In the latest issue of Stellenbosch Visio, we bring you the freshest news and reviews as winter settles over the City of Oaks.
New Leadership for Sauvignon Blanc South Africa
On International Women’s Day, Elunda Basson was appointed chairperson of Sauvignon Blanc South Africa, ushering in a new era for the organisation and the cultivar. As cellar master at Steenberg Vineyards since 2019, she has bolstered Constantia’s reputation for premium Sauvignon Blanc. With a background in Cap Classique and experience at Nederburg and Pongrácz, Elunda brings deep expertise to her new role.
Her vision includes driving innovation, celebrating regional diversity, and boosting the cultivar’s global profile. She succeeds RJ Botha, whose leadership helped raise international awareness. Elunda also acknowledged trailblazer Erika Obermeyer and the growing role of women in the industry. Dr Carien Coetzee will join as convenor of the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 competition this year, further affirming women’s leadership in this vibrant sector.
Babylonstoren and The Newt present a Karoo Succulent Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
For the first time at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Babylonstoren and its sister estate, The Newt in Somerset, UK, showcased an authentic Karoo succulent garden from 20 to 24 May 2025. This stunning installation, designed by Katie Lewis of The Newt, and Ernst van Jaarsveld and Cornell Beukes of Babylonstoren, featured South Africa’s indigenous succulents from the Karoo, set amid rock formations reminiscent of their natural habitat.
The garden comprised six key areas, showcasing plants from Namaqualand
to the Eastern Cape, and offered visitors interactive experiences like water-spouting wildlife and a ‘rock piano’.
Emphasising water-wise plants and their resilience in harsh environments, it highlighted the beauty and importance of these succulents, especially in the face of climate change. After the show, the garden was relocated to The Newt as a permanent display.
Together, Babylonstoren and The Newt aim to inspire and educate visitors about sustainable gardening and water-wise practices.
New Leadership for Visit Stellenbosch
Visit Stellenbosch has appointed Annemie Liebenberg as its new chief executive officer.
With over 17 years of experience in strategic tourism marketing, Annemie has played a key role in shaping South Africa’s top travel destinations. She previously held leadership positions at the V&A Waterfront and the City of Cape Town, where she spearheaded the city’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy.
As Stellenbosch strengthens its position as a world-class destination, Annemie’s expertise in sustainable tourism and stakeholder collaboration will be instrumental in driving the region’s growth.
Imibala Trust raises R14 Million for Youth Empowerment
Imibala Trust, a South African NPO dedicated to supporting underprivileged children for over two decades, offers programmes that encourage creativity, critical thinking and self-expression. Its flagship Sponsor-a-Child initiative, along with arts programmes like drama, pottery, music and ballet, empowers young minds and provides opportunities that many would not otherwise have access to.
At its third annual gala at the Vergelegen Wine Estate in February, Imibala raised more than R13 million to further its mission, with 300 guests coming together to support South Africa’s youth.
The evening featured performances by Ronan Keating and Mike Rutherford of Mike and the Mechanics, as well as a live auction of exclusive items, including a bespoke Panerai watch and tickets to the South Africa vs England One-day International at Lord’s.
A highlight of the night was a moving speech from former Imibala student Benathi Xaki, who shared her inspiring journey from a disadvantaged background to securing an internship at a Michelin- starred restaurant in Germany. All proceeds from the event go directly to supporting Imibala’s initiatives for children in need.
A Tribute to Nature and Wildlife
Ardmore’s new Phinda Pride scarf celebrates the vibrant beauty of KwaZulu-Natal’s Phinda Private Game Reserve. Inspired by the region’s rich wildlife and lush landscapes, the design features deep reds and purples, reflecting local fauna like the red duiker and purple-crested turaco.
Crafted from fine silk, the scarf embodies the spirit of Phinda’s lion prides and the African philosophy of ubuntu, symbolising unity and interconnectedness. More than just an accessory, it’s a wearable piece of art that connects its wearer to the heart of Africa’s wilderness.
Light Art at Spier
Spier Light Art returned for its seventh edition, transforming the historic wine farm into a glowing wonderland from 21 March to 21 April 2025. The exhibition featured 16 large-scale, site-specific installations, inviting visitors to wander the grounds after dark and engage with thought-provoking works that explore themes of surveillance, colonial memory and the power of light as both protector and provocateur.
Among this year’s highlights were Swiss artist Sophie Guyot’s text-based installation, created in collaboration with Spier’s agricultural team, and Florian Bach’s striking floodlight intervention, which questioned the role of light in social control. From interactive pieces that responded to movement, to haunting projections evoking the farm’s layered history, the exhibition once again showcased the transformative potential of light art.
Spier Light Art continues to push creative boundaries while remaining free to the public. The 2025 edition reaffirmed Spier’s commitment to fostering contemporary art in the Global South, leaving visitors with a renewed sense of wonder and reflection long after the lights dimmed.
Danie du Toit: Die Wêreld Tussen Ons
Alombekende Stellenbosse digter en hoofsanger van die musiekgroep Spoegwolf, Danie du Toit, het onlangs sy jongste digbundel bekend gestel. Die wêreld tussen ons is Danie se vyfde digbundel en volg ná Nuwe Noord, wat verlede jaar bekendgestel is.
“Die wêreld tussen ons gaan oor die hele wêreld tussen my en my seun,” sê Danie. “Al die goed wat tussen ons gebeur.”
Danie voeg by dat sy jongste bundel gedigte oor sy huis, sy gesin, en al die planne wat hulle maak, handel. Bestel hier.
Bergzicht Training Celebrates 33 Years
Bergzicht Training and Development recently celebrated its 33rd anniversary with a special event honouring its founder, Cecile Kotze, while also unveiling newly renovated training facilities. Thanks to funding from Stellenbosch Municipality, the upgrades ensure a modern, well-equipped learning environment for students pursuing careers in hospitality, healthcare and early childhood development.
Bergzicht CEO Renske Minnaar welcomed guests, including Stellenbosch Municipality representatives Councillor Lwando Nkamisa and Councillor Tammy Kumm, along with Cecile’s family and key contributors to the renovation project. A heartfelt tribute was paid to Cecile, whose vision in 1992 laid the foundation for Bergzicht’s ongoing success in vocational training.
Adding to the celebrations, the Hanns Seidel Foundation announced new funding for the development of a training kitchen, reinforcing its long-standing support of Bergzicht.
Attendees also enjoyed a violin performance by staff member Monique Pretorius, setting the tone for a memorable event.
“These upgrades will ensure that our students are trained in a modern, well- equipped environment, preparing them for successful careers,” said Kathy Harris, chair of the Bergzicht Board. With a legacy of empowering individuals through skills development, Bergzicht looks ahead to many more years of growth and impact.
SEEBAMBOES: A Bold New Take on ‘Surf and Turf’
Seebamboes, the new culinary venture from Anouchka Horn and Neil Swart, opened above their seafood-focused restaurant Galjoen in Cape Town. In collaboration with chef Adél Hughes and artist Liebet Jooste, the tasting menu offers a fresh, playful twist on ‘surf and turf,’ highlighting South Africa’s coastal and veld ingredients. The intimate mezzanine setting reflects the connection
between land and sea, with a focus on local sourcing and sustainability. The tasting
menu surprises and delights, with creative pairings like kelp spaghetti with exotic mushrooms and wagyu brisket, snoek mousse with biltong powder, and venison tataki with veldkool. Seebamboes promises an ever-evolving dining experience that blends creativity, flavour and ethical sourcing into a memorable culinary journey.
Future Football Stars to Shine in the Curro Halala Cup
The inaugural Curro Halala Cup, which launched in April 2025, brings together 64 of South Africa’s top under-19 school football teams, all competing for the R100 000 grand prize. This prestigious tournament provides a platform for emerging football talent to shine and potentially secure professional contracts.
The competition is inspired by Curro Northern Academy’s victory at the 2024 Kay Motsepe Schools Championships and aims to elevate school football across South Africa.
Teams are to compete in regional knockout rounds throughout April and May 2025, with the top 16 advancing to the national finals in August 2025 at HeronBridge College, Johannesburg. Schools such as Clapham High School, Durban High School, Westville Boys’ High School, Paul Roos Gymnasium, Grey College, and Krugersdorp High School, are among the contenders.
The Curro Halala Cup is set to become a key event in South Africa’s football calendar, offering young players the opportunity to showcase their skills and make their mark on the national stage.
The Botterblom Collection by Frances VH Mohair Studio at Strauss & Co
In February, Strauss & Co hosted the online auction of the highly anticipated Botterblom Collection by Frances vH Mohair Studio. This exceptional collection of handwoven tapestries, crafted by artisans of the Frances vH Mohair Studio, drew inspiration from the Karoo’s landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of its communities, beautifully blending traditional techniques with contemporary African artistry.
The Botterblom Collection was showcased alongside Woven Legacies: Celebrating African Artistry, an annual auction that celebrates Africa’s evolving craftsmanship. A portion of the proceeds from the sale supported a fund dedicated to empowering women artisans and ensuring the sustainability of their craft.
Collectors were also invited to visit Strauss & Co’s Woodstock offices in Cape Town to view both collections, with a special walkabout by Frances van Hasselt and a screening of a film documenting the making of the Botterblom Collection.
Raise a Glass to Pinotage: Wine Town Stellenbosch 2025 is here!
Wine Town Stellenbosch returns from 26 July to 3 August 2025 for nine days of unforgettable wine experiences. This year’s highlight? A grand toast to 100 years of Pinotage!
Explore tastings, dinners, and events across the region, culminating in the vibrant Stellenbosch Wine Festival on 2–3 August. Sip over 200 wines from 60 top producers and indulge in a harvest table feast by chefs Bertus Basson and Adel Grewar. It’s Stellenbosch’s biggest wine celebration – don’t miss it!
More information closer to the time at winetown.co.za.
Winelands Guide’s Fireplace Wine Tour
Experience the Cape Winelands like never before with a bespoke private tour through Franschhoek, Stellenbosch or Paarl curated by Winelands Guide. This scenic journey takes you through lush valleys and dramatic mountains, visiting top-tier wine estates renowned for their fine wines and rich history.
Your tour is fully customised to your wine preferences, ensuring a curated selection of tastings that suit your palate. On cooler days, Winelands Guide hand-picks cosy tasting rooms with warm indoor seating and crackling fireplaces, creating the perfect ambience to savour world-class wines.
For those interested, a behind-the-scenes cellar tour can be arranged on request. For bookings and inquiries, email info@winelandsguide.com or call/WhatsApp +27 73 191 6962.