Beyond its world-class wines, a Cape wine estate is cultivating something even more enduring: opportunity. With the opening of a second education hub for the children of its workforce, Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West is investing in the next generation by offering after-hours support in literacy, numeracy and creativity for primary school learners.
The new facility on the estate comprises a light-filled classroom stocked with books, toys and educational equipment, plus a kitchen, refreshment area and toilet facilities.
Known as the Cub Hub, it builds on the success of Vergelegen’s first education centre, named the Nexus Hub, for high school learners. This original facility was established in September 2022 and is managed by teacher Kathryn Couzens.
Members of Vergelegen’s maintenance team ‒ Solomzi Luphuwana, Sivuyile Mpahla and Mosuli Mangxola‒ undertook the entire refurbishment of an unoccupied cottage in Harmony workers’ village to create the Cub Hub.
Speaking at a celebration to launch the education centre, on Saturday 6 June, Vergelegen managing director Wayne Coetzer said it forms part of Vergelegen’s commitment to education and creating opportunities for families living on the estate.
“Education can change lives, and is one of the most powerful investments we can make in the future of our community,” said Coetzer.
“Young learners benefit from a supportive environment where they can strengthen their academic foundations and gain confidence. By helping children build essential skills from an early age, we aim to contribute to brighter futures for individual learners, their families and the wider Helderberg community.”
Vergelegen human resources manager Kim Julius encouraged parents to play an active role in the hub and to engage with the teachers. “The more involved you are, the greater the chance of success for your children.”
Cub Hub teachers Tracey Billingham and Gabby Thompson have been childhood friends since they met in East London (KuGompo) at the age of nine years.
Billingham focuses on teaching and enrichment, particularly reading, writing and mathematics.
“This is a fantastic community and I look forward to helping the children grow in every way to be the best they can be,” she said.
Thompson, who previously taught students ranging from three to 85 years at her own art school, focuses on creativity, skills development and teaching support.
“I’m so excited by this opportunity,” she said. “I was a member of Round Table for many years, and service and giving back are strong values in my life. When you learn through fun and creativity, you are growing a skill you can use later.”
The Cub Hub operates from Monday to Thursday, from 2pm to 5pm. Learners in Grade R to Grade 2 attend from 2pm to 3.30pm, while older primary school learners attend from 3.30pm to 5pm.
Find out more about Vergelegen: https://vergelegen.co.za/sustainability/
Image: (Left to right) Vergelegen human resources manager Kim Julius, managing director Wayne Coetzer, teachers Tracey Billingham and Gabby Thompson.
