First students for Hermanus Varsity

Writer Raphael da Silva

The Hermanus Varsity Trust (HVT) commenced operations this week when 33 students, supported by 15 volunteer tutors, began the course ‘Introduction to Local Economic Development (LED)’, a three-month short-learning programme accredited by the University of Johannesburg.

The students and tutors were introduced at a welcoming function on Thursday 8 August, held at the HVT Hub, a historic building that was formerly a synagogue.

Hermanus resident, Johan Visser, the former CEO of Pep Stores in South Africa and Brown & Jackson PLC in the UK, addressed the students and urged them to make the most of their studies. Recalling his own background growing up in poverty, Johan relected on the eforts his parents made. “The greatest opportunity they gave me was to study,” he said.

ABOVE: The first students to enrol at Hermanus Varsity.

Johan has pledged R3.75 million to HVT to cover 50% of the estimated operating costs over the next three years. “A number of people are going to think I’m crazy. We’ve got our critics. We have to prove them wrong,” he said.

“Everybody is always trying to ind faults instead of opportunities. This is what distinguishes an entrepreneur – looking for opportunities,” said Johan, who added that it was the inspirational talk by Dr Sindiwe Magona – writer, educationist, cultural ambassador, social activist – at the March 2019 HVT ribbon-cutting ceremony that motivated him to make his pledge.

Above: Each student received a Hermanus Varsity welcome package.

Delana Finlayson, the CEO of HVT, reminded the audience that it is only a year since the idea of an institution for tertiary studies in the Overstrand was irst mooted by Theo Krynauw of Sparklekids, William Ntebe of the Zwelihle Youth Café and Emeritus Professor John de Gruchy of the Volmoed Retreat Centre. “Immediately, the dream was born and HVT is happening now. It always seems impossible until it’s done. It’s only the irst step but we should celebrate it,” she said.

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