry next year, I’m really keen to tap into the energy and intelligence of the younger generation so we’re considering a serious succession plan – promoting my loyal team who have all been with me for years and I’m looking very forward to watching them take this business on a constant growth path for the next 30 years.”

An inspirational leader passionate about future generations

Jeftha, who boasts 42 years’ experience in agriculture, including 20 years in the wine industry, is the worthy recipient of the Growing Inclusivity award – an “unexpected” achievement of which he is immensely proud and excited.

“The accolade is testament to never despising humble beginnings. Follow your passion diligently and deal appropriately with the ‘little foxes that spoil the vineyard’,” says Jeftha, who dutifully serves as Managing Director of Koopmanskloof Wines, a position he has held for the past 16 years.

The industry leader, who has clinched the award for “setting an inspirational example, paving the way for others by eliminating barriers, contributing to knowledge that others can use, and hones a generally positive impact on the image of the local wine industry”, is also the director of industry bodies such as South African Wine NPC, Vinpro and Wines of South Africa (WOSA).

Asked where and how his journey started, the Somerset West native and Strand resident calls it divine intervention. “I helped someone at my office about 20 years ago. He came back a few months later asking me if I would like to join the wine industry which at the time I knew nothing of,” he shared.

“I immediately prayed about it. A Bible verse suddenly popped into mind and I looked it up on the computer which took me to the 1953 Afrikaans translation. The verse was (Song of Solomon) Hooglied 2 verse 4. It stated ‘Ek lei jou in die Wynhuis in en My vaandel oor jou is Liefde’. The wine brand I had to head-up was Thandi, which means love. The decision was confirmed and I took the leap of faith.”

Thandi Wines is South Africa’s first truly broad-based BEE wine company and also the biggest black-owned exporting wine company. Under Jeftha’s leadership, Thandi’s sales grew from 500 cases to 42 000 cases in just two years. Managing Thandi Wines as well as the biggest private wine farm in the Stellenbosch region which boasts 420 ha of vineyards, operates a cellar producing 2.5 million litres per vintage and embraces fairtrade, are among achievements Jeftha is proud to highlight. Other career successes include having produced the first Fairtrade International certified wines in the world and also the first International Gold Medal in this lucrative category.

With his wealth of experience and leadership qualities Jeftha hopes to mentor and transfer skills to aspirant youth while guiding them through the challenging and highly competitive wine industry.

Jeftha, who loves nature travelling and people and is a naturally passionate person, prides himself in his roots. He attended Dr GJ Joubert Primary School in Strand and completed his Standard 6 at Gordon High School in Somerset West before matriculating at Livingstone High School in 1977. He boasts a Management Diploma from Stellenbosch University Business School and a Purchasing Certificate from Purchasing Institute of South Africa. “I strive to improve on things and leave it better than I found it.”

Asked what’s next, Jeftha says: “I’m not sure to be honest. We live in uncertain times, and nothing is easy. First drought, then Covid, now load shedding and who knows what’s next. I will, however, be available to inspire and build resilience in our industry and leave a legacy that our children can learn from and emulate.”