Boland Kelder takes first step RAY SMUTS BOLAND VINEYARDS International of Paarl and Boland Basadi Investments (BBI) have entered into a black empowerment venture that reflects the increasing involvement of women in the once predominantly male fruit and wine sectors. In terms of the agreement, BBI will buy a 26% stake in a marketing, strategy and service company wholly-owned by Boland while 10% of remaining shares will be allocated to a worker’s trust beneficiary owned by Boland cellar workers. This represents the first stage of a comprehensive programme by Boland Vineyards International, trading as Boland Kelder, to involve women at as many levels as possible in the wine value chain. “We wanted to develop this initiative at various levels, from grape production to winemaking, bottling and labelling to marketing and distribution,” said Boland chairman Jannie le Roux. Dr Namane Magau, president of the Association of Businesswomen and a former SABC director, and Dr Thandi Ndlovu, who owns a construction company, are two of the seven “very influential” businesswomen with an interest in BBI. l FTW reported recently that Capespan subsidiary Fresh Produce Terminals had sold a 26% stake to Nozala, an all-female BEE enterprise, for R104 million.
