Hats off to the stars! Top achievers shine as 701 graduate from West Coast College
Triumph for 701 West Coast College graduates as they walk the stage
Top achievers walk away with prizes
A total of 701 students graduated from West Coast College this year, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys as the college held its in-person Annual Graduation Ceremony on 16 and 17 September at the Malmesbury Town Hall, where graduates were celebrated across four separate sessions.
The college council, under the leadership of Interim Chairperson Ms. Babalwa Mtini and Principal Mr. Mbulawa, extended their salutations to the graduates for their successful completion of their academic programmes. “Your hard work has paid off, but this is only the beginning of a wonderful new journey,” said Principal Mr. Mbulawa. All sessions commenced with scripture readings led by Pastor Cecil Errens in Sessions 1 and 2, and Reverend Sono in Sessions 3 and 4.
The guest speaker for Sessions 1 and 2 was Ms. Ruth Leukes, Chief Director at the Western Cape Education Department, while motivational speakers included Mr. Elroy Cook in Session 3 and Ms. Nodumo Maqetuka in Session 4. Lecturers and industry partners attended to support and celebrate the success of the graduates, with ululations, hugs, and emotional moments shared as graduates from NC(V) and Occupational programmes crossed the stage, congratulated by the Principal, while those in Diplomats and Apprenticeships were capped.
Two sessions concluded with the announcement of special awards for the top achievers:
- NC(V) Level 4 Office Administration: Yamkela Kiva from Malmesbury Campus
- NC(V) Level 4 Hospitality: Elmarie Snyman from Malmesbury Campus
- NC(V) Level 4 Management: Vigchaan Henry from Atlantis Campus
- NC(V) Level 4 Education & Development: Pelonomi Soul from Vredendal Campus
- NC(V) Level 4 Engineering & Related Design: Ashlene August from Vredenburg Campus
- NC(V) Level 4 Electrical Infrastructure & Construction: Kimberley Van Nooi from Campus
- NC(V) Level 4 Primary Health: Boitumelo Rauland from Vredendal Campus
- NC(V) Level 4 Tourism: Hlengiwe Hlatshwayo from Vredenburg Campus
- Diploma Studies Business Management: Symone Pillay from Vredenburg Campus
- Diploma Studies Financial Management: Charmaine Esau from Malmesbury Campus
- Diploma Studies Human Resources Management: Kaylin Jansen from Atlantis Campus
- Diploma Studies Management Assistant: Anrize Farmer from Vredenburg Campus
- Diploma Studies Public Management: Andisiwe Kupiso from Malmesbury Campus
- Diploma Studies Tourism: Amelicia Markus from Vredenburg Campus
They all walked away with Certificates of Achievement, prize money sponsored by African Bank, and goody bags from Vodacom.
The highest honours were awarded to Hlengiwe Hlatshwayo from the Vredenburg Campus in the NC(V) Tourism Level 4 programme, who achieved an impressive 17 distinctions out of 21 subjects over the three years. The campus describes her as a remarkable individual who left a lasting impression on both peers and faculty, possessing an insatiable curiosity and a genuine thirst for knowledge. Despite facing illness during her studies, she persevered and even took on the role of an Academic Tutor this year.
Symone Pillay completed the National Diploma in Business Management from the Vredenburg Campus with 7 distinctions out of 12 subjects over three years. A recipient of the Wholesale and Retail SETA and INSETA bursaries, she was a dedicated, disciplined, and determined student who performed well under pressure. Symone completed her practical programme through the college’s partnership with Langebaan Spar.
Both students received prize money sponsored by African Bank, along with a laptop and cellphone from Cape Book and College Supplies, a goody bag from Vodacom, and a trophy from SAYDBUC Academic Attire.
