The Academy was honoured to welcome Premier Helen Zille as Guest of
Honour and speaker. Other noted guests
included Stellenbosch Mayor Conrad Sidego, who generously provided the venue
for the occasion, and PYDA Patrons Jan Boland Coetzee and Reuben Riffel. The
event was also supported by industry and governmental representatives,
partners, and families and friends of the students.
Premier Zille, who “is delighted to support this initiative”, congratulated
the students on their successes and highlighted the positive impact the Academy
is delivering on the lives of its graduates, encouraging them to make the most
of their Academy learning and to grasp the opportunities it has created for
them.
The twelve-month programme teaches technical skills across the entire
value chain of wine, from the vineyard through to the tasting room. This learning is underpinned by personal
development to build self-confidence and prepare the students for employment in
the wine industry. Students have passed
with a 75% pass mark or better and the second year of the programme has seen a 100%
retention rate with all students graduating.
Academy Programme Director, Nikki Munro gave individual recognition and
praise to each graduate during the ceremony.
She highlighted the fact that PYDA graduates, through their ability to
self-manage, personal leadership skills, and an understanding of the bigger
business picture, are a new generation of young, vibrant professionals.
“Our programme’s overall success is measured by graduates demonstrating
self-reliance and applying their talents, as well as gaining meaningful
employment and earning sustainably,” says Ms Munro.
For further information on the Academy and its graduates, please contact
Nikki Munro, Programme Director at 021 882 9273 or nikkimunro@pyda.co.za.
Caption:
PYDA Graduate Nandipha Mroxe, pictured here with Ntsiki
Biyela, a PYDA Board Member and winemaker at Stellekaya Winery, and Gerard
Martin, Executive Manager of Winetech – the industry body responsible for
coordinating research, graining and technology transfer. Winetech supports the
PYDA programme and graduates receive a Winetech endorsed certificate upon
completion of the programme.