Speakers at the 2009 Van Ryn's BBQ Awards

Keynote Address by Johan Venter, Van Ryn's Brandy - the alchemist from Stellenbosch

Johan Venter, Van Ryn’s brandy master, is known in brandy circles as a local Midas. Since his involvement with the Van Ryn’s Collection Reserve of potstill brandies, seven years ago, he has been amassing a treasure trove of international gold medals and accolades, including the trophy for Best Brandy Worldwide on the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London, for three consecutive years.He is also a leading international judge of brandies and other spirits, serving on panels worldwide.

When he moved to Distillers Corporation, now a part of Distell, he rapidly rose up the ranks and was appointed head of the company’s technical research department. To extend his repertoire, he was first taught to make wine and later, brandy. He continues in this role but his special love is the alchemy of brandymaking, focusing on potstill brandies, the most difficult to make but also the most rewarding for their richness and complexity of aromas and flavours.

Closing Address by Philisiwe Buthelezi
CEO of the National Empowerment Fund

Ms Buthelezi was appointed CEO in July 2005, bringing a diverse knowledge of banking, capital markets and international investment in South Africa.

Prior to joining the NEF, Ms Buthelezi worked for a French Investment Bank in London, held responsibility for Risk Management Control at the South African Reserve Bank and worked in the Treasury division at Standard Corporate and Merchant Bank. She was employed by the dti to promote European investment in South Africa.

In 2002 she returned to South Africa to become the Chief Director of the Black Economic Empowerment Unit of the dti, which developed the Government’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment strategy, the BB-BEE Act and the Codes of Good Practice. Ms Buthelezi is Chairman of Group Five and also serves on the Boards of Mvelaphanda Resources and Afripalm Resources.

MC
Kagiso Lediga

Kagiso ventured into comedy while studying at the University of Cape Town 10 years ago and over the ensuing years set about establishing himself as one of South Africa’s top comedians. Not only is he now lauded amongst the best comedians in the country with an impressive body of work behind him but is also now celebrated as one of South Africa’s pioneering and most recognizable black comedians. His talent and ability can easily be confirmed by an exhaustive trail of achievements and accolades.

He was referred to as a national asset at a recent performance by the Mayor of Durban. His record speaks for itself. Kagiso Lediga is definitely one of the country’s headlining comedy and screen acts.