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Deputy Minister Thabethe officiates the graduation of the Hospitality Youth Training Programme Graduates
Deputy Minister Thabethe officiates the graduation of the Hospitality Youth Training Programme Graduates
The Deputy Minister of Tourism Elizabeth Thabethe acknowledged the role of host employers who offered practical training to the learners of the Hospitality Youth Training Programme, during a three part programme which saw the graduation ceremony of 148 Gauteng learners in Krugersdorp yesterday. 

“As we conclude the year which was dedicated to Oliver Reginald Tambo, we are grateful to the host employers for making it possible for our learners to acquire the practical experience as part of the programme. The partnership between the government and the private sector is critical in ensuring the implementation of the National Development Plan. As government, we do not create jobs, but we create a conducive environment for business to create jobs for our people”, said Deputy Minister Thabethe.

The Hospitality Youth Training is a twelve month learnership programme of the National Department of Tourism, targeting unemployed youth to enable them to gain experience in the daily operations of the hospitality industry. The department, through its Extended Public Works Programme approved a budget for 2 000 learners under its 12 months Hospitality Youth Training programme.

“The structure of this training consists of 30% theory and 70% practical training where learners were placed at various hospitality establishments within the province in order to obtain workplace experience”, highlighted the Deputy Minister Thabethe.

The Gauteng Province started to implement the programme in November 2016 with a budget of R 11 392 500.00.  Through this programme, 63 of the learners are already permanently employed.

The selection criteria for recruiting the learners considered the youth between the ages of 18 to 35 with preference given to women, South African citizenship, a matric qualification and the candidate should be unemployed.

The training programme consisted of the following two qualifications: 

National Certificate in Food and Beverages Services, NQF level 4 
National Certificate in Accommodation Services, NQF Level 2

The day’s programme kickstarted with a session between the Deputy Minister, host employers and parents, followed by the graduation ceremony and concluded with an imbizo, where an engagement with the community of Kagiso took place. The objectives of the Imbizo were to promote initiatives of the Department as well as strengthening partnerships with stakeholders and communities so that the implementation of the National Development Plan including the Nine Point Plan, becomes a national effort. 

Enquiries: 

Ms Lindani Mtshali
Media Liaison Officer to the Deputy Minister
Department of Tourism
Telephone: +27 (0) 12 444 6754
Cell: +27 (0) 82 788 1274