Katlego Sekhu

Siwela Masoga, a biotechnologist and founder of Siwela Wines, which she founded in 2018, recently joined My Top 10 at 10 with Tbose to chat about the inspiration behind her ‘Grace’ range of wines.
Masoga notes that after two years, she wanted to create something that was more premium and could elevate her brand. “I thought to myself, I never said thank you to my mom for being the support that I needed and for raising me with the little that she had, as tough as it was,” she said.
Her mother’s deep involvement in the early stages of Masoga’s winemaking journey highlights her dedication and commitment to the business.
“Back then, before I even started a winery, I thought to myself, Maybe when I am done studying, I can go back home to Limpopo and be the first to open a winery there. That was the idea. After telling my mom, she took the idea as if it were her own. She then called me to let me know that she had asked the king of the village to grant me land to farm my grapes,” she said. “That’s why I wanted to thank her while she was still alive,” she added.
Growing up, Masoga wanted to do more and make a difference, and luckily, her mom always showed up for her. Being exposed to farming also played a big role in her getting into winemaking.
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