Cape Town: The City hosted its annual Education, Training and Development (ETD) Recognition Awards ceremony on Wednesday, June 03, 2026 where 142 graduates (employed within various departments at the City) were recognised for their recent academic achievements. These committed and ambitious graduates range between the ages of 29 and 47 and are from communities right across the metro including Parow, Kraaifontein, Salt River and Bellville South.
Reportedly, some of the fields in which staff members have furthered their studies include Public Administration; Environmental Management; Engineering; Industrial Psychology and Public Health. Graduate employees were recognised for their academic achievements across various qualification categories, which included certificates, Diplomas, Degrees, Honours, Masters and Doctorate Degrees.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate Services – Alderman Theresa Uys stated that this week they had the opportunity to celebrate the 142 graduates. Each year they make a point of recognising and celebrating these ambitious and committed employees for their academic achievements at the Education, Training and Development (ETD) Recognition Awards ceremony.
Despite the intense challenges and pressures of balancing their professional and family lives, these individuals persevered and tackled further learning which can make a difference in their career journey.
Alderman Uys added that she is always so eager for these opportunities when she get to meet some of the beneficiaries because their inspiring stories of hope and resilience always leaves them excited about the future of Cape Town.
Some of the degree holders have also shared their experiences, which includes:
- Meet Alexis Fernandes, aged 40, born and raised in Salt River. Fernandes recently completed her Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial and Organisational Psychology. Her journey with the City started 13 years ago and now she has found the perfect fit within the Human Resources Department as an Administrative Supervisor. “This opportunity has helped me grow, support my family’s future, and enhance my ability to serve the City of Cape Town with knowledge and dedication,” said Fernandes.
- Meet Rebecca Assur, aged 29 from Parow who recently completed her Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Management, cum laude. She received financial assistance from the City through an external bursary in 2018 while completing her degree and was then accepted into the City’s urban sustainability internship programme. In 2020, she secured a permanent position within the Environmental and Heritage Management branch at the City and has not looked back since then. Most recently, the City funded this honours qualification. “The City has been so supportive of my journey and I am very grateful for how my employer has invested in me,”said Assur.
- Meet Megan Vemeulen, aged 31, from Kraaifontein who recently obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration. Vermeulen started her journey at the City in 2018 and works within the Insurance branch of the City’s Fleet Management Department. “I knew pursuing this qualification would lead to growth and despite all the challenges I faced along the way, I was committed to completing my degree. Without the financial support from the City and my faith, this achievement would not have been possible,” said Vermeulen.
The City of Cape Town has always remained a major source of skills development in Cape Town through the provision of internal and external bursaries, training opportunities and various internship programmes.