PYDA

28/05/2026

A glimpse into the past weeks at PYDA.

The has been actively engaged in learning, personal development, practical activities and building strong connections as they continue their PYDA journey.

We’ve had a variety of enriching activities, from Rachel Kolisi Falling Forward book event, to Tourism students visiting WTM Africa (World Travel Market), Wine students gaining practical experience in winemaking and a visit to Simonsig Family Vineyards, and our regular coaching and classroom sessions.



Travel Smart Crew South Africa Wine South African Wine Industry Professional Body Sigma International Visit Stellenbosch Aslina Wines Travel Smart Crew

28/04/2026

The recently completed our annual Wilderness Camp, a powerful start to the student journey each year.

The two-day camp offers valuable time away from everyday distractions where new students reflect, open up, and connect with themselves and with each other. It's a space where the group starts to build trust, cohesion, and a real sense of community.

Thank you to Usiko Stellenbosch for once again facilitating this meaningful experience for PYDA students.

20/03/2026

Meet the !

Vocational Pathways Programme (VPP)

13/03/2026

A Proud Moment for our Alumni!

On 13 February 2026, fifteen PYDA graduates had the opportunity to work at the annual Presidential Golf Challenge.

Opportunities like this form part of our Alumni Connected Programme, where we continue to support graduates as they grow their careers, expand their networks and strengthen their professional confidence.

A big thank you to Denzel-Jonathan Swarts of Zoetendal Vineyards and River Estate for helping facilitate this opportunity, and to our Alumni Connected Lead, Rita Rank, who coordinated and supported the graduates throughout the event.

We are incredibly proud of the way our alumni continue to represent PYDA.

12/03/2026

We’re still celebrating the !

Before introducing you to the , we take a moment to shout out the , who graduated on 28 November 2025.

On graduation day, we proudly announced that 50% of the class had already secured employment, and that number has continued to grow since then.

Our latest graduates are building their careers and shaping their futures. We are incredibly proud of each of you and look forward to seeing where your journeys take you.

We see you!

Tag a graduate!

09/03/2026

Throwback to the ...

As we get ready to introduce you to the , here’s a throwback to our 2025 students completing their final six-week work placements in October and November.

A huge thank you to our and Industry Partners who continue to open their doors and support the next generation of professionals

Look out for our next post showing Graduation Day 2025!

26/11/2025

It’s graduation time and we’re excited to celebrate the Class of 2025!

You’re invited to join us online. Click below to watch the ceremony live this Friday, 28 November 2025 at 10:00.

https://www.youtube.com/live/yjKA2X613xQ

Join us as we celebrate the incredible achievements of the Pinotage Youth Development Academy’s Class of 2025. This special ceremony honours the hard work, d...

28/10/2025

Applications for 2026 are now closed!

Thank you to everyone who applied for PYDA’s 2026 Wine and Tourism Practitioner Courses!

Applications officially closed on 20 October 2025, and our team is now reviewing all submissions. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 31 October 2025. Please check your email regularly.

If you haven’t heard from us by 31 October, unfortunately your application was not successful this time.

Follow PYDA for future opportunities and updates.

16/10/2025

Only 5 days left!

Applications for PYDA's 2026 Wine or Tourism Practitioner Courses close on 20 October 2025.

If you’re 18–25, have completed Grade 12, and are currently unemployed, this could be your opportunity.

Applications must be emailed to [email protected] and must include the following:

1. Letter of Motivation
2. CV
3. Certified Copy of Matric Certificate (or equivalent)
4. Certified Copy of ID

See all details in the poster and apply before the deadline!

The Academy offers an integrated programme covering strong vocational skills, as well as the personal growth essential for success. It delivers practical employable skills, together with a mindset and attitude to allow young people to seize or create economic opportunities. This holistic approach will bring positive transformation to the students, as well as to their families, communities, businesses and the country as a whole.

15/10/2025

Today, we celebrate our WSET Level 2 success!

This year, 40 current wine students and 10 PYDA alumni sat for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines exam during September, achieving a combined pass rate of 80%. Ayabonga Belem is this year’s top achiever, with a remarkable 96%.

A special shout out to the , who achieved an impressive 85% pass rate, including 8 distinctions and 14 merit passes.

The WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) qualification is an internationally recognised standard of excellence in wine education. For PYDA students, it not only deepens their professional knowledge but also enhances confidence and employability in South Africa’s dynamic wine industry and beyond.

Each year, PYDA students uphold this high standard of excellence, consistently achieving strong results that reflect their hard work and the quality of our programme.

We are immensely proud of all our students and alumni for their dedication and achievement. This marks another milestone in their journey toward meaningful economic success.

A heartfelt thank you to the International Wine Education Centre (IWEC), who once again played an instrumental role in supporting our students and alumni in their WSET journey and professional growth.

International Wine Challenge South African Wine Industry Professional Body South Africa Wine South African Brandy Foundation