The PYDA has been nurturing and young minds within the industry for almost a decade. It was founded in 2012 as the Pinotage Youth Development Academy with the goal of developing talented youth with historically disadvantaged backgrounds for employment in the wine sector and related industries. wine.co.za has been working closely with the PYDA for years now, employing interns directly from the academy and supporting the amazing initiative. It is only natural we interview their budding talents for our vino people feature.
wine.co.za Chairman and social entrepreneur, Andie Steele-Smith, met and Zhané recently, agog by their inspiring backgrounds and stories, Andie introduced us to these two amazing young ladies. See the inspiring interview below.
Interview with PYDA graduates Zhané Kidd and Zandile Vayise
Where are you from, how old are you, and what is your full name?
ZV: My full name is Ntombizandile Vayise. I am 23 years old and based in Paarl but was born in Franschhoek.
ZK: My full name is Zhané Kidd I am from Chicago in Paarl and I am 24 years of age.
What is your why? Your motivation and drive for working in the wine industry?
ZV: For me, it's doing the best that I can not just for myself but for my baby girl, Lungi. Setting an example for her that anything is possible.
ZK: When studying at the PYDA, I was mentored by amazing lecturers that have taught me that the sky is not only the limit but that I have great potential.
What was your journey like toward studying at the PYDA?
ZV: After matriculating, I applied to study at Boland College but unfortunately all their courses were fully booked up to which I applied for an IT course, doing Data capturing. Thereafter I worked at a Checkers store to save up money as I found out I was going to be a mom, working there for about a year. Then the study bug bit again, which lead me to the PYDA. For someone that wasn't into wine that much, as soon as I got started with my courses I was completely fascinated with everything we learned within the industry. Today I am working for Rhebokskloof Wine Estate because of my time with the PYDA.
ZK: During my school years before matriculating in 2015 I worked part-time at Mr. Price where my mother worked at the time. After matriculating, I wanted to work full-time but because of store policy, I couldn't work at the same store as my mom. Thereafter I applied to study at the academy. What I love about my time with the PYDA is that they not only focus on winemaking and marketing but on each individual as a person and their growth. When we went on a camp outing at the PYDA it was trying times, as it was raining one moment and the next the sun would be out. This taught me that life has all seasons, it never stays the same. It will all pass.
What has this experience taught you?
ZK: To be grateful and to always show up and do your best.
ZV: One thing the PYDA has taught me is confidence. To put your best foot forward not only as an individual but as a brand.
You both come from challenging circumstances, both raised by single mothers. What has this all taught you?
ZV: The challenge came from living with both parents to living with a single mom at 18. The time in your life where you are still unsure of yourself and what's ahead can be a bit scary. I am grateful that my mother kept me going with structure and discipline to persevere through all challenges life threw at us. She taught me that prayer is the answer. Zhané knows this, every morning when we arrive at work we start the day with a prayer to keep us going. She is my spiritual friend.
So, some of the things you say to yourself is, "Believe that anything you set your mind to is achievable" and "Put your worries before God and all will work according to his plan". What are the other things?
ZV: Confidence. To be courageous and bold. Although it is easier said than done. It takes a lot of practice. There are times in life where you have to be selfish and put yourself first. By doing this you will find that it is much easier to focus on your goals.
What would you say to your 18-year-old self right now?
ZK: Believe in yourself, choose your friends wisely and have the right support system. Life is all about choices. Every day we choose to make either the right or wrong decision.
Would you recommend the PYDA? If you could say one thing to the organisation what would it be?
ZK: Definitely! I would just like to say THANK YOU! For all the support and love, for believing in me and molding me to be what I am today and for all the amazing opportunities that you have given me.
ZV: Absolutely! The PYDA changes lives. We learned this by doing group projects where someone will introduce themselves and tell us all about their background. In doing this we realized that you are not alone in your challenges. So many others are also going through tough times. The support we received from our classmates was amazing. The camaraderie amongst us all was something we all cherished.
Tell us about the WSET courses you did through the PYDA?
ZV: Both Zhané and I completed both WSET levels 1 and 2. Level 1 touched on South African wines and the basics of wines. Level 2 was much harder in that it focused on international wines. We had to really study hard learning most of the wine regions of the world and international winemaking terms. It was so stressful but it paid off in the end. That was the hardest thing at PYDA.
Can you tell us one thing about you, no one knows?
ZV: I have a very sensitive heart. Although it might not look that way. When someone says something that hurts me, I cry in private and let myself feel sad, but facing the person that hurt again, they won't be able to tell that they hurt me. I pick up the pieces and move on.
ZK: I'm actually a very shy person and introverted. But in saying that, I am a confident person too. I love Tyler Perry movies, especially Madea and Diary of a Mad Black Woman.