High school pupils and students had a chance to explore careers in the world of tourism and hospitality during an expo held by False Bay College at its Muizenberg campus, on Thursday and Friday August 17 and 18.
College spokeswoman Roshin Schmidt said the hospitality industry was expanding rapidly to accommodate a growing number of visitors to South Africa.
“The most effective and sustainable way to rebuild an economy is to equip the next generation with the skills and know-how to drive it.”
Speaking at the expo, Shaun Smith, a spokesman for the South African Culinary and Hospitality Educators Forum, said: “It’s not enough to be skilled, we need to be multi-skilled. The international market is waiting for you. The quality of training hospitality students receive in South Africa, positions them for success in the international market.”
Guest speaker Andile Somdaka, who was former president Nelson Mandela’s personal chef and now owns his own restaurant, said his career had started as a holiday job. “But I worked so hard and showed so much interest that at the end of the holiday, the employer didn’t want me to go. There are no shortcuts to success, and it is up to you to make your way and name in this business.”