Tourism Minister, Mr. Derek Hanekom, today engaged learners at a stakeholder engagement and career expo at Rocklands High School in Mitchell’s Plain. The event was attended by over a 1000 learners from seven schools that offer tourism in their curriculum.
Minister Hanekom told learners that they were the industry’s future ambassadors, and they should make full use of every opportunity to learn more about tourism before embarking on careers in this field.
“The role of government is not to create business, that is the private sector’s role. We are here to facilitate the process and to contribute to the training and development of resources where we can, and this is what we are doing through our constant engagement between the three spheres of government”, said the Minister.
Rocklands High School received a top prize in 2014 during a national heritage schools competition organised by the National Heritage Council and the South African Heritage Resources Agency. Over 500 learners at the school are taking tourism as a subject.
Speakers from the various spheres of the sector encouraged learners to do well in their studies and grab opportunities at their disposal. This included the Marketing and Communications manager from South African Tourism, Mr. Mabeka Makola; Hilton Group Regional Human Resource Manager, Mr. Peter Thomas and Tour operator for Escape to the Cape, Mr. Shaheed Ebrahim.
The speakers shared their personal stories of their work experience in the tourism industry.
Also addressing the learners was local tourist guide and adventure tourism operator Mr. Bernard Fortuin, Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Ms. Mandisa, and Ms. Sharmini Naidoo from the District Department of Basic Education.
The formal programme was followed by an exhibition walkabout where 18 exhibitors displayed their products.
Enquiries:
Trevor Bloem
Tel: 012 444 6607
Cell: 082 771 6729
E-mail: tbloem@tourism.gov.za
