
Caela Marais
A Full-Circle Journey: My Story, by Caela Marais
The FP&M Seta grant was the foundation of my career, and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity it provided. When I started thinking about my studies post matric, financial constraints made the future feel uncertain and fraught with obstacles. The grant lifted that burden and allowed me to begin my studies and focus on my education, giving me the tools I needed to pursue my passion for design.
The SETA grant didn’t just fund my studies—it opened doors I couldn’t have imagined. In my final year, as one of two winners of the Woolworths Clever Knits Competition, I was awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to London for Graduate Fashion Week. That experience was transformative and I would not have been afforded it had I not been able to begin my studies.
After graduating, I began my career at TFG as a design intern. The knowledge and skills I gained during my studies, funded by the FP&M Seta grant, gave me the foundation to excel in my internship. Over time, I explored various roles within the company—from designing to working as an outwork specialist—each one helping me grow both professionally and personally.
Today, I’m proud to serve as the Academic Manager at Thandeka. In this role, I have the privilege of helping others access opportunities, much like the one the FP&M Seta grant gave me. It’s deeply rewarding to be part of a process that changes lives, just as my life was changed.
The FP&M Seta grant wasn’t just financial support—it was a lifeline, a door opener, and the start of a journey I never could have navigated alone. It taught me that when you’re given the right opportunities and you commit to making the most of them, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.