Winetech and AgriSETA bursaries

Winetech People Development is regarded as the industry organisation and commodity employer responsible for learning and development, skills development and career advancement in the wine industry. At Winetech we believe in creating a healthy learning culture that involves a supported career pathway for all.

We are therefore committed to investing in the youth and talent for future employees in our industry that continuously contribute to the South African GDP and a sustainable economy.

In 2021 Winetech applied for bursaries that are aligned with the South African priority scarce skills in agriculture at the Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority (AgriSETA). The AgriSETA creates opportunities within agri-enterprises via education, training and development.

They are responsible for the agricultural workforce’s skills development, by facilitating skills programmes, learnerships, adult education and training, in-service training, grants and bursaries. The AgriSETA is also responsible for accrediting training providers and monitoring their training standards to ensure a high level of quality education and training.

The process to identify possible bursary holders was aligned with a quality management system where applications were selected. The focus was on students enrolled for an accredited agricultural qualification that forms part of the AgriSETA priority skills list.

Our relationship as an industry organisation with the selected tertiary learning institutions is of quality standard, and we believe in uplifting and supporting the agricultural industry.

Bursary funds were allocated towards agricultural-related qualifications in viticulture and oenology (undergraduate or postgraduate), full-time or part-time students, and those who required funding for their tuition fees in order to complete their qualifications. A total value of R1.1 million was approved for post- and undergraduate studies in the wine industry.

The students received a sum of R39 750 for undergraduates and R63 600 for postgraduates that is allocated towards their tuition fees and textbooks for the academic year.

Feedback from bursary holders

Ryna Heyns (Elsenburg College)

“I grew up in George and matriculated at Hoërskool Outeniqua in 2020. At the beginning of 2021, I moved to Stellenbosch to study for a B.Agric degree through Stellenbosch University on the Elsenburg Agricultural Campus.

This year I am a second-year student specialising in viticulture and oenology. I have always had an interest in wine, because it is where chemistry and art come together.

The past year and a half of my studies and the huge practical component involved made me eager and excited to learn even more. I am looking forward to my final year when we will be working in the Elsenburg Cellar, making our own wine.

This strong practical component, alongside the theory, is aimed to make us well-balanced and prepare us for the wine industry. I was very excited when I got the news that Winetech will be financing my studies.

This is an amazing opportunity and I am very thankful for their assistance in helping me and other young aspiring winemakers enter the wine industry.”

Kediinametse Patricia Mothobi (Cape Peninsula University of Technology)

“My name is Kediinametse Patricia Mothobi, currently enrolled for M.Agric at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (Wellington Campus). I have a great passion for agriculture as it is my career choice and thus, I am enrolled to further my studies and enhance my knowledge in agriculture.

I believe that agriculture is broader than just planting crops and rearing animals, but it also entails science, it is an important sector in life and communities. I am a very hands-on and practical person, inquisitive when it comes to science.

I enjoy assisting others where possible, however, I also enjoy travelling and exploring the beauty of nature as I have studied travel and tourism, with extensive experience in the tourism industry and I am fascinated by the idea of agri-tourism.”

Berlia Roux (Stellenbosch University)

“It truly is a great honour to have received this bursary from Winetech/AgriSETA.

Their financial support gave me the opportunity to continue with my studies in a direction I am very excited and passionate about. I only realised my interest in the wine industry after my third year at Stellenbosch University and luckily my background (BSc Microbiology and Biotechnology) enabled me to enrol in an Honours degree in Wine Biotechnology.

After my honours year, I felt that there still was a lot to learn about the wine industry and I had the need to develop my love for wine analyses even more. Thanks to Winetech and AgriSETA, I received the necessary boost to my funding and was able to continue with an MSc degree in Wine Biotechnology.

I am currently working on a research project that looks into the effect of corks on wine development and I am enjoying every moment. I thank you and appreciate the major role you fulfil in the industry.”

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