The historic estate Saxenburg, near Kuils River, is situated on the Polkadraai Hills. Long ago the old Polkadraai Road from Stellenbosch to Kuils River, used to be a winding road full of turns, which gave rise to the colourful name.
The estate is not only known for its excellent wines, but has a rich history that dates to the late 17th century. The original title deed describes Saxonburg’s location as “Gelegen een uur boven De Kuilen onder de Vlaggestok aan het pad naar Hottentots Holland” (situated one hour above De Kuilen below the Flagpole on the road to Hottentots Holland). The original farm was 59 morgen and was awarded in 1693 to Joachem Sax after whom the farm was named. Currently Saxenburg is a second-generation family business, with a philosophy which focuses on successful team effort. Guinea fowls, which occur in large numbers on the farm, represents this philosophy and appear on the famous Saxenburg emblem.
According to Dirk van Zyl, cellarmaster of Saxenburg, the cellar team is responsible for all tasks in the cellar, including bottling, labelling and storage of wine. The team is considered an important asset as informed cellar assistants will ensure that systems will function successfully, and that challenges will be identified and addressed. It is important that the cellar team understands why certain procedures are important and why it should be executed.
Saxenburg and Winetech
Saxenburg regularly participates in the Winetech cellar assistants’ programme and according to Dirk, the programme provides essential background information, while capturing knowledge. Dirk believes that participation in the Winetech programme makes a difference and that it contributes to cellar assistants having a greater understanding of the winemaking processes. At the same time, there is a greater awareness for the correct execution of duties with new perspectives. It is worth noting that the cellar team is increasingly confident and consequently taking on more responsibilities. Participation in the Winetech programme simultaneously promotes communication and sound relationships.
Saxenburg regards personal development, experience and knowledge transfer as essential. It is important that the cellar team experiences that an investment is made in their future and development. Participation in the Winetech programme has contributed to increased confidence to ask questions. Continuous knowledge transfer takes place in the cellar, and it is explained why procedures are followed, so that the team is familiar with Saxenburg’s methods.
The cellar assistants are gradually given more responsibilities to establish what everyone is capable of and what their strengths are. At the same time, it is important that cellar assistants take ownership in the acceptance of individual responsibility. They are motivated by goals which confirm what everyone is capable of and what can be achieved.
The development of potential leaders is approached with sensitivity. It is important that future leaders take responsibility for their personal, as well as their professional lives. Sound relationships, the way a person deal with conflict, including reliability are considered important leadership qualities. At the same time, Saxenburg’s employees receive support to develop their knowledge to reach their full potential.
Meetings take place regularly to identify and to address challenges successfully. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, communication was considered valuable which resulted in improved mutual insight. The informal mentoring relationships do not only provide support to the cellar assistants, but confirm that they are an integral part of the team and that their contributions add value to Saxenburg.
Jackie de Ruiter, Melvin Pietersen, Johnny Lubbe, Leone Booysen, Christa Booysen, Inge Bruwer and Dirk van Zyl.
