Joseph Dhafana’s inspiring story from gardener, di...

Joseph Dhafana’s inspiring story from gardener, dishwasher to one of SA’s top wine sommeliers.

Joseph Dhafana / Madman Films (Pick n Pay)

Joseph Dhafana is now recognised as one of South Africa's top sommeliers, with his brand, Tongai Wines, recently being selected to debut in selected Pick n' Pay stores.

"Dhafana was appointed to the most prestigious sommelier position in South Africa. As head sommelier at La Colombe, rated seventh best restaurant in the world at the time, he was exposed to an extensive international audience and his reputation grew apace," reads Pick n’ Pay’s accolade to Dhafana.

"To have made it out of Zimbabwe and be able to produce wines that are pleasing to the palate is a dream come true for me and my friends.

"At the same time, being stocked in high-end Pick n Pay stores is an accolade that makes me immensely proud and filled with joy,” says Dahafana

Dhafana, moved to South Africa with his wife in 2009 leaving behind their child behind.

They assumed that they would get better opportunities in Cape Town, but they soon learned it would not be easy.

"Each and every county has its own problems, but then again it's all up to us as people. Are we going to do well in all these problems or are we going to just fold our arms. [Ultimately] determination brings success," Dhafana recently said in an interview.

Dhafana looked for a job at a local Cape Town restaurant. The only available post was that of a gardener, and Dhafana who was down to his last cent accepted the position.

He was later upgraded to a dishwasher then a bartender.

After tasting wine for the first time on his 28th birthday, Dhafana discovered what would soon become his passion.

In addition to living expenses and sending money back home, Dhafana sacrificed to pay for studies and worked hard to become a sommelier and wine expert.

Three of his friends from Zimbabwe – Marlvin Gwese, Tinashe Nyamudoka, and Pardon Taguzu – who had also moved to South Africa, developed a passion for wine. Tinashe Nyamudoka is the man behind the Kumusha brand.

The group individually worked their way up in the South African wine industry and became some of the country's top sommeliers and wine makers.

In 2017, the four friends made up the first Zimbabwean team to ever go to the World Blind Tasting Championships in France.

"After seven years, I hung up my apron at La Colombe to become a full-time winemaker and co-found the Black Cellar Club, which brings together and inspires talented winemakers, and helps make wine less intimidating, especially to people of colour in South Africa," he said