THE MAN WHO PROVED THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
The ultimate, inspirational story
You know those kinds of stories that bring a tear to your eye because they’re so incredibly inspiring and beautiful?
Well, if, like me, these are the kinds of stories that warm your heart and set your soul on fire, then you’ll certainly want to hear the story of Paul Siguqa.
Paul is the owner of a boutique wine farm in South Africa. And not just any wine farm. The first black owned wine farm in Franschhoek, one of South Africa’s premier winelands.
Considering the troubling race issues in South Africa, you may already begin to understand what a feat this has been for him. But when you hear his story, you’ll likely not only be impressed by his success but also inspired by his sheer determination and ability to push through challenges with a concrete level of belief.
This is certainly a story of triumph. It is also a strong story of belief and perseverance.
For anybody searching for inspiration to break your boundaries, or an invitation to reach for your dreams: This story is for you.
The story of Paul Siguqa: The first black owner of a wine farm in Franschhoek
Paul’s beginnings were humble. Growing up on a farm, he was the son of a farm labourer, and to many, because of this, it may have seemed like his fate was already set. But not to Paul. And not to his mother.
See Nomaroma was both a dreamer and a believer, and she had already decided that she would be the last farm labourer in the family.
She had always encouraged Paul to strive for more, and Paul was inspired by her incredible spirit.
Paul recounted his mother’s admiration for education and her strong focus on it throughout his upbringing. Lucky enough to work with an inspirational winemaker who taught her everything she needed to know about making Méthode Cap Classique (a South African sparkling wine), she encouraged Paul consistently to place a high value on education.
And though his studies took him far—to a prestigious job for Media 24 and running his own business in Johannesburg—Paul had always dreamed of returning to the winelands and was actively saving to buy a farm of his own.
Winning through sheer determination
At times, it seemed impossible. No matter how hard he saved, he just couldn’t afford the land that he wanted. His sights were set high after all; he had decided that he wanted to buy in Franschhoek valley, some of the most expensive agricultural land in the country.
But after many years of saving, his opportunity came along. He found a dilapidated farm called Klein Goederust, a farm that nobody else had wanted to buy due to the terrible state that it was in.
And as a man motivated by his own sheer determination, Paul was ready to take on the challenge.
So in 2019, he officially became the owner of Klein Goederust, and he began the sensational work of transforming this run-down farm into the elegant boutique wine farm that it is today.
This was by no means an easy feat. But he thanks the support that he had from those around him, mainly his childhood best friend and winemaker Rodney Zimba, his wife, style guide and supporter Khosi Zwani-Siguqa, and his next-door neighbour and prestigious wine farm CEO Hein Koegelenberg of La Motte, all of whom not only believed in his ideas but supported him through this epic journey of transformation.
Where Klein Goederust is today
These days, the old Klein Goederust is unrecognisable.
Buildings have been lovingly restored, once-diseased vineyards have been replanted and rebirthed, and rather than a local crime hotspot with no fencing, sits an elegant, boutique wine farm with a story that has the potential to inspire many others to reach for their dreams.
In fact, Paul himself says, ‘“Doing my little bit to change the narrative is my biggest achievement.’’ And connecting with and involving the local community is very important to him.
He likes to hire from the local township and community, giving people their own chance to excel, and he prides himself and his farm on the people that they have working there with them.
Among these special people, an example is a lady called ‘Aunty Linda’, an old friend and fellow farm labourer who always had dreams of becoming a chef. Known for her delicious food, Paul was keen to have her on board, even enticing her out of retirement to design an innovative menu full of local flavours that differs from anything else that you would find in the area.
So with a small and selective production of wine, an enticing menu that delights the taste buds, and both a design and feeling that captures the beauty of Paul and Khosi’s undeniably epic adventure, Klein Goederust is now one of the premier options in the Franshhoek valley, just like Paul has always dreamed of. He can now proudly declare that he is a first-generation wine farm owner. And as for his mother, Nomaroma? Her name will live on in honour in the form of their top wine: Nomaroma MCC.
Do you feel inspired by Paul’s incredible story?
And would you like to support businesses like his whilst on your travels?
Get in touch to arrange your own specialised itinerary for South Africa or anywhere else around the world!
