Author: Kagiso Mosue
Tourism remains a crucial sector of the South African economy. While the industry has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels (2019), it now contributes 8.8% to the country’s GDP, according to Statistics South Africa, and supports 1.68 million jobs, as reported by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). However, as the demand for skilled labour in the sector grows, graduate employability remains a concern.
With this in mind, the University of Johannesburg’s School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) has formalised its partnership with Diageo, a global leader in premium beverages, to provide qualifying students and unemployed graduates with opportunities to develop their skills.
On Wednesday, 19 February 2025, STH and Diageo celebrated the achievements of the latest cohort of interns who completed the Learning for Life programme. At the event, they also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which formalises their ongoing collaboration.
Learning for Life is Diageo’s business and hospitality skills development programme, designed to support individuals seeking employment in the hospitality industry. In collaboration with STH, the programme has trained over 990 participants to date.
Beyond practical training, the initiative has also led to full-time employment opportunities for some graduates. One such success story is Ayanda Magele, a Hospitality Management graduate from Sebokeng, south of Johannesburg. Reflecting on her journey, she shared:
“What drew me to hospitality management was my love for food and people. It’s an industry that brings the two together, allowing me to create memorable experiences. The highlight of the L4L programme was my placement at one of South Africa’s leading hotels, the Saxon Hotel and Villas. Today, I work as a Junior Sommelier at the Saxon Hotel. I initially thought I was more interested in the management side of hospitality, but I have since developed a passion for beverages, particularly wine. I’ve come to realise it is an industry of its own, far more intricate than most people know. The L4L programme has instilled discipline in me, helped me secure employment at an amazing establishment, and now my focus is on growth.”
By equipping young professionals with industry-relevant skills and real-world experience, the partnership between UJ’s STH and Diageo continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of South Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector.
