Nonhlanhla Magagula, from Absa Corporate Citizenship, speaks at the Legends Barber graduation. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Graduates celebrate with their certificates after completing the Absa-sponsored Legends Barber training programme. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Lethabo Ramakutwana at the Legends Barber graduation. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
The graduation was held at the academy’s head office in Northriding on Tuesday, marking the end of months of training that covered everything from basic cutting to running a professional barbershop.
Kagiso Luvhimbi holds his certificate of completion, flanked by Absa's Nonhlanhla Magagula and Legends Barber founder Sheldon Tatchell. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Sandile Mpofu holds his certificate of completion, flanked by Absa's Nonhlanhla Magagula and Legends Barber founder Sheldon Tatchell. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Graduates celebrate with their certificates after completing the Absa-sponsored Legends Barber training programme. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Legends Barber founder Sheldon Tatchell said the academy, sponsored by Absa, was close to his heart, describing it as an investment in the unknown that would have a ripple effect on communities.
Branding welcomes guests to the Absa x Legendary Barber graduation for the Legendary Class of 2026. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Legends Barber founder Sheldon Tatchell speaks to the graduating trainees during the academy's ceremony. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
He said watching trainees grow from having no hope, no skills to completing the course with discipline had been incredible, and that graduates moving into salons were the forerunners of making an impact on the next generation.
Olwethu Daluka at the Legends Barber graduation. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Quelene George at the Legends Barber graduation in Northriding. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Nonhlanhla Magagula, from Absa Corporate Citizenship, said the three-month programme combined technical training with entrepreneurship lessons, encouraging graduates to think beyond employment and consider starting their own businesses.
Tershin Erasmus speaks to the graduating trainees during the academy's ceremony. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Diego Matthews holds his certificate of completion, flanked by Absa's Nonhlanhla Magagula and Legends Barber founder Sheldon Tatchell. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Graduates celebrate with their certificates after completing the Absa-sponsored Legends Barber training programme. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Among the graduates was Musawenkosi Nyathi, who trained at the academy’s Pretoria CBD branch. He said the journey had been tough, but rewarding, thanks to a strong team of facilitators.
Ajay Baatjies holds his certificate of completion, flanked by Absa's Nonhlanhla Magagula and Legends Barber founder Sheldon Tatchell. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Chantel Mbezi holds her certificate of completion, flanked by Absa's Nonhlanhla Magagula and Legends Barber founder Sheldon Tatchell. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Tebogo Boikanyo holds his certificate of completion, flanked by Absa's Nonhlanhla Magagula and Legends Barber founder Sheldon Tatchell. Photo: Nkazimulo Ncube
Nyathi, who had picked up some cutting skills at school before seeking professional training, urged others considering the trade to join Legends, pick up a skill, and give back to the community.
Nkazimulo Ncube is an aspiring journalist interning at Caxton. He has covered local events like the Junior Gauteng Open Bowls Tournament and addressed community issues such as the Delta Park fires. Passionate about impactful stories, Nkazimulo aims to inform and engage the community.
