The Tourism Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe officiated at graduation ceremonies in Jozini and Winterton in KwaZulu-Natal on 16 and 17 April 2018, where 233 Learners received National Certificates in Food and Beverages NQF level 4 and Accommodation Services NQF level 2.
A budget of over R28 million was approved by the Department of Tourism to train unemployed youth in KwaZulu-Natal, as part of the department’s Hospitality Youth Training Programme. During the two ceremonies, 165 learners graduated in Jozini and 68 in Winterton.
Endorsed by Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, Sports Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), the 12-month learnership programme consists of 30% of theory, and 70% of practical training, where learners are placed at various hospitality establishments within the province for experiential learning.
During the graduations, the Deputy Minister Thabethe acknowledged the role played by host employers in providing training for the learners including permanent work in the programme, and appealed to them to continue availing their establishments for the learners to gain practical experience, which is a crucial aspect of government of South Africa.
“We started the Hospitality Youth Programme in 2011, with the aim to address the scourge of unemployment in our country. We decided to focus on skills development in order to equip the youth with the necessary skills that will assist and empower them in their job seeking initiatives,” said the Deputy Minister.
She further urged the learners to utilise opportunities afforded to them by the government in order to improve their lives.
“We need you to be change agents in your communities and assist the government in creating more jobs. Now that we have trained you, we rely on you to use the skills we have equipped you with in eradicating poverty,” she emphasised.
The Deputy Minister also had an opportunity to engage with both the communities of Jozini and Winterton during Izimbizo on programmes and initiatives offered by the Department of Tourism. These include Enterprise Development Programme, Service Excellence, Skills Development and Tourism Human Resources Development, and Women in Tourism; all these being initiatives that aim to achieve sustainable tourism development and inclusive tourism growth in the sector.
Enquiries:
Ms Susan de Bruin
Department of Tourism
Telephone: +27 (0) 12 444 6605
Cell: 27 (0) 82 921 7303