At IIE-Vega Cape Town’s recent graduation ceremony, a total of 241 students - including 23 from IIE-Vega’s Online Centre - graduated through The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). The highly anticipated celebration culminated with the signature ribbon throwing ritual - a symbolic gesture that marked the graduates’ readiness to unleash their creativity, strategic thinking and commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world.
A highlight of the event was the IIE-Vega Pencil Achievement Awards, which recognised top performing students who graduated with distinction (75% and above) across every programme and or specialisation. Twelve Class of 2024 students were each honoured with a Pencil Award. IIE-Vega is an educational brand of The IIE.
Georgia Faria, recipient of the Pencil Award for IIE Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, said: “I was honestly really happy and proud of myself. Throughout my three years of study, I often struggled with imposter syndrome and would doubt whether my work was worthy of recognition. Still, I never stopped pushing. I worked very hard to maintain high results and I’m so glad it paid off”.
She described the Pencil Award as a tribute to the “tough version” of herself: “It’s a reminder that I am worthy of recognition and that dedication and passion does pay off when you’re doing something you love”.
Faria’s journey into interior design began in high school when she unexpectedly took Design as a subject in Grade 10. She became fascinated with design movements, iconic furniture, interiors and architecture - eventually choosing interior design for her final matric project. The experience gave her the confidence to pursue it as a career.
In her third year, Faria completed an internship at ARRCC, a leading Cape Town interior design studio, during her holidays. She also worked part-time and saved up to take a gap year. In June, she will be travelling through southern and eastern Europe. She plans to officially step into the interior design industry in January 2026.
Her advice to aspiring interior designers? “Make sure it’s your passion - it’s not an easy qualification. The software programs are challenging and the hours can be intense, but it’s worth it.
IIE-Vega Cape Town graduate Georgia Faria (pictured) received the Pencil Award for IIE Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. Faria described the award as a reminder that she’s worthy of recognition and that dedication and passion does pay off when you’re doing something you love. Ebie du Preez (Western Cape Representative at The Kitchen Specialist Association (KSA)) (on the left) presented the award and their sponsored prize to Faria.
And the degree opens many doors: from lighting and furniture design to sustainable and product design.”
Tiisetso Mofokeng (Interior Design lecturer at IIE-Vega Cape Town) said: “Georgia has shown unwavering commitment to her studies, consistently delivering work with professionalism and excellence. She’s positioned herself as a standout student and a rising talent in the industry”.
Agatka Mazus, who received the Pencil Award for IIE Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, described the award as a “wonderful surprise” and a tangible reward for three years of hard work. She now proudly displays it on her desk at her new job with a design start up - a role she landed through IIE-Vega’s Industry Showcase, where students exhibit their work to industry guests.
She also participated in Portfolio Night, where students present their work before an industry panel and receive feedback. “It was scary presenting in front of industry experts, but it was great preparation for the real world,” said Mazus.
She originally studied psychology in Scotland but felt drawn to something more creative and structured. Being a mature student worked to her advantage: “I respected my studies more and understood that I had to get a job and I did it”.
Wilmarie Staub (Graphic Design lecturer at IIE-Vega Cape Town) praised Mazus’s growth and work ethic: “Her exhibition stand was beautifully crafted and brought her concept to life through every detail. Agata always defended her ideas and consistently delivered with focus and flair”.
IIE-Vega Cape Town graduate Agatka Mazus (pictured) received the Pencil Award for IIE Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. Mazus described the award as a “wonderful surprise” and a tangible reward for three years of hard work. Jerry Harck-Turner (Head of Student Experience at IIE-Vega Cape Town) (on the left) presented the award and the Saatchi & Saatchi SA sponsored prize to Mazus.
Saleem Jackson (Campus Head at IIE-Vega Cape Town) addressed the graduating class: “Graduands, IIE-Vega has shaped you to be resilient, agile and versatile - qualities needed in this unpredictable world. Be true to yourself. Be different. Be disruptive. Be kind. Create magic wherever you go. And don’t forget to play”.
IIE-Vega Cape Town Pencil Award Recipients:
- Juliet Du Plessis – IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Strategic Brand Management
- Agatka Mazus - IIE Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
- Danielle Nakan – IIE Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design
- Georgia Faria – IIE Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design
- Jude Cooksey – IIE Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Game Design and Development
- Julyan Van Der Westhuizen - IIE Higher Certificate in Brand Building Practice
- Laeeqah Cassim - IIE Bachelor of Arts in Creative Brand Communications
- Lisa De Swardt - IIE Bachelor of Business Administration in Brand Building and Management
- Morgan Gibson – IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Digital Marketing
- Taliesin Leach – IIE Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Brand Communication
- Oluchi Mbali Grace Ekeh – IIE Higher Certificate in Creative Development
- Georgia Kate Bergh – IIE Higher Certificate in Video and Photography