After years of gaining experience in South Africa and abroad, Banele Vakele has started his own wine label called Tembela Wines, which pays tribute to his late mother. After completing his Bachelors of Agriculture degree in 2015, Balene joined the Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme in 2016. He was mentored by Louis Strydom of Ernie Els Wines, and has worked with other local winemakers. He spent a year gaining further experience in Australia after which he returned to South Africa to start his own brand. Banele became assistant winemaker at Savage Wines in 2019, and produces his own wines from Duncan Savage’s cellar.