Ex Minister of Intelligence Ronnie Kasrils
From film director to trainer of militants to Minister of Intelligence to resigned MP, Ronnie Kasrils has been instrumental in shaping South Africa’s social and political life. No stranger to underground operations, he actively supported many banned movements during apartheid. He shares some of his less covert moments with Jeanri-Tine van Zyl.
What was the first bottle of wine that all made sense and why?
A glorious St-Émilion claret drunk on holiday in Bordeaux in 1970. Our hosts were teachers and French communists who explained the secrets of the wine as we dined. Contrary to stereotyping, the many communists I have known around the world readily enjoy that which human hand, brain and experience produce.
What was your most memorable wine experience?
We were at a Greek villa outside Athens owned by art collector and philanthropist Ian Jorres, who plied us with olives, bread and cheeses produced on the premises, all washed down with excellent Greek wines.
How big is your wine collection and where do you store it?
I store up to 50 South African whites and reds as best I can, along with a dozen bottles of Champagne and a few special gifts from visiting ambassadors.
Which are your favourite South African wine producers?
Neil Ellis and Nuy Co-op, which I discovered soon after returning to SA in 1990 – good, well-priced wine.
What was your most embarrassing moment to do with wine?
At a party to which I invited my diverse group of “Yeoville boytjies” and Hillbrow bohemian friends, a rather cultivated would-be poet was extolling the virtues of the latest Stellenbosch wines. One of my buddies eventually asked if he was acquainted with Noil Reeb, which he claimed had great depth and pedigree. He strung the bemused guy along before slamming a bottle of Lion Beer on the table and proclaiming, “You bloody snob, come down to earth and swig this – Noil Reeb is this most delightful beverage spelt backwards.” I stifled my sniggers but...
What wine that you have not yet tasted do you most want to?
Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon V 2001
What are your favourite restaurants in South Africa?
Ile Maurice (Umhlanga), Constantia Uitsig (Cape Town), La Madeleine (Pretoria).
Which three people would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
Resurrected: Karl Marx, Rosa Luxemburg and Joe Slovo. Living: Barack Obama, Mbazima Shilowa and Helen Zille.
What is your current state of mind?
Excited about a new chapter in my life as writer and lecturer, doing solidarity work, and spending quality time with Eleanor, my wife of 44 years.
What is your most treasured possession?
My handwritten military college notes, Odessa, Soviet Union, 1964.
What is your greatest extravagance?
A dozen Irish oysters with Champagne at Selfridges Oyster Bar, London.
What is your favourite city in the world and why?
Istanbul is magic. Linking Europe and Asia, the Black Sea and the Med – it’s the most romantic place to dine along the Bosphorus.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Lazing on a tropical island, reading the latest Le Carré novel, dining on seafood with chilled wine – and no telephones for a fortnight.
