The ORT SA’s opening ceremony & awards was more than just a graduation; it was a powerful celebration of resilience, ambition, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Graduates of the New Venture Creation Learnership gathered on February 26 to mark the culmination of months of hard work, leaving not just with certificates, but with the skills to transform their futures.
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CEO Ariellah Rosenberg reminded the graduates of their potential, urging them to embrace their newfound knowledge and step boldly into the world of business. ORT SA’s Skills Academy, with an impressive 85% completion rate, has become a launchpad for young entrepreneurs, equipping them with critical skills in business planning, finance, and marketing.
Top performer Raees Jhatham delivered an inspiring speech, reflecting on the challenges faced and overcome. “We didn’t just learn business strategies; we built resilience. Today, we stand not just as graduates, but as visionaries ready to shape industries and uplift communities,” he said. His words echoed the programme’s core belief – That success is measured not just by profit, but by impact.
The ceremony also recognised excellence with awards, including laptops for top performer Jhatham and 100% attendance recipient Rejoyce Hlungwane, ensuring they have the tools to take their ventures forward. Speakers shared stories of perseverance, particularly a woman who started with nothing but an ice cream cone stand, and built a thriving catering business, proving that small beginnings can lead to big success.
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The event underscored ORT SA’s mission: Empowering individuals through skills and education to foster economic independence. With South Africa facing high unemployment, these graduates are stepping into the world, not just to seek opportunities, but to create them. As they move forward, their challenge is clear: To build businesses, innovate, and become the leaders the country needs. ORT SA has given them the tools, now it’s time for them to build the future.
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