Professor Thuli Madonsela of Stellenbosch University is globally renowned for her social justice work – but not everyone knows that this inspiring South African also has an exquisite rose named after her.
The blooming good news is that visitors to Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West will be able to view the beautiful pink and white, hybrid tea-shaped roses in the wine estate’s rose garden this summer.
“We were greatly honoured this Women’s Month (August 6) when Professor Madonsela personally planted her namesake rose at the estate,” says Vergelegen managing director, Wayne Coetzer.
“Vergelegen has long been associated with powerful, visionary women, such as former owner Lady Florence Philips, who was a great social reformer and patron of the arts. We are delighted to now have a Thuli Madonsela rose in our collection,” said Mr Coetzer.
Vergelegen’s rose garden was revamped in 2016 in a horticultural undertaking involving 1200 tonnes of virgin soil, 90 tonnes of peach pips, 40 tonnes of compost and 1500 new roses.
The Thuli Madonsela rose is the latest addition to an extensive collection of over 80 types of roses.
Like Professor Madonsela, her rose is beautiful and vigorous, with strong roots, and able to thrive even in a stressful environment.
Anja Taschner, director of Ludwig’s Roses, which bred and named the rose after Professor Madonsela when she was appointed professor of law at Stellenbosch University, said: “Thuli Madonsela is a woman of great character, a woman who for South Africa symbolises what the Lady Justice stands for.
“With this rose we honour all who take a stand for what is morally correct, we honour Professor Madonsela for her achievements and give her the nobility of the rose to continue her pursuits.”
This beautiful rose can
be ordered from Ludwig’s
Roses.
A portion of sales is donated to Professor Madonsela’s Thuma foundation, founded to deepen and defend democracy and the rule of law.