Nkomazi hosts 5th Provincial Tourism Careers Expo in Schoemansdal
Grades 10 and 11 learners from across Mpumalanga explore diverse career paths from travel blogging to eco-tourism during Heritage Month.
The Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism partnered with Nkomazi Local Municipality to host the fifth instalment of the Provincial Tourism Careers Expo at Schoemansdal Community Hall yesterday, September 22.
The high-energy event brought together grades 10 and 11 learners from across the province’s three districts, equipping them with first-hand knowledge, career guidance and industry insights to help shape the future of Mpumalanga’s thriving tourism and biodiversity conservation sectors.
Presided over by the MEC for economic development and tourism, Jesta Sidell, the expo served as the grand finale following a series of district-level competitions where learners showcased their talents in public speaking, soft furnishing, food production and baking hospitality.
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Empowering youth through heritage
Addressing the delegates and learners, Sidell highlighted the strategic importance of hosting the event in the border region during Heritage Month.
“Today we choose to draw from that strength to empower our youth with the knowledge, skills, and vision necessary to transform our cultural wealth into economic opportunities through tourism,” said Sidell. “Nkomazi is a living classroom of cultural heritage. Positioned as a gateway to our SADC neighbours, Mozambique and Eswatini, this region is a crossroads of shared history, language, and cross-border cultural traditions.”
She emphasised the vast array of career paths available to young South Africans within the tourism value chain, ranging from travel trade, adventure tourism, tour operations, food and beverage and events management to travel blogging and digital entrepreneurship.
Key stakeholders support local talent
The event saw active participation from key provincial entities and stakeholders, including the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency – led by board chairperson Fish Mahlalela and acting CEO Pamella Ntuli – alongside the representative of the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone and various private sector experts.
The Provincial Tourism Careers Expo remains a cornerstone of Mpumalanga’s Tourism Month activities, aimed at fostering local talent, encouraging youth entrepreneurship and establishing tourism as a primary career choice for the province’s next generation.
