Red & Yellow Graduation: Class of 2025

This year’s graduates came through from across our contact study programmes – BCom Marketing, BA Visual Communication, Higher Certificate in Graphic Design, Higher Certificate in Creating Digital Content, Advanced Diplomas in Copywriting, User-Centered Design, Marketing and Advertising Communications, and Digital Marketing. Different paths, different skillsets, but one shared mindset: creative, strategic and ready to make things happen.

One of the big moments of the day came from our keynote speaker, Vicki Buys, Managing Director of Ogilvy Cape Town, who delivered exactly the kind of talk graduates needed to hear.

“Your first role is never meant to be perfect. It's meant to be useful,” she said. “Think of your first role as a masterclass in learning speed, and unparalleled opportunity for exposure."

Vicki’s address serves as a reminder that careers are built by showing up, staying curious and getting stuck in. She also spoke about the impact of AI, positioning it as a tool to amplify creativity rather than replace it. Vicki encouraged graduates to being their unique blend of commercial logic and creative magic to the working world.

“Holistic understanding is what this industry needs. I can't wait to see the amazing impact that each of you is going to make."

It wouldn’t be a Red & Yellow graduation without recognising those who went above and beyond. This year’s special award winners were: 

• The Bob Rightford Enough is Never Enough Award: Jacobus Trichardt Meij
• The Rob Strokes Passion for Digital Award: Kayla Shea Hudson
• The Brian Searle-Tripp Smart & Creative Award: Christina de Faria
• The Honoris Education for Impact Award: Aasiyah Domingo
• The Allan Raaf Creative Leadership Award: Cherish Beukman
• The Wordsmith Award: Tayla Kate Jansen
• The John Cooney Magic Maker Award: Kayla Mary Swanepoel
• The Hazel Pearson Heart & Soul Award: Laura Jane Hudson

A huge congratulations to all of our 2025 graduates. Your life-ling learning journey doesn’t end here, and neither do your opportunities. With access to R&Y Connect, our dedicated job portal, graduates can keep building, connecting and finding their next move.

Explore the graduation gallery below to relive the moments, spot a familiar face, and soak up the energy of a day that was equal parts proud, emotional and seriously exciting.