Discover how 537 young graduates from KwaZulu-Natal are transforming their futures through the Real Estate Learnership Programme. In Picture: MEC Reverend Musa Zondi
Image: Sipho Jack
KwaZulu-Natal is set to witness a defining moment in youth development as 537 young individuals graduate as certified real estate professionals, marking an important step towards unlocking economic opportunities for historically excluded township and rural youth groups.
The graduation ceremony took place at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on Saturday.
The event was the culmination of the KwaZulu-Natal Real Estate's Learnership Programme, a provincial initiative aimed at equipping young people with accredited qualifications, practical workplace experience, and the necessary regulatory certification to thrive in the real estate profession.
The graduates have completed a rigorous 12 month professional journey characterised by structured training, on the job experience, and demanding industry examinations. Many of the students faced challenges from devastating floods and load-shedding disruptions to limited access to digital resources and complex social pressures.
However, their resilience has earned them vital entry into a regulated and income-generating profession.
Real Estate Learnership Programme, paving the way for economic opportunities in their communities.
Image: Supplied
The stories of the young graduates underscore the transformative power of targeted youth development:
* A learner who was displaced due to flooding continued to pursue his dreams with borrowed devices and is now proudly employed by a regional estate agency.
* A young woman from a rural community has become the first in her family to embark on a recognised professional path.
* A dedicated young mother is now preparing to establish a township-based rental management enterprise, leveraging her newly acquired qualification.
* Two graduates have achieved principal level certification, with one already opening a franchise in Pietermaritzburg, actively creating jobs for fellow graduates.
This milestone positions KZN as a leader in driving transformation within the South African property landscape.
Service Seta one of the partners of the event.
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The influx of 537 new graduates brings not only fresh talent but also greater diversity and renewed energy to the sector, enhancing inclusion for youth, women, and historically marginalised communities.
“These graduates represent a new era of opportunity and inclusion in the property sector,” said a spokesperson for the Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).
“They are qualified, motivated, and ready to contribute to economic growth across KwaZulu-Natal.”
"Now armed with their qualifications, the graduates are poised to pursue a range of exciting careers, including: property sales, residential and commercial rentals, property management and administration, entry-level valuation pathways, real estate marketing, entrepreneurship in township and rural markets
KZN Director General Nkosenye Zulu
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Thembo Ntuli city of eThekweni's economic development MMC
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"Moreover, they will benefit from 12 months of post-graduation support, which includes placement assistance, mentorship, and enterprise development coaching to help navigate their professional journey," said the spokesperson.
Newly graduated real estate agents at the ICC during their ceremony over the weekend.
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In a further effort to support the newly graduated professionals, the EDTEA hosted an industry engagement dinner at the Durban ICC with leading estate agencies, developers, regulators, public sector property entities, and professional bodies to foster partnerships that will enhance mentorship and create business opportunities for new graduates.
DAILY NEWS