Meet the new SASA Board members!

The annual SASA AGM was held on the 17th of April 2023 and with this, a new executive board was nominated.
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The annual SASA AGM was held on the 17th of April 2023 and with this, a new executive board was nominated. SASA is undergoing a new organizational structural change and with this, the board has been reduced to three nominated members and the Chairperson. We welcome Roxan Waldeck for the first time to the SASA board. Shane Mumba will be continuing his journey on the SASA board as well as Spencer Fondaumiere that will remain the Chairperson for SASA. Erica Taylor, who has been the head of operations for the last two years has been appointed as General Manager, and Laurie Cooper will remain the treasurer for SASA. 

There are also new additions to the organizational structure of SASA, mainly Jo Wessels who has placed an amazing 7th place in the ASI Best Sommelier of the World Competition earlier this year will head the education department. Also joining the new structure is Le Roi Van de Vyver, who will be head of the events committee, and Dani Brown will remain the SASA administrator.

A huge vote of thanks for her hard work and commitment to SASA, Wayve Kolevsohn will be stepping down from the board. Please welcome our excitement to announce the new board member and office bearers


Spencer Fondaumiere | Chairperson

"Pretty weird weather at the moment and the nights where I do most of my drinking are definitely getting colder, so drinking more full-bodied wines in this season.”

Raats Family Wines, Dolomite Cabernet Franc 2020 | Radford Dale, Freedom Pinot Noir 2021


Erica Taylor | General Manager

“Making merry and celebrating are two things that resonate with me the most this week. Why? Well, an important milestone is just around the corner – my 40th birthday is this upcoming Sunday, the 29th! Hurrah! Apart from looking forward to celebrating with loved ones and friends, I have decided to treat myself by quaffing some artisanal beverages.

To start, there's birthday bubbly for an added shimmery sheen which coincidentally made its way over earlier than expected - and next, it's time for me to relish in one of my favourite South African Viogniers - simply divine! As if that wasn't enough to whet your appetite or mine for that matter – there's more, such as some memorable wine bought during my recent sojourn in Chateauneuf du Pape.”

Jansz, Tasmania Premium Cuvée NV | Lismore Estate Viognier 2021 | Domaine Santa Duc Châteauneuf du Pape Habemus Papam 2019


Laurie Cooper | Treasurer

“To be a complete brat, this week I will be celebrating my 5-year wedding anniversary, my son turning 3 months, and the appointment onto the board with a 2009 Louis Roederer Cristal gifted to me back in 2017 as an engagement gift. 

With the change of seasons, balmy KZN sunny days followed by crisp cool evenings, I will be looking for a delicious Autumnal red with perfectly balanced elegance such as the Naude 2019 Oupa Willem.”

Naude Wines Oupa Willem 2019 | Louis Roederer Cristal 1995


Tawanda Marume | Board Member

“Dependant on a lot of variables; company, mood, food, time of day to name a few.”

Longridge Chardonnay 2020 | Borgogno Barolo 2018


Roxan Waldeck | Board Member

"A wine that isn’t needed for the fridge, Cape Town in Autumn at room temperature perfect."

Kara Tara Pinot Noir 2021 | Lievland Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2021


Shane Mumba | Board Member

“A year of collaboration and innovation. I look forward to discover the hidden gems with my follow wine heads.”

Mullineux Kloof Street Chenin Blanc 2022 | Anthonij Rupert Optima 2019