The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) honoured its top-performing students at the annual Top Achievers Awards Ceremony, recognising excellence in the 2025 academic year while highlighting the critical role of industry partnerships in shaping a future-ready workforce.

Held on 25 March 2026, the ceremony celebrated outstanding achievement across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes up to honours level. A total of 21 awards were presented, with leading industry partners sponsoring prizes that both reward academic excellence and support the development of job-ready graduates.

The awards take place against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global tourism sector, where demand is growing for graduates who are agile, digitally literate and equipped to respond to shifting consumer expectations, climate pressures and geopolitical dynamics.

Preparing graduates for a changing industry

As the tourism and hospitality sector undergoes transformation driven by digital technologies, sustainability imperatives and emerging business models, the ceremony underscored the importance of combining academic excellence with practical, future-focused skills.

Delivering the keynote address, UJ alumnus and entrepreneur Pat Mahlangu encouraged students to think beyond traditional career pathways and consider their potential as innovators and job creators.

“Excellence is not only about performance in the classroom—it is about how graduates apply their knowledge to create impact within their communities and the broader industry,” he said.

Industry partnerships driving relevance

STH Director Professor Diane Abrahams emphasised that collaboration with industry remains central to the School’s approach to teaching and learning.

“Your presence here is not merely ceremonial – it is foundational. We value your investment and continued support. Our collaboration with industry ensures that our students are not only academically prepared but aligned with the real needs of the tourism and hospitality sector.”

This year’s awards were supported by a wide range of industry partners, including Airbnb, City Lodge Hotel Group, Four Seasons Westcliff, Radisson Blu Hotel, Sun International and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, among others. These partnerships play a critical role in bridging the gap between academic training and industry expectations.

Recognising excellence across programmes

Among the highlights of the evening was the Outstanding Achievement category, awarded to students who completed their qualifications with distinction.

• Nikita Leigh Stapelberg received the award for the Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management.
• Nomfundo Sithandiwe Mthembu was named top achiever for the Diploma in Food and Beverage Operations.
• Kamohelo Hoeane was recognised as Top Academic Student at honours level.
• Chef Faaiza Jamal received the award for Top Student in a Research Project at honours level.

The ceremony reflected not only individual achievement, but also the collective support systems—academic, institutional and industry-driven—that enable student success.

Building the next generation of leaders

Beyond celebrating academic performance, the Top Achievers Awards form part of STH’s broader commitment to developing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to economic growth, innovation and sustainability within South Africa’s tourism landscape.

As the sector increasingly integrates artificial intelligence, digital tools and sustainable practices, UJ continues to position its graduates to thrive in a complex and rapidly changing environment.

The awards signal the emergence of a new generation of tourism and hospitality leaders—equipped not only with knowledge, but with the skills and mindset required to shape the future of the industry in South Africa and beyond.