A proud day for FCD Skills Centre was celebrated at its first graduation event of the year when 281 successful graduates in its 13 sponsored skills programmes received their certificates.

At the event on Wednesday 22 April at Durbanville-Bergsig Dutch Reformed Church, guests were welcomed by the beautiful sound of live violin music, performed by Leilani Gertse.

The ceremony opened with a warm welcome and prayer, led by Danielle Jones, chair of FCD Skills Centre.

One of the highlights of the day was the Praise March, when graduates proudly entered the hall.

“It was a deeply inspiring moment that celebrated their achievements and their perseverance despite challenging circumstances,” said Jane Gelderman, chief executive officer of FCD Skills Centre.

Gelderman emphasised the importance of graduates’ journey after leaving the classroom — whether that means starting a small business or securing employment.

She said 86% of students every year to date have become economically active — a statistic made possible through the support of business and industry partners who provide workplace exposure and placement opportunities for the students.

Gelderman extended her heartfelt appreciation to all the funding partners,” whose investment in FCD skills programmes translates into improved livelihoods and stronger, more resilient communities”.

Inspiring testimonies

The ceremony also featured inspiring testimonies from two FCD alumni. Rosslyn Kasawaya, a Nail Technician graduate, shared how she initially found herself sitting at home after graduation, unsure of her next step.

Determined to change her circumstances, she began advertising her nail services at a competitive discount, attracting her first customers.

Today, she runs a thriving local business and is able to provide for her three children as a single mother.

Kaylene Muller, an Office Basics graduate, shared how a job shadow opportunity led to an IT learnership, and ultimately permanent employment — “a powerful example of how workplace exposure can open doors,” Gelderman said.

Positive attitude

Students were also recognised through a number of special awards, including the Sunshine Awards, which celebrated those nominated by their classmates for their positive attitude and team spirit, the Most Motivated to Succeed Awards, which honoured students who consistently went the extra mile throughout their training, and Best Dressed Awards, which added a fun moment of celebration, recognising students who arrived looking their best for the day.

Highlight

“A much-anticipated highlight was the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, recognising graduates who have successfully built sustainable micro enterprises after completing their training,” Gelderman said.

Yonela Mpama (Office Basics and Trade for Profit 2025), one of the runner-up finalists, started hustling with make-up, hair and nails, travelled to China to source well-priced products and even purchased a motorbike for rental income.

Cynthia Tati (Bake for Profit 2025), also a runner-up, resigned as baker at a local coffee shop to venture into her own baking business, which is now flourishing and enabling her to care for her daughter and build her mum a home in the Eastern Cape.

The 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Nuraan Samaai, a Nail Tech graduate from 2024, who has established multiple business ventures, such as a coffee shop, salon, venue hire and a CV studio.

“Her success has allowed her to mentor and train other women, while also creating employment opportunities within her community,” Gelderman said.

In accepting her award, Samaai encouraged fellow entrepreneurs not only to build successful businesses, but to create opportunities for others along the way.

Powerful reminder

“Held in the lead-up to Freedom Day and Workers’ Day, the graduation was a powerful reminder that freedom is not only something we look back on — it is something we help build every day. Each certificate represented more than training; it marked a step away from unemployment and uncertainty, and a step towards confidence, opportunity and economic participation,” Gelderman said.

“FCD Skills Centre remains committed to addressing unemployment by equipping individuals from vulnerable communities with practical skills and helping them take the next step into work and self-sufficiency.”

To help sustain this vital work, FCD invites businesses and community members to partner with us through volunteering, donations, or the recruitment of graduates.

• Get involved by emailing info@fisantekraal.org.za or visiting www.fisantekraal.org.za.

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