Stellenbosch-based Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) has announced the latest results in the internationally-recognised Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wines exams, recently undertaken by 50 of their wine programme students.
The PYDA’s year-long programme develops talented young people from under-resourced areas, helping them gain employment and meaningful economic opportunities mainly within the wine industry and other demand-led sectors. Founded in 2012, the PYDA’s programme combines personal development, work practicals and technical skills, including completion of the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.
Headquartered in the UK, WSET is the global leader in drinks education setting the international standard for qualifications in wine, spirits, sake and beer.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines has been an integral part of the PYDA’s curriculum for over 10 years and is funded by the International Wine Challenge (IWC), the world’s most rigorous, impartial and influential wine competition, and by WSET itself.
Taught by local, highly-qualified wine educators, the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines includes tastings of a wide range of international wines, giving the PYDA students a comprehensive overview of all the world’s major wine-producing regions and styles. WSET qualifications are recognised the world over, significantly enhancing student employability both locally and internationally.
This year’s class of 50 students has achieved amazing results with 80% passing, 16 of them with Merit (between 70 and 84%) and 8 with Distinctions (above 85%). The top student of the year was Ayabonga Belem, whose 96% mark was truly awe-inspiring. The rest of the students who passed with Distinction are: Limnandi Tukwayo, Liyema Loleka, Lukhanyo Phitshana, Matthew van Schoor, Miché Swart, Mihlali Nompondo, and Unam Gongo.
Cathy Marston, owner of the International Wine Education Centre (IWEC) which facilitated the WSET training comments “Every time we teach a new group at the PYDA, I am always blown away by the wealth of talent, enthusiasm and determination to succeed that is out there. The PYDA do an amazing job in providing a showcase for all that talent and we’re incredibly grateful to the IWC and the WSET for giving these students this life-changing opportunity.”
Chris Ashton, CEO at the International Wine Challenge, says: “This is terrific news and I’m delighted we can help them get a start. We have been involved in assisting young South Africans for a decade now and results like this continue to prove there is no lack of talent, just a need of an opportunity like this.” Michelle Brampton, WSET CEO says “We were delighted to hear about the outstanding success of this year’s PYDA students in WSET’s Level 2 Award in Wines. It’s impressive to see the programme go from strength to strength. Huge congratulations to the students and their educators. Through our collaboration with IWEC, it’s inspiring to see the impact we can have in educating a new generation of professionals for South Africa’s wine industry.”
80% of last year’s students are now in full-time permanent employment and it is hoped that when the current intake graduate next month, they will achieve equal or even greater success in finding meaningful and exciting careers. Previous PYDA graduates are now working in a range of different roles including touring the world whilst working on cruise ships, being sommeliers in Dubai and welcoming visitors to tasting rooms across South Africa in their roles as wine advisors. Over the years, several graduates have continued their WSET journey, developing their careers to even greater heights.
About WSET
WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) is the global leader in drinks education, setting the international standard for qualifications in wine, spirits, sake and beer. Since 1969, WSET has awarded qualifications to over 1.5 million candidates worldwide. Our four progressive levels of study – from beginner to expert-level diploma – are open to both industry professionals and enthusiasts. In 2024/25 over 120,000 candidates studied for a WSET qualification, with courses available in more than 70 countries and 15 languages.