Igugu Lentokazi Wines, founded by Nomava Sipendu is more than a wine business, it is a story of identity, self-belief, and the power of perseverance.
Born in the Eastern Cape, Willowvalle before relocating to Cape Town, Sipendu comes from humble beginnings. Her journey into winemaking was not traditional: she did not inherit land, come from a farming background, or have industry mentors. Instead, she relied on grit, self-education, and an unshakable desire to tell her story through wine. “The whole brand is a business card for me,” she explains. “It is my way of saying: this is who I am, where I come from, and where I am going.”
As a Black woman without land or generational resources, Sipendu faced scepticism and rejection. Registering her company, finding mentorship, and building credibility all came with obstacles. Yet she persisted, relying on digital platforms, social media, and a commitment to “keep showing up” until people took the brand seriously. Her decision to make Pinotage the signature wine for Igugu Lentokazi is symbolic. Pinotage, a proudly South African grape, aligns with her vision of merging culture and wine. “We are combining culture with winemaking,” she says. “Wine is not only for certain people, it is for celebration, connection, and pride in who we are.”
Though based in Cape Town, Igugu Lentokazi has already made waves beyond South Africa. The brand has been featured at international events and exhibitions, with Sipendu showcasing her wines to global audiences. Locally, her wines are supplied directly through corporate partnerships, bulk orders, and private events rather than traditional retail stores. Despite its relatively recent founding in 2021, the business has grown impressively. Sipendu manages a permanent team of 10, while creating opportunities for up to 35 people during events. Her ambitions are far greater: she envisions owning land to develop a vineyard that would not only expand production but also create jobs for youth and communities in the Eastern Cape.
Beyond the bottles, Igugu Lentokazi is a vehicle for empowerment. Sipendu invests her time and resources into helping underprivileged children, often visiting schools to mentor and inspire learners without drawing attention to herself. “I was once a charity case,” she says. “Nobody took pictures of me then, so I do not take pictures of the children I help now. I do not want them to carry that burden into the future.”
Though still a young brand, Igugu Lentokazi has already been recognized by the City of Cape Town, IEDF, and has partnered and sponsored with the BMF, BBQ Awards and HERS-SA. For Sipendu, these acknowledgments are stepping stones towards a bigger vision: to see her wines on billboards, airport shelves, and ultimately, to establish a vineyard that brings Stellenbosch-quality experiences back to her home province.
Her message to aspiring winemakers and entrepreneurs is clear: you do not need to own a farm to own a brand. Equip yourself with knowledge daily, attend courses, understand the process, and never allow others to make decisions for you without your input. Perseverance matters more than acceptance. Start, and keep showing up.
From being underestimated to standing on international stages, Sipendu’s journey with Igugu Lentokazi Wines reflects the resilience and creativity of South Africa’s emerging entrepreneurs. Her story is proof that even in industries with steep barriers to entry, courage, innovation, and cultural pride can create a legacy. “Igugu Lentokazi is not just a wine,” she says. “It is a platform to open doors, tell my story, and show the world that we are capable.”
