PYDA launches talent in the Cape Winelands

Friday, 29 May, 2015
PYDA
The Pinotage Youth Development Academy recently graduated its 2nd class of 25 students during a ceremony that took place at the Stellenbosch Town Hall. These graduates are entering the wine industry and related sectors as a group of work-ready, well-rounded, confident graduates, who are ready to be the change in the industry and their communities.

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.