Muldersdrift: A hotbed of skills development for the tourism sector

Muldersdrift, a home to a number of world class accommodation spots, restaurants and a wide selection of tourist attractions, it is no surprise that the area is fast becoming a hotbed of skills development for the tourism sector.

And now two skills development initiatives are currently seeing great success in the area such as The Guvon Academy and The Tourism Buddies Programme.

“The establishments participating in these programmes are benefiting from access to eager young people who are passionate about the industry, while at the same time contributing to the link between community upliftment and tourism,” said Sam Ngoma, Community spokesperson for the Muldersdrift Communication Action Group (MCAG).

“Most encouragingly, these programmes are a result of hard work, dedication and collaboration between the private and public sector. The Guvon Academy is an initiative of the Guvon Hotel Group and The Tourism Buddies Programme is funded by The National Department of Tourism through the Expanded Public Works Programme. Both initiatives are based on an integrated learning syllabus, combining formal learning and workplace learning.”

Avianto, Glenburn Lodge, Misty Hills, Valverde and Riverstone Lodge are currently taking part in The Tourism Buddies programme, with a number of learners working at the establishments.

Students are paid a monthly stipend of R2 200 to cover their transport costs and meals. Each student has also received a uniform that comprises of two branded shirts, a Drimac jacket and a school bag.

Students in the Tourism Buddies Programme are studying towards a Qualification in either Accommodation Services Level 2 or Food & Beverage Services at NQF Level 4.

These qualifications are accredited with Cathsseta and successful students will receive their certificates of competency once they completed the programme of 12 months successfully.

Students will also be spending three months in class for their theory sessions followed by nine months at the workplace.

Catherine Hickman of Riverstone Lodge, which has hosted two youngsters from The Tourism Buddies Programme since November, said it has been a really positive experience so far.

“We have really enjoyed having the learners with us. They’re enthusiastic and eager to learn,” she said.

One of the students at Riverstone Lodge was so successful in the learnership that he was sent to work at one of the Riverstone Lodge establishments in Mozambique.

The Guvon Academy is run on a similar premise, with a key difference being that it is a private sector initiative. Students can register at the Hotel School for the National Qualification Professional Cookery, National Qualification Food and Beverage Service or Further Education and Training Certificate in Events Support.

The campus is based at Glenburn Lodge where they receive theory classes, work integrated learning as well as career guidance. The Hotel School gives the inexperienced students the opportunity to prove their competency during practical sessions and function training in training kitchen and in the Restaurant. Opportunities for in-service training exist in one of the five properties within the group, including Glenburn Lodge (Muldersdrift), Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa (Muldersdrift), Fairway Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort (Randpark), Askari Game Lodge & Spa (Magaliesburg), All Suite on 14TH and Umbhaba Lodge (Hazyview).

While Guvon establishments benefit from access to the academy, and Guvon Academy Learners are placed at these establishments, the wider tourism industry can benefit from the academy’s Skills Development initiative. Academy director, Adrie van der Merwe, said the investment initiative assists tourism entities with the compliance to the Skills Development Act as well as with the required B-BBEE Skills status.

“It’s important to invest in your staff through training and development. As an external training provider, a Guvon Academy skills development facilitator, trainer, assessor and moderator will help plan and implement training as per the training programme,” she explained.

The response from the Muldersdrift hospitality industry has been overwhelmingly positive. Without their commitment to the knowledge and skills transfer process, these programmes would not be as successful as they are.

“We call on others to assist by providing workplace opportunities and contribute towards the development of young people on this programme,” Ngoma said.