The Billy Hofmeyr SETA Bursary Programme provides students with financial support during their final year of study, after which they can apply for the Guild's three year Protégé Programme.
This year's bursary recipients include three Western Cape students, Kiara Jade Scott, Clayton Christians and Danielle Jacobs, and Mahalia Matshete from Gauteng.
Scott who comes from Strandfontein, Mitchells Plain, has always been passionate about wine from a young age and loves how nature and man can work together to make a great and yet diverse product: "I am a very inquisitive person and will always aspire to do and know more. I believe I can bring new and innovative ideas to the wine industry while preserving its simplicity and authenticity." She hopes to work with some of the best winemakers in the industry and to travel abroad to experience harvests in different wine making regions of the world.
With a strong work ethic and a drive for success, Christians of Cloetesville, Stellenbosch, would like to become a winemaker at a well-respected wine estate. "I would like to be able to craft and produce quality wines, invent new methods of improving wine quality, aromas, longevity and make it possible for consumers not only to enjoy a world class wine, but enjoy a wine that will suit their budget."
Jacobs, who hails from Kleinbron Park, Brackenfell, aims to set herself apart from the rest in the winemaking industry. "My goal is also to be in a position where I am able to educate other young, aspiring winemakers." With previous work experience in the industry and an enthusiasm for winemaking, she wants to develop her own style of wine with the knowledge that she gains through her studies.
Born and raised in the dusty streets of Vosloorus, a township in the East Rand, Matshete has always wanted to work outdoors with nature and have a career that blends chemistry, microbiology and horticulture. Winemaking was the perfect fit for her, as she understands the importance of dedication, determination and hard work. She dreams of becoming one of South Africa's leading female winemakers: "I want my contributions to the wine industry to help South Africa continue to be a world class wine producing country."
Students interested in applying for the Protégé Programme should go to www.capewinemakersguild.com.
