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New Internship Programme Launched to Empower Youth in South Africa’s Hospitality Sector


Johannesburg: Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube, in partnership with Diageo South Africa, the University of Johannesburg’s School of Tourism and Hospitality, and the Youth Employment Service (YES), has launched a new internship programme aimed at empowering young South Africans in the hospitality sector. The initiative, unveiled on Thursday at the University of Johannesburg, seeks to open pathways to skills training, internships, and job opportunities for young people in the sector.



According to South African Government News Agency, Dube-Ncube highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, business, and academia in transforming lives. She emphasized that the programme is focused on developing chefs, creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs, aiming to build careers rather than just filling jobs. Dube-Ncube also noted the success of the YES Programme last year, which achieved a 100% absorption rate, with all trained youth either placed in employment or supported to start a youth-led business.



The Deputy Minister pointed out the unique challenges faced by the hospitality industry in South Africa, including rapid growth but slow transformation, with many disadvantaged young people stuck in low-paying entry-level jobs without opportunities for advancement. She stressed the need for education, mentorship, and opportunity to develop skilled chefs and unlock the full potential of South Africa’s vibrant tourism industry, which contributes nearly 4% of GDP.



Dube-Ncube also addressed the government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for youth employment through infrastructure investment, reducing red tape, and supporting skills development. She highlighted the role of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), established in 2000 under the Skills Development Act of 1998, in tackling skills shortages and funding training. In hospitality, CATHSSETA recently graduated 164 learners from the Occupational Chef Qualification Programme (NQF 5), marking progress but also indicating the need for further efforts.



Looking ahead, Dube-Ncube outlined the government’s priorities to expand access, simplify entry processes, guarantee opportunities, support entrepreneurship, and track outcomes. By expanding satellite training hubs, simplifying application systems, ensuring internships lead to meaningful work, providing support for entrepreneurship, and tracking alumni success, the programme aims to transform today’s beneficiaries into future employers, innovators, and leaders.

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