South Africa’s first royal brand has once again made history by becoming the first South African wine company to sign a supply agreement with Wal Mart China.

Bayede!, which means ‘Hail the King’ in isiZulu, is a social enterprise endorsed by both His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu and Her Royal Highness, Queen Mantfombi Zulu.  

Bayede!’s CEO Antoinette Vermooten says the volumes of the wine orders from China are significant. She says Bayede! hopes to be sending a new shipment every 3 months.

“At the moment there are 35 242 bottles of Bayede! wine on order for China; this will help our job creation project to expand significantly, resulting in more job opportunities for the unemployed and particularly for women,” explains Antoinette.

Bayede! is gradually becoming recognized for their impact in terms of Black Economic Empowerment and job creation. Their wines, for instance, are decorated with beadwork crafted by rural women from Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) and the Western Cape, thereby resulting in job opportunities.

“So far there are six different beading groups throughout South Africa that create bead embellishment for the Bayede! wine bottles.  It is our plan to see these groups increase in numbers, and we also hope to start new beading groups in other provinces”, adds Antoinette.

Antoinette is confident that Bayede! is just getting started in terms of cracking both the local and international markets. She says that their partnership with Wal Mart China is an indication of great things to come for Bayede!

“It is our Vision to become a leading, internationally recognized African luxury brand. Our relationship with one of the biggest and most prominent retailers in China will help Bayede! to achieve this vision”, concludes Antoinette with a smile.

Bayede! was founded in 2010 and is endorsed and supported by King Goodwill Zwelethini as a social enterprise and job creation initiative. The organisation markets a range of locally produced luxury products including wine, clothing and textiles. To learn more about Bayede! visit www.bayede.co.za.

Bayede! is also one of only 85 organisations chosen nationally to be a participant of the Old Mutual Legends Business Development Programme, which supports the organisation through mentoring, business support and skills training. See www.golegends.co.za to learn more.

The first Bayede! order for Wal Mart China will leave Cape Town on 21 February 2013.

Abram Molelemane is a third year journalism student at the Tshwane University of Technology. He has written for various publications such as Wealthwise magazine and Reckord newspaper. In 2011 he was nominated for the Reckord print journalist of the year award. He is currently a junior media officer at Fetola.