South Africa celebrated Heritage and Tourism Month, when Wesgro hosted a Youth FAM trip in partnership with the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) on Sept 30, 2025 bringing Youth Empowerment in Action.
Wesgro’s aims to host this trip was to showcase the Cape Overberg’s adventure and unique tourism offerings. The initiative formed part of tourism marketing company’s on-going commitment to regional spread and youth empowerment through immersive tourism experiences.
The students participated in a full-day itinerary that included:
- a tree-top zipline experience with SA Forest Adventure,
- an educational cellar tour on the wine making process,
- lunch at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, and
- a site inspection at Trails End Bike Hotel
These activities offered hands-on exposure to the tourism value chain, from active adventure to hospitality by providing students with a deeper understanding of the sector’s diverse opportunities and building confidence in the future tourism ambassadors.
Wesgro’s third Youth FAM trip with PYDA marked an inspiring collaboration for the next generation of tourism leaders.
Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA)
PYDA is a non-profit based organisation in Stellenbosch that equips unemployed youth from historically disadvantaged backgrounds with technical and personal development skills to succeed in the wine and tourism industries.
With a strong focus on accessibility and transformation, PYDA covers programme costs that offers stipends and creates pathways for youth who face financial and social barriers.
PYDA envisions a future where education is available to every young South African and have access to developmental opportunities, so that they can reach to their full potential, by thriving socially and economically, and transform themselves into leaders who make the world a better place.
Further, PYDA is committed to launch talent by delivering targeted personal development and vocational training to youth. It ensures to achieve meaningful careers and lead positive change in the South African society.
The name ‘Pinotage’ highlights PYDA’s commitment to foster a new generation of skilled, resilient professionals who are as distinctive and valuable as the grape itself.
This name encapsulates PYDA’s dedication towards cultural authenticity, innovative education, and transformative impact, mirroring the pioneering spirit behind the cultivation of the Pinotage grape.