The City of Cape Town hosted its annual Education, Training and Development (ETD) Recognition Awards ceremony on Wednesday, 3 June 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.
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.
‘This week we had the opportunity to celebrate our 142 graduates! Each year we 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. I am always so eager for these opportunities when I get to meet some of the beneficiaries because their inspiring stories of hope and resilience always leaves us excited about the future of Cape Town,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys.
Meet Alexis Fernandes, 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, 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. 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, 31, from Kraaifontein who recently obtained her Bachelors 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 remains a major source of skills development in Cape Town through the provision of internal and external bursaries, training opportunities and various internship programmes.
