Judy Brower spent time at the Pinotage Youth Development Academy recently and met Linamandla Sinxutu. He is a keen learner and wanting to make his mark on the wine industry. Find out more about this passionate young man in his letter of introduction:
"I was born in Gauteng. My parents moved to Cape Town, when I was only 4 years old. I started my pre-primary here in Franschhoek.
As a young boy in Grade 7 at Dalubuhle school in Langrug. I was chosen to be part of the Kusasa project dream team; those young students, who had the potential to excel and had the character to persevere in their life pursuits. I became part of the Kusasa project scholarship programme from 2009 until I matriculated at the end of 2013.
I am a very modest person hardworking and consistently set firm goals for myself. I have always distinguished myself by my integrity, honesty, gentleness and my inherent respect for all those I meet. I have a very optimistic view of the world and I am always very enthusiastic about my situation and life in general. However after working for 3 months with PYDA I have grown in confidence and self-esteem.
After matriculation, I faced the adult world with mixed emotions and little direction, as I had not done as well as I had hoped and could not see future at university
I was angry and disappointed and ended up doing menial work to gain experience in the working world. Was this the fulfilment of my childhood potential and my dreams? I felt trapped and felt forced to abandon my childhood dreams to the reality of my situation. I lost confidence in myself and those, who had nurtured me and tutored me through the years, seemed to have lost faith in me too.
It was a very tough period in my life and I felt down and very low most of the time. However throughout the darkness, I kept my belief alive by trying to focus on what I could do. It was not easy as there seemed to be few opportunities.
I dumped all my dreams and got a job instead. I worked at Build-It hardware store. Mr Jonathan, who is the owner of the store was so kind, loving and caring as well as his staff. Later on I did a Flight attendant short course. I also got a Job in pick n pay. I worked as a Cashier. It was also an amazing experience as it was another opportunity for me to gain more skills.
I then heard about Pinotage Youth Development Academy(PYDA). They offer an integrated programme covering strong vocational skills, as well as the personal growth essential for success. It delivers practical employment skills for the wine industry, together with a mind-set and attitude to allow people to seize or create economic opportunities. They found me at the right time in which I really needed them. The PYDA is playing a major role in boosting my confidence and my low self-esteem as an individual. I am confident enough to say “all my dreams which were shattered before are coming alive again.
I have found the essence of who I am in the world through this environment, which provides so much safety, so much love and so much support.
PYDA has taught me quite a lot of things and it feels like I’ve been with them for years although it’s only been 3 months. I have learnt to focus on my past SUCCESS rather than my past FAILURES, I am only taking action steps that can get me closer to the fulfilment of my goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to me. This has bought positive transformation to my life.
I am a sensible and a very dedicated young man and I will be an advantage to any wine farm that seeks to employ me after my training and they will also likewise benefit from my extraordinary character, my love of other people and my ability to work hard.
I have had few placements and have really enjoyed them. My first placement was in one of the top farms in the Franschhoek valley, La Motte wine farm. It was my first time in the vineyard and doing PRUNING. It was amazing.
In conclusion, I would like to state that in the wine industry I feel that I have found my niche in life.
I love the training and I love what I do. Look forward to a career and a bright future in this growing, dynamic and people focused industry."
The PYDA course finishes in May 2016 and Linamandla plus 29 other keen graduates looking for work so keep an eye out for them!
For more information - visit the PYDA Website - www.pyda.co.za