The South African wine industry transformation unit (SAWITU) has appointed Wendy Petersen in the position of operations manager from Friday February 1.
The SAWITU is a collective, inclusive, independent and representative forum of relevant wine industry structures to facilitate transformation in the sector, aligned to the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) guidelines.
It advances transformation through economic development, skills development and training, as well as social development.
The organisation’s main objective is to promote equitable access and participation of black-owned businesses within the wine value chain.
Ms Petersen, who was previously manager of international projects at Wines of South Africa, has more than 25 years’ experience in the wine industry.
“I am honoured and privileged to be bestowed the title of transformation operations manager for the South African wine industry. Transformation has become a word that South Africans dread and find the task to transform and change daunting.
“I would like to encourage the wine industry to embrace this change and focus on the opportunities and possibilities that
can be achieved if we get this right.”
The SAWITU values empowerment through independence, growth and accountability and believes that integrity, excellence and partnerships are key drivers to advance transformation in the wine industry.
SAWITU said her appointment as operations manager will give further impetus to these values, and her drive and passion for the industry will add momentum to the progressive work that has been done by the SAWITU over the last three years.
Joyene Isaacs, chairperson of the SAWITU welcomed Ms Petersen to the organisation and believes she is the right candidate to take the transformation agenda to a next level.
“We wish her well in the endeavours of building and developing the businesses and to change the wine industry to the benefit of all.”
