Stellenbosch-based NGO Bergzicht Training and Development honoured its working alumni at its sixth annual Celebration Day on Wednesday 13 November.
The prizes awarded to alumni totalled in excess of R65 000, celebrating the achievements of graduates who have successfully gained and remained in employment.
Ward 23 councillor Lwando Nkamisa delivered an inspiring keynote address. As one of the youngest members of the Mayoral Committee of Stellenbosch Municipality, he said: “Success is not a destination, but a journey of continuous growth, resilience, and unwavering belief in your own potential.”
He emphasised the need for collaboration among local stakeholders to foster job creation and entrepreneurship, and congratulated the alumni for securing jobs.
The Top Achiever Award was presented to Vuyiseka Xatasi, 2023 Food Service Assistant alumnus, currently employed as a commis chef at Lanzerac Hotel. She received a prize valued at R10 000.
“This is how Bergzicht thanks one for one’s hard work and makes one feel appreciated. It makes me very proud of myself, after having gone through a personal ordeal through which I persevered. The recognition showed me that I am a strong woman, and that God is always with me,” Xatasi said.
“Bergzicht motivates one always to do one’s best, and this win of mine should motivate others to always give their best in everything they undertake in life.”
The runners-up were 2023 Child Care alumnus Samantha Julius from Steggies Pre-primary and Froggies Aftercare, and 2023 Health and Frail Care alumnus Clementine Baadjies from Huis Horison.
The programme category winners included Portia Komeni (prep chef at Hazendal Estate); Lizann Rooi (teacher assistant at Coetzee Residence); and Marcia Magadeni (frail-care worker) at Right to Care. Each received a microwave, generously donated by private sponsors.
The organisation also acknowledged six 2024 Chef’s Learnership students, funded by the TK Foundation.
Bergzicht CEO Renske Minnaar thanked the funders, especially Marlene Barnard from the Hanns Seidel Foundation, a funder since 1992, and the Work Integrated Learning partners and employers. “Without you we cannot have this successful event with all these working alumni,” she said.
