South Africa Wine is excited to announce the appointment of Karin Kleinbooi as Executive Manager Transformation and Development, a newly created position within the South Africa Wine industry body which oversee all activities related to transformation and development in the South African industry. As an accomplished professional in agricultural development, Kleinbooi is dedicated to driving positive change, and brings with her a wealth of experience in sustainable agriculture.
Kleinbooi and her team will be responsible for driving impactful transformation in the wine and brandy industry value chain, advancing ownership and land reform, people, skills and social economic development including responsible consumption and provide an advisory service to members.
Kleinbooi has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Stellenbosch and completed an MPhil in Land and Agrarian Studies. She is passionate about sustainable practices and has accomplished skills in rural development. She started her career in research, moved on to work as a Social Auditor in the wine industry, after which she became an independent consultant on rural and agricultural development projects, global food systems and climate programmes before ending up as senior regional programme manager at Solidaridad Southern Africa.
“I am very honoured and excited to join the South Africa Wine team to realise our shared vision for the future of the wine and brandy industry in South Africa,” says Kleinbooi. “I extend my sincere gratitude to the board for entrusting me with this important role, and I am fully committed to making a positive and meaningful impact on the organisation and the broader industry. Embracing equity and diversity in the wine and brandy industry is not only about acknowledging historical imbalances, but also a moral imperative and the key to unlocking untapped potential and driving sustainable economic growth.
“As we build our industry to thrive, we position ourselves as responsible and progressive leaders in the global market, setting an example of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and socially conscious wine and brandy industry. It is not mere chance that we are at this junction. I believe we can elevate the industry and become a leading example for other sectors. I am looking forward to working towards transformation and proudly representing an industry that signifies a beacon of inclusivity and equity, that upholds a culture of meritocracy, and that reflects growth and prosperity among all in the industry.”
“We are excited to embark on a new journey of transformation and development with Karin as lead,” says Rico Basson, South Africa Wine CEO. “Successful transformation of the wine and brandy value chain is one of four strategic outcomes of the revised industry growth strategy, and I am positive that Karin will provide strategic leadership to the industry, forge new partnerships with Government and other stakeholders and ensure inclusive growth. We want to welcome her to the South Africa Wine family and wish her all the best in her new role.”
ISSUED BY
South Africa Wine
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Wanda Augustyn
Communications and Brand Manager: South Africa Wine
Tel: 021 276 0458
E-mail: wanda@sawine.co.za
