Seasons in the sun: Editor Francé Beyers reflects on the highlights of our latest issue while looking at the road ahead.
As autumn turns Stellenbosch into a landscape of gold, burnished copper and amber, so the Stellenbosch Triennale is transforming our historical town into a living, breathing art scene. Open yourself up to a powerful blast from the future as invited artists interpret the compelling theme, ‘Ba’zinzile: A Rehearsal for Breathing’. On p. 30 Dr Mike Mavura, assistant curator of the Stellenbosch Triennale, shares the thinking behind one of the most exciting art events on the continent.
Another world-class institution gracing our town is STIAS, Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Studies, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Jean Meiring spoke to founding director Dr Bernard Lategan and current director Dr Edward Kirumira for an overview of the Institute’s remarkable achievements (p.108).
We’re also thrilled to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Pinotage and to pay tribute to this exceptional home-grown grape variety through the words of top wine writer Emile Joubert (p.78).
At Stellenbosch Visio, we love infusing the pages with a sense of adventure – and in this issue, it is linked to a deep connection with nature. Our journalists hiked their favourite trails and share their experiences of the Samara Cheetah Trail in the Karoo (p. 90), the De Hoop Vlei to Whales Trail (p. 94), and the Fynbos Trail (p. 98).
I can vouch for them too. Most recently, I had the opportunity to hike the Leopard Trail in Samara – without a doubt, the most idyllic four days I have ever spent in the wild.
I will be moving into a new role, focusing more strategically while providing editorial oversight. I am looking forward to this new season in my life, developing my ceramics skills, spending time with my husband and family, especially the grandchildren, and, of course, travelling!
I know I am leaving Stellenbosch Visio in the best of hands. Nelia Andrag has joined as the new editor and will take the reins from the Winter 2025 issue onwards.
Nelia, a long-time resident of Stellenbosch, has extensive experience in the media world. Her vision for Stellenbosch Visio is to keep telling stories of hope and inspiration. As an artist herself, she will bring a distinctive style to the magazine; we are privileged to have someone like her taking the magazine into the future.
Hiermee groet ek, met ’n laaste dankwoord aan ons getroue lesers en adverteerders. Dit was vir my ’n voorreg om van diens te wees.
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