Training & jobs for 90 unskilled African women

Unemployment rates continue to be a critical concern across South Africa. Youths comprise the majority of the unemployed and many lack marketable skills and experience to enter the job market and find meaningful employment. The demographic worst affected is young rural African women.

The SA College for Tourism since its inception in 2001 has facilitated nationally accredited hospitality and life skills training for unskilled, unemployed, young African women aged between 18-35 years annually. On completion of the course, graduates are placed in paid internships/employment in small accommodation establishments and guest lodges linked to eco-tourism.

Seventy two young South African women arrived in Graaff-Reinet, South Africa between 16 and 18 January 2015 to commence their hospitality service training at the SA College for Tourism. They were joined in the two weeks following by fourteen students from Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

Orientation Week commenced on 19 January  and formal training for the 86 members of the hospitality training Class of 2015 commenced on 2 February.

On 3 March students performed practical duty at the local Police Academy working as ushers and waiters for a formal dinner function attended by senior government officials and politicians. Two days later the Learner Committee was elected. On 28 March the students assisted in preparing a three course buffet meal which they served to 70 wedding guests. A very busy start to the year!

We are happy to announce that sixty five of the 89 young women who graduated in November 2014 have been successfully deployed in the hospitality industry with a further 19 taking up internships with South African National Parks Board in April. Thus making the deployment rate to date more than 95%! An incredible achievement.

The SA College for Tourism thanks all its donors for their magnificent support, without which none of the College’s achievements would be possible.