On Thursday I had the pleasure of lunching with Hermanuspietersfontein ‘Creative Maverick’ Gerrie Heyneke and his assistant Anika de Goede, at the colourful The Stack. They introduced me to their Kaalvoet Meisie Sauvignon Blanc 2015, and shared details of the exciting transformation lying ahead for the winery, which was established eleven years ago. Continue reading →
Tag Archives: Marthinus van Schalkwyk
WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 2/3 August
Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* Robert Redford has been spotted in Cape Town and Franschhoek, and visited Cape Point Vineyards twice in three days earlier this week, writing in their Guest Book: ‘A calm elegance with good food and good wine and no hangover’. He visited the Appelbaums at De Morgenzon today.
* In a poorly written article, with words omitted and typing errors in the headline, News24 has reported that new Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom has appointed Zwelibanzi Mntambo as the new Chairman of SA Tourism, after the sudden resignation of former Chairman Frank Kilbourn. There is no indication in the article as to the Tourism link of Mr Mntambo. A Google search shows that no person by this name has business interests in Tourism, but that he was appointed by former Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk as Deputy Chairman of SA Tourism two years ago!
* Jordan has won the first Novare Trophy for Top Terroir Producer, out of 276 wines entered, in addition to winning three national awards for its Chenin Blanc 2013, Sauvignon Blanc 2013, and Chameleon 2013, as well as a Top 5 Estate Wine category Continue reading →
New Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom ignores Immigration Regulation impact on Tourism!
It is disappointing that new Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom did not address this country’s most burning tourism issue, namely the changed Immigration Regulations, in his first official communication to the industry in the latest SA Tourism newsletter. Instead he deals with transformation of the industry.
The Minister’s maiden speech shared his goals to ‘grow tourism at local government level, and to identify growth opportunities‘. Transformation will be addressed at grass roots level, and will focus on rural tourist attractions receiving more support, getting local communities more involved in tourism initiatives, and enhancing financial resources of local communities.
The Minister is active on Social Media, which was not visible from his predecessor Marthinus van Schalkwyk. Minister Hanekom Tweeted ‘Must say, this beautiful South Africa of ours is a great product to sell. Let’s do it together!’! Van Schalkwyk promised a smooth transition to the new Minister. The Department of Tourism Director General Ambassador Kingsley Makhubela said ‘We look forward to taking tourism to new levels under Minister Hanekom’s guidance’. Continue reading →
WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 27 May
Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* The Tourism Business Council of South Africa has welcomed the appointment of new Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom, and has thanked the former Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk for his contribution to growing the Tourism industry in his ten year tenure. Minister Hanekom previously served as Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs, and most recently as Minister of Science and Technology. (received via media release from the Tourism Business Council of South Africa)
* South Africa is against an Africa Tourism Tax, the Ministry of Tourism has stated, deeming it to be an ‘unworkable plan’. Taxes are country-specific and cannot be levied across the continent, the department said. Last week the African Union called for a tourism levy on flights and accommodation, which has also been opposed by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. IATA has added its voice, saying that the proposed taxes would make travel within Africa even more expensive.
* SA Tourism has admitted that the number of visitors to Indaba earlier this month had declined Continue reading →