Red & Yellow welcomes first years to campus with creative orientation week

“My favourite part of Orientation has been learning about AI. I struggled with it in high school, so I really appreciated getting a better understanding of how to navigate it, especially in relation to referencing.” – Tahira, BCom Marketing

A Warm Welcome to the Red & Yellow Family
 

Orientation Week ran from Monday, 10 February to Friday, 14 February, kicking off with an enthusiastic welcome from our Managing Director, Verusha Maharaj, Head of Academics, Carmen Schaefer, and Senior Programme Manager, Di Charton. Students were introduced to their lecturers — seasoned industry professionals who bring real-world expertise into the classroom.

Our award-winning Advanced Diploma in Copywriting and Higher Certificate in Creating Digital Content lecturer, Craig Strydom, showcased award-winning work from past students, highlighting Red & Yellow’s strong legacy of creative excellence. Award-winning BA Visual Communication Illustration lecturer Stephanie Simpson and Digital Design lecturer Liz Pienaar joined him to share inspiring student projects, giving our first-years a glimpse into the level of innovation that defines our institution.

“I chose Red & Yellow because it caters to both my creative interests and my passion for advertising. The manifesto-building activity was my highlight—it allowed us to express ourselves and gave us insight into what studying here will be like.” – Thomas, Advanced Diploma in Marketing & Advertising Communication

Learning from Industry Leaders & Alumni 

A key part of Orientation Week was the opportunity for students to learn directly from professionals in the field. Our alumni network continues to be one of our greatest strengths, and we were thrilled to welcome back alumni Ethan Luke, Suzen Truter and Zoe Zannos for an exclusive masterclass on their three years at Red & Yellow, which included a creative student survival guide. 

First year students engaged in a range of hands-on activities, including personal development workshops, a collaborative student manifesto project, and an introduction to the extensive Student Support services available on campus. Each session was designed to empower students with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to thrive in the creative industry.

“I chose Red & Yellow because I’ve heard a lot of good things about how it’s very business-oriented. They get you involved with real clients and help you build connections to shape your career.” – Ruby, BA Visual Communication

Setting Students Up for Career Success

Since our founding by leaders at Ogilvy, Red & Yellow has remained deeply connected to the marketing, advertising, and design industries. We don’t just prepare students for jobs — we equip them with the tools to build meaningful careers. From day one, we encourage networking, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving to ensure our graduates stand out in competitive industries.

“We really put a lot of effort into equipping our new students with what they need for the year,” says Stephanie Simpson, Illustration Lecturer for the BA Visual Communication degree. “We wanted to situate them so they’re set up for success. It was a very energetic atmosphere and the vibes were on point!”

Digital Design Lecturer Liz Pienaar echoed this sentiment: “We put a lot of intention into the Orientation process. It felt that, with the intentions that were set, we’re going into the year with clear goals to set our students up for success.”

“Our BCom Marketing degree is as creative as it is business oriented. Past students presented at Orientation. We tapped into past experiences and showed our students the level of support they benefit from, from lecturers and teaching assistants, and providing a strong start to their exciting business journey,” says BCom Marketing Programme Manager Tendai Mbumbwa.

“I chose Red & Yellow for the networking opportunities, and because my degree has a partnership with Unilever, which excited me. My favourite part of Orientation Week was making new friends.” – Miriam. BCom Marketing

A Year of Possibility Awaits

Orientation Week ended with an epic rooftop party, giving students the chance to unwind, connect, and celebrate the start of their journey at Red & Yellow. With the foundation set for an incredible year, we can’t wait to see our students grow, create, and leave their mark on the industry.

Here’s to our new students — your future starts now!