Soon after launching its #MathubOlusha initiative, Seeza Tourism Growth Network has successfully placed its first student, Esethu Jaji, a Hospitality Diploma student at Central Johannesburg TVET College, on an 18-month work-integrated learning programme.

“The Network is particularly proud that its first opportunity provider is a Soweto-based SME, Sakhumzi Restaurant. This just goes to show that when independent businesses collaborate, youth advancement happens,” said Septi Bukula, Founder of the Seeza Tourism Growth Network.

He explained that Seeza Tourism Growth Network received numerous requests each year from university and FET College students seeking opportunities to undergo work-integrated learning (WIL) for six to 18 months, which is mandatory for them to complete their qualifications.

Subsequently, the network launched its #Mathub’Olusha (Opportunities for Youth) initiative, which supports students and youth with a travel, tourism, hospitality, and heritage training background by connecting them with opportunity providers in the public and private sectors, free of charge.

It is mandatory for students participating in a WIL programme to attend and complete an online entrepreneurship development programme to prepare themselves for a possible business start-up after completing their training.

“As a network that is dedicated to the advancement of tourism SMEs, we are encouraged, and indeed proud, that the programme’s first three opportunities have come from SMEs,” said Bukula.

“Because of their numerical strength, SMEs can make an important contribution towards the inclusion of young people in our industry. Individually they may take a small number of young people but collectively they can provide opportunities to thousands.”