On Saturday 5 April, Red & Yellow Creative School of Business held our annual graduation ceremony at the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch, Cape Town. Over two vibrant sessions, 274 incredible graduates crossed the stage and stepped into the next chapter of their creative and business journeys – scrolls in hand, energy sky-high, and ready to take on the world.
It wasn’t just a ceremony. It was a celebration of growth, of grit, and of the belief that creativity is the most powerful force in shaping business, culture, and the future.
Degrees and qualifications that mean business
This year’s graduates earned qualifications across some of the most in-demand and dynamic fields, including:
- Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication
- Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing (in association with Unilever)
- Higher Certificate in Graphic Design
- Higher Certificate in Creating Digital Content
- Advanced Diploma in Copywriting
- Advanced Diploma in Digital Marketing
- Advanced Diploma in User-Centered Design
- Advanced Diploma in Marketing & Advertising Communications
Every one of these programmes is designed around a singular promise: to produce graduates who are not just qualified, but genuinely work-ready. With our 94% employability rate, Red & Yellow continues to deliver on this, setting our students up for success in industries like advertising, design, content creation, digital marketing and more.
From the industry: ten lessons for life after graduation
Keynote speaker Brandt Botes, Head of Dentsu Creative Design, shared ten powerful lessons gathered from his own career. With a mix of creative insight, humility, and humour, his advice encouraged students to remain curious, question everything, and never underestimate the value of resilience.
Each piece of advice came from real experience – valuable, hard-won lessons that helped ground the excitement of graduation in the reality of what comes next.
A moment to honour excellence
As tradition dictates, Red & Yellow honoured those graduates who had gone above and beyond. This year’s special award winners represented the spirit of the school – creative, driven, passionate, and uncompromising in their pursuit of impact.
Special Award Recipients Included:
- Michael Wright (BCom Marketing) – John Cooney Magic Maker Award
- Courtney Cottle (Advanced Diploma in User-Centered Design) – Bob Rightford Enough is Never Enough Award
- Amy Mills (Advanced Diploma in Copywriting) – Wordsmith Award
- Hilde Franszen (Advanced Diploma in Digital Marketing) – Rob Stokes Passion for Digital Award
- Maxine Carr (BA Visual Communication) – Allan Raaff Creative Leadership Award
- Grace van Loggerenberg (Higher Certificate in Graphic Design) – Brian Searle-Tripp Smart & Creative Award
- Nicholas Holt (BCom Marketing) – Honoris “Education for Impact” Award
- Bukho Miti (Higher Certificate in Creating Digital Content) – Hazel Pearson Heart & Soul Award
Managing Director Verusha Maharaj’s message to the Class of 2024
In her welcome address, Verusha Maharaj, Managing Director of Red & Yellow, reminded graduates that while today may feel like an ending, it’s truly a beginning. Her speech acknowledged the challenges students had faced during their studies – moments of doubt, creative blocks, and the relentless push of deadlines – but she also emphasised the transformation that came from those trials.
“To our incredible lecturers. You don’t just teach and support, you shape futures. You challenge, you inspire, and you care in a way that makes all the difference.” – Verusha Maharaj, Red & Yellow Managing Director.
She reflected on Red & Yellow’s founding 30 years ago, born out of a bold idea: that education should not just teach skills, but develop minds capable of shaping industries. Today, that legacy lives on through graduates who carry more than just qualifications – they carry courage, creativity, and an ability to lead.
Her final message was one of community: a heartfelt thank you to the families who supported students throughout their journey, and a tribute to the academic team who go far beyond expectations to help students grow.
An incredible career starts now
Graduates now join Red & Yellow’s powerful alumni network – a global community of professionals and changemakers who are leading in their fields. With practical skills, a future-focused mindset, and deep creative confidence, the Class of 2024 is ready to break conventions, shape brands, and change the world.
Congratulations to every graduate. You came. You created. You conquered. And now, your next big chapter begins.
