South Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry, a vital component of the country’s economy, has a complex relationship with unemployment. While this industry holds potential as a major job creator, it has also been impacted by economic downturns, resulting in a need for skilled workers. To tackle this challenge, the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has partnered with Diageo, a global leader in premium beverages, to offer opportunities through the Learning for Life programme for qualifying students and unemployed graduates.
Designed to provide valuable opportunities for participants, the programme places them within the dynamic fields of tourism, hospitality, and food and beverage sectors. Students gain practical experience and industry insights through a rigorous work-based education initiative, enhancing their employability prospects.
STH celebrated the achievements of the latest cohort of students who have completed the Learning for Life programme.
To date, 480 students and graduates in Tourism and Hospitality have completed the programme, which includes a six-week paid internship with various businesses in the sector. Internship partners in Gauteng include Saxon Hotel, Villas, and Spa; Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff; Hotel Sky; Zaza’s Winery; Monkey and Bird Farm; Ubuntu Kraal; Sakhumzi; Sun International; and @Sandton Hotel, among others. The programme also extends to KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Mpumalanga.
Hailing from Phumlani township in East London, Kusakhanya Gcezengana, who was placed at the Sandton Hotel, is a final year Hospitality Management degree student and has participated in the Learning for Life programme, highlighted that this internship not only provides invaluable hands-on experience but also significantly contributes to advancing graduate employability goals. He has done so well that he has caught the eye of another major hotel, keen to extend the duration of his internship.
“Beyond skill development in communication and teamwork, this internship assisted me in applying my academic knowledge in a real-world setting. It helped me to demonstrate my capabilities and work ethic to potential employers. This venture resulted in meaningful exposure to the workplace, granting me, as a recent graduate, a vital boost in my chosen career trajectory,” says Gcezengana.
Amy Mudzamiri, Sustainability Manager for Diageo Southern Africa, and the Indian Ocean, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating; “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Africa’s leading School of Tourism and Hospitality. The programme highlights our commitment to empowering young individuals with the essential skills and knowledge for success in the hospitality industry. By providing practical training and mentorship opportunities, we not only invest in their future but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of the sector.” Mudzamiri also stressed the crucial role of STH in facilitating graduate placements for the programme, coordinating connections with businesses to host interns, and extending opportunities to other academic institutions.
Apart from fostering collaboration between businesses and universities, the programme also facilitated partnerships among academic institutions. According to Ms Akhona Melani, UJ Lecturer and Work Integrated Learning Coordinator; “Recognising the widespread challenge of employability both within the sector and across the country and considering the level of impact we aimed to achieve, it was crucial to ensure broad participation. Therefore, the programme encompasses the placement of graduates from other partner universities in South Africa. This initiative has the potential to create a ripple effect, enhancing graduate employability on a broader scale.”
Professor Tembi Tichaawa, Interim Director for STH, expressed appreciation to Diageo. “It is encouraging to see the industry collaborating with institutions of higher learning to explore methods to expand the network and prolong the internships. I am confident that this approach will benefit graduates and have a lasting impact on the sector.”
