​SOWETO - “Education is the key to unlocking your potential, and Tourism has opened the door for you to new opportunities. Celebrate your achievement today, and prepare to make a meaningful contribution to our exciting sector,” said Minister Tokozile Xasa.

More than three hundred (300) learners from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and the Free State Provinces graduated from the Department’s National Youth Chefs Training Programme (NYCTP), which is funded through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at Uncle Tom’s community hall in Soweto, Minister Xasa encouraged the young chefs to look beyond being employed and consider a path as entrepreneurs. 

“Our skills development programmes have capacitated more than 2500 young South Africans, and has created 60% employment opportunities for them domestically and abroad.”

“Not only does our sector make provision for those who seek to be employed, but it also provides an amicable environment for young people to become entrepreneurs.”

“I urge you to visit the National Tourism Careers Expo in the Free State Province from 28 to 30 September 2017, and present your business ideas to the Youth Business Zone.

“Take advantage of the assistance offered by organisations such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade and Industry to tap into the resources that have been made available to emerging entrepreneurs.

“It is through entrepreneurial initiatives that we can achieve radical and economic transformation within our sector, and our country,” added Minister Xasa. 

The NYCTP is implemented by the South African Chefs Association (SACA). Learners took part in a programme that entails 30% theory and 70% practical in service training.  Graduates received internationally recognised level 01- 03 Certificates and Diplomas in Professional Food Preparation and Pastry accredited by City and Guilds.

“We are extremely proud of the learners who are graduating today. The selection process for the Chefs training programme is a rigorous one, and we are confident that we are releasing competent world-class chefs into the industry,” said Stephen Billingham – President of SACA. 

 The National Youth Chef Training Programme commenced in 2011 and has been implemented all the nine provinces. Collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders offering in-house practical training for learners has contributed to the success of the initiative. 

“Our partnership with industry stakeholders has played a critical role in the success of this training programme.”

“Your support has afforded graduates such as Mantwa Moeng -Sous Chef at Estate Private Hotel in Northern Cape Province; Thobi Skhosana - Chef de Partie at the Tourism School, University of Johannesburg; Nhlalwenhle Xolo, known as Chef Basil - Chef de Partie- P&O Cruises, and Thulile Blou - Chef de Partie - Emperors Palace an opportunity to fine-tune their culinary skills that have landed them top jobs in our industry.”

We thank the industry for rallying behind the NYCTP initiative, and shaping the tourism ambassadors that are graduating today. 

“It is only through such partnerships that we can grow tourism, empower our communities and eradicate poverty,” concluded Xasa.

Minister Xasa says through this public-private partnerships together we will be able to ensure that our young people will be accorded employment opportunities and we urge them to fully utilise them.

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