Skills development milestone: 164 graduate as chef artisans

The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) has proudly marked a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to eradicating poverty and inequality through skills development.

A total of 164 learners have successfully graduated from the occupational chef qualification programme (NQF Level 5), an initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment by providing hands-on, industry-relevant culinary training.

Graduation ceremonies were held in Durban on May 16 and in Sandton on May 28, celebrating the achievements of learners from provinces across South Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Western Cape, Limpopo, and North West.

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This is the first cohort to graduate from CATHSSETA’s pioneering chef artisan programme. Launched in response to the Decade of the Artisan campaign — a ministerial flagship initiative introduced in 2014 — the programme supports the development of technical skills and promotes artisanship as a respected and viable career path.

Speaking at the ceremony, CATHSSETA CEO Marks Thibela highlighted the broader purpose behind the initiative:

“CATHSSETA remains committed to playing a pivotal role in addressing unemployment by providing relevant skills training.

“We believe this programme opens doors to new opportunities and contributes meaningfully to the growth of the hospitality sector.”

The programme aligns with CATHSSETA’s strategic response to the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) 2030, both of which call for the annual production of at least 30 000 qualified artisans and prioritise occupations in high demand.

Select graduates were chosen for international culinary training programmes, providing them with global exposure and experience that will accelerate their careers. While some alumni have secured employment abroad, most have already found permanent positions locally since completing the programme.

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At the Sandton graduation, executive manager for Learning Programmes, Lebogang Mpye, commended the graduates:

“Each graduate’s journey reflects resilience, ambition, and a shared commitment to uplifting their communities through the power of education and practical skills.

“The qualification they have earned is globally recognised, giving them a competitive edge in the international hospitality landscape.”

Mpye described the programme as more than just conventional training:

“This three-year programme is unique. It blends theoretical instruction, practical modules, structured workplace experience, and a formal trade test — producing well-rounded culinary professionals prepared for leadership in the industry.

“These graduates are not just chefs — they are artisans — proudly aligned with South Africa’s economic and social development goals,” she concluded.