Garden Route Councillor Stephen de Vries, with the students enrolled in the newly launched hospitality programme
On 18 September 2024 launched a Tourism and Hospitality Skills Development Project funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF) at the Carpe Diem Schools in George.
The project’s objective is to train, mentor, and develop 400 unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 35 in the Garden Route District. It consists of two programmes, the Occupational Certificate Cook and Work Integrated Learning Placement, which benefit 200 learners.
The NSF approved R36 million for the project, a vital initiative that forms part of the entity’s contributions to the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP). The funding was approved on 5 July 2024.
The NSDP aims to improve the integration of post-school education and training systems and the interface between educational institutions and the world of work.
In his keynote speech, Garden Route Municipality Executive Mayor Andre Stroebel emphasised the long-term impact of this development project on the regional economy and highlighted its role in uplifting the youth.
He pointed out that empowering young people with skills benefits local communities and contributes to the country’s broader development.
Addressing attendees, NSF Project Manager Athenkosi Tshayingwe reaffirmed the NSF’s dedication to supporting initiatives that equip individuals with industry-relevant skills.
“This commitment reflects our broader strategy to invest in our people, ensuring they are not left behind in a rapidly changing global economy. By providing opportunities for skills development, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive economy, where every individual can contribute meaningfully to our nation’s prosperity,” said Tshayingwe.
“I want to extend my well wishes to all the beneficiaries enrolled. The reality is that young people need to take a stand and constructively engage in socio-economic issues. No country can succeed if it does not invest in the future of young people to become tomorrow’s leaders,” he added.
Over the past five years, the NSF has committed over R5 billion in funding to various programmes in the Western Cape, which has benefited more than 40,000 learners.
Beneficiaries of past NSF projects, such as Xola Makinana, shared powerful testimonials illustrating how their training has helped them secure stable jobs and positively impacted their lives.
“I spent a lot of time looking for a job, but when I saw the advert for these programmes on Facebook, I knew this was my opportunity to turn my life around. I have learned a lot throughout the programme, and through the skills that I have acquired, I have also managed to secure a job after completing”, said Makinana.
Makinana’s story inspired the new cohort of hospitality and tourism students.
The event marked another significant milestone in the Garden Route’s ongoing efforts to develop the district’s economy through targeted skills development.
By Lebeko Morema, NSF Graduate Intern
Picture: Garden Route Councillor Stephen de Vries, with the students enrolled in the newly launched hospitality programme.
