Pinotage Youth Development Academy

What we do

Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) journeys with youth to unlock their potential.Through a unique blend of personal development and vocational training, PYDA prepares young people to lead, achieve meaningful economic success, and drive positive change in their households and communities.

What truly sets PYDA apart is an approach that emphasises individual transformation. Our journey with our students and graduates is rooted in enhancing emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, ensuring they excel not just professionally, but in all aspects of life.

Our work is structured around three interrelated programmes, as follows:

Vocational Pathways

The Vocational Pathways Programme combines accredited and industry-recognised qualifications with robust personal development, which is rooted in emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

This is PYDA’s core offering and currently focuses on the Wine and Tourism industries. The Programme is open to unemployed youth aged 18 to 25.

How to apply

Alumni Connected

Alumni Connected is where we sustain engagement with graduates and facilitate further development and career opportunities for long-term impact.

Research & Innovation

Research and Innovation is dedicated todocumenting, learning, improving, and sharing our experience more broadly for greater influence and impact in youth development.

Our vision

PYDA envisions a future where every young South African has access to education and developmental opportunities to reach their full potential, thriving socially and economically, and maturing into leaders who make the world a better place.

Our mission

PYDA is committed to launching talent to be the difference by delivering targeted personal development and vocational training to youth, enabling them to achieve meaningful careers and lead positive change in society.

Why the Name?

PYDA derives its name from the Pinotage grape,a unique symbol of South African heritage and innovation. Created in South Africa, this grape embodies adaptability and resilience—qualities that PYDA aims to cultivate in its students. Much like the Pinotage grape, which combines the strengths of different varieties to thrive, PYDA integrates rigorous vocational training with comprehensive personal development to equip unemployed youth with essential skills and emotional intelligence for success.

While PYDA’s initial focus was on the wine industry, reflecting its rich historical and economic significance in South Africa, the Academy has always aimed to extend its impact beyond this sector. The name “Pinotage” highlights PYDA’s commitment to fostering a new generation of skilled, resilient professionals who are as distinctive and valuable as the grape itself. This name encapsulates PYDA’s dedication to cultural authenticity, innovative education, and transformative impact, mirroring the pioneering spirit behind the cultivation of the Pinotage grape.

Learn more about us