UJ graduate lands career at Four Seasons through Diageo programme
With South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis, UJ alumna Precious Dube says initiatives like Diageo’s Learning for Life provide not only jobs but life skills and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Former University of Johannesburg (UJ) student, and 2024/25 Learning for Life participant, Precious Dube says the Diageo programme has been nothing short of transformational, opening doors for her to one of South Africa’s most prestigious hospitality employers.
Dube, who joined the initiative in 2024 during her work-integrated learning year, reflects on her journey with pride.
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“Being placed in one of South Africa’s most luxurious hotels, I learned quite a lot. Some of the skills I gained were confidence, professionalism, and because of the strong industry partnerships that SCH and Diageo have, I’m still working at the Four Seasons.”
She speaks of the practical benefits the programme has offered beyond the classroom.
“The skills that we learned from the Diageo training – just learning how to interact with guests and how to transition the knowledge we have in the classroom and apply it in the real world – were invaluable.”
With South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate, Dube believes such initiatives are vital.
“The initiative is quite beneficial and we should have more programmes like this. Not only with partnerships like SCH and Diageo, but more private sectors should come through.
“It doesn’t only prepare you for the working world, you also gain life skills. Even if you’re not employed, you can branch into entrepreneurship.
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You don’t just sit back and say: ‘Okay, I’m not working’, you go out and sell something. You learn entrepreneurship skills.”
Today, Dube is no longer just a participant, but an ambassador of what the programme can achieve.
“I’m here as a double barrel – I’m here as an alumnus, I’m here as a Diageo partner, and I’m also representing the Four Seasons Hotel, where I’m currently working.
It’s been great because I started off as a participant, and look where I am now. I’ve backed myself into employment, and I’m very grateful for that.”
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