After a few years of hybrid graduations as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic, West Coast College hosted it’s in person Annual Graduation Ceremony for the class of 2022 on 22-23 June at Malmusbury Town Hall for a total of 773 students graduating in three (3) sessions.

Despite the cold weather, families and friends came in numbers to celebrate the success of students. After tears, sweat and dedication, we can finally say, ‘Hard work does pay”. The college council under the leadership of Chairperson, Mr Derrick Fredericks and the Principal, Mr Mbulawa, extended their salutations to the grandaunts for the successful completion of their academic programmes. “Your tireless efforts have brought you to this defining moment of life, today we celebrate the remarkable individuals you have become”, said Principal, Mr Mbulawa.

All sessions were opened with a scripture reading led by Reverend Sono, “Time and chances are given to all of us, you are a game changer, you can change the history of your family”, said Reverend Sono.

The guest speaker for session 1 was Deputy Mayor of Swartland Municipality, Councillor Anet De Beer; for session 2,  Councillor Michael Schaffers from Saldanha Bay Municipality and for session 3, Ms Fatima Jakoet from Sakhekamva Foundation.

Lecturers and industry partners; came to support and also celebrate the success of graduates, and the ululations, hugs and emotional moments were many as the graduates from NC(V), Occupational programmes crossed the stage congratulated by the Principal whilst the Diplomats and Apprenticeships were capped.

It was indeed a joy and honour for West Coast College as we saw the First Female and Male Pipe Fitter in South Africa crossing the stage as graduates. To date, 22 graduates were awarded Artisan Trade Certificates in Pipe Fitting.

Two sessions concluded with the announcement of Special awards of the Top Achievers:

  • NC(V) Level 4 Office Administration programme, Ray-lyn Arendse – Du Plessis from Malmesbury Campus;
  • NC(V) Hospitality programme, Cariska Jean-Marie Van Der Mescht from Malmesbury Campus;
  • NC(V) Level 4 Management programme, Senkosi Sihlangule Nyengule from Atlantis Campus;
  • NC(V) Level 4 Education & Development programme, Zandile Althacia Ndomile from Vredendal Campus;
  • NC(V) Level 4 Engineering & Related Design programme, Siphuxolo Tshweza from Vredendal Campus;
  • NC(V) Level 4 Electrical Infrastructure & Construction programme, Lisakhanya Makhwezela from Citrusdal Campus;
  • NC(V) Level 4 Primary Health programme, Denmare Du Toit from Vredendal Campus;
  • NC(V) Level 4 Tourism programme, Zama Kwezi from Vredenburg Campus;
  • Diploma Studies Business Management programme, Rozanne Mathilda Smit from Vredenburg Campus;
  • Diploma Studies Financial Management programme, Zameka Catherine Sisilana from Malmesbury Campus;
  • Diploma Studies Hospitality and Catering Services programme, Alliston Peter Faro from Malmesbury Campus;
  • Diploma Studies Human Resources Management programme, Mahatty Sindisiwe Nxumalo from Atlantis Campus;
  • Diploma Studies Management Assistant programme, Asavela Liwane from Citrusdal Campus; and
  • Diploma Studies Public Management programme, Waldron Joshua Basson from Vredenburg Campus.

They all walked away with Certificates of Achievement, prize money sponsored by ABSA Bank and African Bank.

The Overall Top Students in both the National Certificate and National Diploma are based on the student with the best academic achievement overall.  This was awarded to the following students:

– Ray-Lyn Arandse-Du Plesis, Office Administration Level 4 from the Malmesbury campus with 15 distinctions out of the 21 subjects achieved during the three years’ duration. She left an undeniable mark on the campus, not only as a student but as a member of the Student Representative Council to pursue her passion, embrace diversity and strive for greatness.

– Waldron Joshua Basson, National Diploma in Public Management from the Vredenburg Campus with 7 distinctions out of the 12 subjects over the three years’ duration. The campus described the student as a very dedicated and diligent. He completed his studies in the afternoon session but was always positive in everything he did and very precise. He completed his practical programme through his employer, the Road Accident Fund (RAF)

Both students walked away with prize money sponsored by ABSA Bank and African Bank, a laptop and cellphone from Cape Book and College Supplies, a Laptop bag and cellphone charger from Vodacom and a Trophy from SAYDBUC Academic Attire.

The ceremony closed off by the Deputy Principal of Innovation and Development; Mrs Rhazia Hamza who congratulated students and wished them well with their future endeavours. “To me it says a lot about how we value education and specifically having to grab this opportunity with both hands”, said Mrs Hamza on her vote of thanks speech.