“They didn’t make space for us at their table. So, we built our own—and now everyone’s asking for a seat.”

Beverly Farmer-Kotze is a 54-year-old trailblazer in South Africa’s wine industry and the CEO of Women in Wine—the first wine production company in the country to be entirely owned, led, and managed by women. Born and raised in Paarl, a town in the heart of South Africa’s wine-producing region, Beverly began her career in public relations and communications at a major wine corporation. Witnessing persistent inequalities in the wine sector—particularly affecting Black women and farmworkers—she co-founded Women in Wine in August 2003 with 19 other women. Through bold partnerships and innovative business strategies, Beverly has led the brand to success both locally and internationally, all while advocating for transformation in an industry historically marked by racial and gender exclusion

Website: https://womeninwine.co.za/

https://gracamacheltrust.org

“Every seed I plant is a protest. A protest against hunger, against inequality, against a system that forgot its people.”

Tandiswa Hopa, affectionately known as Tandi, is a 50-year-old organic farmer, community activist, and founder of Green Riverbend Programs, based in the rural Eastern Cape, South Africa. With 17 years of experience as a community development specialist, Tandi transitioned into full-time farming in 2016, driven by her passion for food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture. Starting with no formal funding but strong family support, she and her husband purchased 44-hectares of virgin land along a riverbend, where she established a thriving vegetable, poultry, and agro-processing enterprise.

Tandi mentors women and youth, training them in organic farming techniques and market access strategies while leading a food hub that enables farmers to set fair prices. She is also a passionate advocate for just food systems, climate adaptation, and women’s leadership in agriculture.

Website: https://www.riverbendvk.co.za/

https://gracamacheltrust.org

“This is bigger than me. This is about women being seen and respected as builders of wealth and custodians of culture.”

Kwanele Nyawo is the co-founder and co-owner of Kunu Fine Wine, a boutique wine brand based in Paarl, Western Cape. At 39 years old, she has already made a meaningful mark in South Africa’s wine landscape. In 2021, she co-founded both Khulu Fine Wine and Mzansi Craft Wine, with the full startup investment funded by her business partner, who also serves as co-founder. Originally from Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, Kwanele’s journey into the wine industry reflects her passion for innovation, representation, and access. She is a committed advocate for inclusion of women in the farming sector, particularly within the wine industry, where she actively champions opportunities, visibility, and recognition for women across the value chain.

Website: https://khululuxury.com/

https://gracamacheltrust.org