Tourism minister calls on youth to get involved in the tourism sector
The minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane called on the youth who are interested in the tourism sector to approach her department for more information and assistance in establishing their own businesses.
LIMPOPO – The MEC of Economic Development, Thabo Mokone, Vhembe Mayor Dowelani Nenguda, local mayors and traditional leaders addressed the community at Matsila royal kraal on Saturday during an imbizo.
The minister said tourism plays a crucial role in job creation.
Ngubane called on young people to come up with programmes which can help with job creation and said government cares about young people.
“We listen. Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability and encourage other young people to get involved in the tourism sector.”
She expressed concern about young people who go to tertiary institutions or universities to study courses where there are fewer job opportunities.
“Our country needs young people who have relevant and scarce skills.
“Chefs are scarce and the department is willing to assist young people who want to become chefs or want to venture into tourism,” she said.
She talked about programmes which included enterprise development, skills development as well as the tourism incentive programme which people can access from her department.
“We have numerous programmes which seek to empower people, mainly women and the youth, to develop and sustain their businesses.
“Our department is passionate about providing skills to unemployed youth, as a measure of addressing the scourge of unemployment in our country.”
Chief Livhuwani Matsila, the founder of Matsila Community Development Trust who employs more than 500 workers, pleaded with community members to show interest in destination marketing with the view to attract tourists from abroad to visit their places and boost their local economies.
“We then have to make sure that we are able to change the situation and make sure that tourists can be free and safe,” he said.
Matsila said tourism is a driver of socio-economic growth and sustainable development. “The Matsila Community Development Trust recognise focuses on the sectors we believe can yield more positive results,” he said.
