The story of Thandi began in the Elgin Valley, but its influence is now transforming communities from the Swartland to the Northern Cape. When it became clear how effective the Thandi model really was, we immediately set about looking for more development and partnership opportunities around South Africa.

The incredible success of Thandi wines meant that the brand carried significant equity, so it made sense to make Thandi the flagship under which all future products would be marketed. Fruit farming was identified as a viable addition to the Thandi stable, and so it was that Capespan came on board as the major partner, contributing mentorship, infrastructure and marketing expertise.

The first new place to embrace the Thandi initiative was Misgund Landgoed in the Langkloof where 134 farm workers obtained full ownership of a 240 hectare farm. Since then, five more farms across South Africa have become part of Thandi and are producing world-class fruit while developing the communities around them. The Thandi story has empowered countless people, transformed entire communities and created a viable way of granting land ownership, but we’d like to think it’s just the beginning.

Capespan, South Africa’s biggest fruit exporter, created the Capespan Foundation to help facilitate Thandi Fruit’s empowerment and land transformation agenda. The Capespan Foundation is responsible for mentorship, financing, skills transfer and capacity building of the Thandi initiative.