South African Wine Industry Leader Receives Prestigious International Honor
South African Wine Industry Leader Receives Prestigious International Honor. The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) has awarded Wendy Jonker Hanekom, Administering Officer of South Africa’s Liquor Products Act and Scientist Manager: Sub directorate Liquor Products, its prestigious OIV Merit Award, recognising her outstanding contributions to the international wine sector.
As a professional natural scientist and former Vice President of the OIV scientific committee, Jonker Hanekom has been essential in advancing South Africa’s position in the global wine community. Her expertise spans the wine industry’s technical, regulatory, and trade aspects, making her an invaluable representative in bilateral and multilateral negotiations.
Notable achievements under Jonker Hanekom’s leadership include the development of an innovative online export platform, strengthening trade relations through the EU-SACU Economic Partnership Agreement, and maintaining robust international partnerships to address trade barriers.
“This is a huge honour, and this award humbles me. Integrity in everything you do is my motto in life, coupled with a lot of hard work and dedication,” says Jonker Hanekom. “My love for the wine industry and all things technology motivates me. I love systems, and with South Africa’s focus on electronic certification and data interchange, many benefits can still be unlocked to simplify and enhance trade in South African wine and the rest of the world.”
As South Africa’s technical wine expert in the OIV and World Wine Trade Group (WWTG), Jonker Hanekom has consistently demonstrated her commitment to enhancing sustainable growth in the wine sector through improved governance and international cooperation.
“This recognition from the OIV Steering Committee highlights the vital importance of technical expertise and dedication in advancing the wine industry,” says South Africa Wine CEO Rico Basson. “Wendy’s behind-the-scenes work has been instrumental in creating new opportunities for South African wine on the global stage.”
