Today, the Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa, in partnership with the UNISA Business School of Leadership (UNISA SBL), hosted a breakfast for the second intake of the Executive Development Programme for Women Managers in Tourism (EPDWIT) in Midrand.
The EPDWIT, is an initiative of the Department of Tourism to empower women and build an inclusive and sustainable tourism sector. It is an open programme offered by UNISA, a recognised business school. The main objective of the programme is to train black female managers through a recognised South African business school, and prepare them for executive or board positions in the tourism sector.
The programme aims to equip female managers them with the requisite management skills and qualifications for the tourism sector. The programme will run for 12 months.
In her address, Minister Xasa acknowledged the election of President Cyril Ramaphosa by Parliament yesterday, and indicated the President’s focus is on continuing to grow the economy of the country using amongst others, the tourism sector in order to achieve this.
“UNISA occupies a strategic position in our tertiary education sector and therefore this partnership gives us the kind of reach that is an envy to other industries. We are delighted about this partnership”, said the Minister.
The Minister lauded the first group of graduates for setting the bar and encouraged the second group to not only match it but to also exceed what their peers were able to achieve. The Minister urged employers in the tourism sector to come on board and work with the department towards ensuring that the sector increases black women executives.
Speaking on behalf of UNISA SBL, Executive Director and CEO Dr Mokate confirmed UNISA SBL’s continued collaboration with the Department of Tourism to assist in retaining and developing the country’s top talent in order to remain competitive in the global tourism landscape, by ensuring that the programme is at the forefront of management training and development.
“The purpose of our business school is to turn people’s dreams and aspirations into reality. Six of the 16 women who completed training last year have already been promoted to senior management positions”, said Dr Mokate.
The Unisa Executive Development Programme leader, Professor Nellie Swart, acknowledged Minister Xasa’s commitment to the programme, as a reflection of the importance of the EPDWIT. In celebrating UNISA’s 105 years of changing lives, the professor committed to ensuring that the programme continues to succeed and make a difference in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Enquiries:
Mr Thamie Mthembu
Media Liaison Officer: Office of the Minister
Department of Tourism
Telephone: +27 (0)12 444 6772