MEC Mosenogi commends Hotel Schools Graduates
Hospitality graduates from the North West Tourism Board Hotel Schools have been applauded for a job well done after completing their national diploma qualifications. The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Kenetswe Mosenogi commended the calibre of students that the hotel schools has produced over the years.
Addressing the 24th annual graduation ceremony held at the Mmabatho Civic Centre in Mafikeng recently, MEC Mosenogi expressed how proud she was of the alumni who would now enter the industry as exemplary ambassadors of the province.
“As ambassadors of this province, I would encourage you to continue making good impressions, with the way you present yourselves and where you come from and always remember to serve with dignity. As you enter the job market believe in yourselves as much as we believe in you and fly the flag of success as high as you can.
“The province currently has two hotel schools in Mafikeng and Taung, which have grown and expanded over the years. I am pleased with the quality of graduates they continue to produce. We hope to increase the number of young people who get exposed to the vast tourism and hospitality opportunities which the industry has to offer. We are confident that we would continue to produce more of this calibre of students at the Orkney Hotel School, once it is completed”, said MEC Mosenogi.
This year, eighty (80) young people constitute the number of graduates that have obtained qualifications in Accommodation Services, Food and Beverage Management as well as Professional Cookery.
The North West Tourism Board Hotel School Division, Acting Rector Mr Malebo Molema said the institution is committed to creating centres of excellence at all its training and demonstration facilities, which exposes students to 5-star service standards.
“It has to be noted, that we strive to be a leading Tourism and Hospitality institution. We offer world class programmes that are credible, accountable and affordable. Therefore, the graduates have been well equipped with excellent skills and knowledge of the industry that will allow them to be easily absorbed into the local and global hospitality industries”, said Molema.
The other opportunity that the hotel schools offer during students training, is the exposure to operations of major companies in the hospitality industry. Industry partner to the North West Tourism Board in the placement of students, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, provided practical experience to six graduates from class of 2019. Key to this placement is the fact that the six students have been absorbed permanently at this global company.
The Director of Human Resources at the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Johannesburg, Nokuthula Kamwendo, says students and graduates from the North West Hotel Schools which they have worked with have unmatched talent.
“It has really been a long and fruitful journey with the two hotel schools in the North West Province since our partnership began about two years ago. We are fortunate that this year we get to employ six graduates, compared to two absorbed last year. We have been honoured to have received eight graduates, which we are able to count on. They represent your schools in the most amazing way and they did not disappoint the industry in any way. We sing your praises in the industry as a whole,” said Kamwendo.
Offering a congratulatory message, Student Representative Council (SRC) President Boipelo Sedupane encouraged graduates to conquer their dreams as they add growth to the industry.
“This room is filled with pride and all of us can feel it. We have wondered whether it was worth going through this programme, and whether what we gain from the hotel school will take us somewhere in life. However, when I look at all of you today that answer is a big YES. You have proven that nothing is beyond your reach. This is where you have to ask yourselves, ‘what can you bring to the table in order to bring fresh ideas that will grow this industry’? We are all proud of your achievements”, said Sedupane.
The North West Tourism Board was wonderfully surprised by the big announcement made by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts at the graduation ceremony. This bears testimony that hard work pays, for both the students and the academic staff.
Enquiries:
Dineo Lolokwane or Mamaki Phoolo
Cell: 072 542 8444/ 083 419 5974
Tel: 018 388 2081
Email: dlolokwane@nwp.gov.za
