Food and Beverage Programme Strengthens the Tourism Value Chain in the Western Cape

To ring in the new academic year, the Department of Tourism today hosted the graduation of the Food and Beverages Programme in the Western Cape. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela warmly welcomed the new cohort of 98 graduates that will populate the talent pool in the tourism value chain.

“The National Tourism Sector Strategy and the Tourism Human Resource Development Strategy empower our department to implement skills development programmes that support the tourism sector’s developmental objectives. The impact should be in addressing the skills shortage within the tourism and hospitality industry and responding to the sector’s detrimental socio-economic challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Deputy Minister Mahlalela. 

The one-year Food and Beverage Services Programme targets unemployed youth in the Western Cape.

It aims to upskill and ensures employability within the hospitality industry. This programme entails 30% theory and 70% workplace experiential training, with graduates receiving a National Certificate in Food and Beverages accredited by the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports sector education and Training Authority (CATSSETA). Collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders offering in-house practical training for learners have contributed to the initiative’s success.

Graduates were excited to share their experiences about the departmental programme. Ms Olwethu Kalane (31), who hails from Khayelitsha, said: “The programme was enjoyable, and I learned a lot through it. The qualification opened doors for me as I am now permanently employed in the hospitality industry.”

Ms Zingiswa Nzuzo, who aspires to be a female business owner, stated: “The programme was very helpful, and I learned a lot from it. The qualification and experience I got from the programme will benefit me in achieving my goal to start a tourism business one day”, said the 29-year-old from Mfuleni.

As we express the spirit of the State of the Nation Address and nation-building, we focus on excellent service and creating memorable experiences to meet and exceed visitors’ expectations. This talent boost enhances the Western Cape’s tourism and hospitality experience. The department continues to advance the tourism and hospitality experience. It reaffirms its commitment to training and development, which will yield many happy returns and will contribute to the tourism recovery plan. This intervention plays a significant role in the tourism value chain.

“An empowered and adequately skilled workforce is critical for the success of the tourism sector, economy, and global competitiveness. Through these programmes, we are introducing young people to accredited educational programmes that not only contribute to improved service levels but will also assure an enhanced visitor experience and the sector’s sustainability,” concluded Deputy Minister Mahlalela.

To ring in the new academic year, the Department of Tourism today hosted the graduation of the Food and Beverages Programme in the Western Cape.  The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela warmly welcomed the new cohort of 98 graduates that will populate the talent pool in the tourism value chain. 

“The National Tourism Sector Strategy and the Tourism Human Resource Development Strategy empowers our department to implement skills development programmes to support the tourism sector’s developmental objectives. The impact should be in addressing the skills shortage within the tourism and hospitality industry and respond to the sector’s detrimental socio-economic challenges posed by COVID 19,” said Deputy Minister Mahlalela. 

The one-year Food and Beverage Services Programme targeted unemployed youth in the Western Cape and aims to upskill and ensures employability within the hospitality industry. This programme entails 30% theory and 70% workplace experiential training with graduates receiving a National Certificate in Food and Beverages accredited by the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports sector education and Training Authority (CATSSETA). Collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders offering in-house practical training for learners have contributed to the success of the initiative.

Graduates were excited to share their experiences about the departmental programme. Ms Olwethu Kalane (31) who hails from Khayelitsha said: “The programme was enjoyable and I learned a lot through it. The qualification opened doors for me as I am now permanently employed in the hospitality industry.”

Ms Zingiswa Nzuzo who aspires to be a woman business owner stated: “The programme was very helpful, and I learned a lot from it. The qualification and experience I got from the programme will benefit me in achieving my goal to start a tourism business one day”, said the 29-year-old from Mfuleni.

As we give expression to the spirit of the State of the Nation Address and nation-building, we focus on excellent service and creating memorable experiences to meet and exceed the expectations of visitors. This talent boost enhances the Western Cape’s tourism and hospitality experience. The Department continues to advance the tourism and hospitality experience and reaffirms its commitment to training and development which will yield many happy returns and will contribute to the tourism recovery plan. This intervention plays a major role in the tourism value chain.

“An empowered and adequately skilled workforce is critical for the success of the tourism sector, economy, and global competitiveness. Through these programmes, we are introducing young people to accredited educational programmes that not only contribute to improved service levels but will also assure an enhanced visitor experience and the sector’s sustainability,” concluded Deputy Minister Mahlalela.