The International Wine Education Centre (IWEC) and the Applelotter Scholarship team are delighted to announce the winners of the 2026 Applelotter Scholarships for WSET wine courses, as per below:
Two scholarships for WSET Level 2 Award in Wines which goes to:
- Preston Masimala
- Lizalise Nohlaka
Two scholarships for WSET Level 3 Award in Wines which goes to:
- Abgirl Hlomayi
- Siyathemba Msalela
The Applelotter Scholarship was created by an Australian couple passionate about providing opportunities for young people in the SA wine industry. In a statement, they said: "We are pleased to help young people advance their dreams and brighten their futures, and congratulate this year’s successful applicants."
Each scholarship covers the full amount of the course, leaving the student with no financial strain, enabling them to fully concentrate on their studies.
This year’s successful students come from different backgrounds in the service industry. Preston is currently employed at boutique guest house The Corner House Residence in Franschhoek where he is assistant concierge. Lizalise completed his certificate in tourism at the Pinotage Youth Development Academy and is a qualified tour guide in Stellenbosch. Abgirl works as a nanny and housekeeper in Paarl and Siyathemba is a junior sommelier at Dusk restaurant in Stellenbosch.
All four are keen to take this opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge of wine and hope it will lead to great things for them in the future.
Cathy Marston, owner of the IWEC, says, "It is a huge pleasure and privilege to work with the Applelotter team on these scholarships. There is so much talent and enthusiasm in the South African wine service industry and it is fantastic to see these motivated young people grab these opportunities and run with them. I wish them every success with their studies and I look forward to seeing great things from these four in the future!"
For further information, please contact us on info@thewinecentre.co.za.