West Coast College proudly hosted its 2026 Graduation Ceremonies on 26 and 27 August 2026 at the Malmesbury Town Hall, celebrating the achievements of students who completed their qualifications across a range of programmes.
The graduation ceremonies brought together graduates, families, College leadership, staff, partners and distinguished guests to mark this significant milestone and recognise the dedication, perseverance and commitment demonstrated by the graduating students.
The ceremonies featured keynote addresses by Pieter du Plessis (Atlantis Foundries CEO) during Session 1 and Dr Peter Khwezi Nyewe (UWC) during Session 2.
Outstanding NC(V) Achievers
As part of the graduation celebrations, West Coast College recognised the top-performing students in its NC(V) Level 4 programmes. Each top achiever was recognised for their outstanding academic performance in their respective programme.
The top NC(V) achievers were:
• NC(V) Level 4 Office Administration: Alicia Nicole Theunissen, Malmesbury Campus
• NC(V) Level 4 Hospitality: Lilitha Makubalo, Malmesbury Campus
• NC(V) Level 4 Management: Tarin Tamia Hugo, Atlantis Campus
• NC(V) Level 4 Education & Development: Abulela Gontsana, Vredendal Campus
• NC(V) Level 4 Engineering & Related Design: Athule Tida, Vredendal Campus
• NC(V) Level 4 Electrical Infrastructure & Construction: Logan Christopher Beukes, Citrusdal Campus
• NC(V) Level 4 Primary Health: Marope Ntsweletau Nchabeleng and Vangile Vanessa Nhaku, Vredendal Campus
• NC(V) Level 4 Tourism: Brencolin James Taylor, Vredenburg Campus
Principal’s Award
The prestigious Principal’s Award, presented to the Overall Top NC(V) Student, was awarded to Alicia Nicole Theunissen from Malmesbury Campus.
The award recognises the student who achieved the best overall academic performance across the NC(V) programmes.
Outstanding National Diploma Achievers
The College also recognised the top students in each of its National Diploma programmes. Each recipient received a Certificate of Achievement a tablet and a bag, sponsored by Cape Book and College Supplies and Absa Bank.
The top National Diploma students were:
• Diploma Studies Business Management: Carly Louw, Vredenburg Campus
• Diploma Studies Financial Management: Ashwin John Simmers, Malmesbury Campus
• Diploma Studies Hospitality and Catering Services: Bomkazi Gxekiwe, Malmesbury Campus
• Diploma Studies Human Resources Management: Shannon Coetzee, Malmesbury Campus
• Diploma Studies Management Assistant: Chervon Veronique Pypers, Atlantis Campus
• Diploma Studies Public Management: Lauren-Lee Johnson, Atlantis Campus
Chairperson’s Award
The prestigious Chairperson’s Award was presented to the Top National Diploma Student, based on the best overall academic achievement.
The award was presented to Lauren-Lee Johnson from Atlantis Campus, who completed the Diploma Studies Public Management programme.
Lauren-Lee achieved an exceptional nine distinctions out of 12 subjects over her 18 months of practical training, earning her recognition as the top-performing National Diploma student overall.
Celebrating the Graduates
The graduation ceremonies served not only as a celebration of academic achievement, but also as a reminder of the important role that West Coast College plays in equipping young people and adult learners with the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to pursue meaningful careers and contribute to the economy.
West Coast College Principal, Mr Lungisa Mbulawa, congratulated the graduates on reaching this important milestone: “Today is a celebration of your hard work, perseverance and determination. Your qualification is not only a testament to what you have achieved, but also a foundation for the opportunities that lie ahead. We encourage you to take the knowledge and skills gained at West Coast College into the world and use them to make a meaningful difference.”
The 2026 Graduation Ceremonies reaffirmed West Coast College’s commitment to developing skilled graduates and creating pathways towards employment, entrepreneurship and further learning.
As the graduates take their next steps, West Coast College wishes them every success as they become ambassadors of the College and contribute to building a stronger future for the West Coast region and South Africa.
