Despite the cold and rainy weather in Cape Town, Oscar Mpetha High School students attended the Future Leaders Workshop programme to find out about job opportunities in the tourism sector.
Matonie Tywakadi, a community tourism coordinator from Cape Town Tourism, said this was their fifth school workshop this year to raise awareness about career opportunities in tourism.
“We bring in industry stakeholders, tour guides and businesses within the industry,” said Tywakadi.
“We provide a platform where learners can hear and gain firsthand experience about the tourism industry through direct conversations with professionals.”
Tourism teacher Vuyiseka Masekwana said the workshops have positively influenced students’ attitudes toward tourism.
“Most learners didn’t take tourism seriously and were unsure about career options. These workshops have shown them various possibilities and changed their perception,” said Masekwana.
“Seeing professionals visit our school encourages learners. They now feel confident about choosing tourism as a subject.”
Students can win prizes like hotel stays and see real-world applications of tourism studies, which motivates them.
Grade 10 learner Entle Rotso, who loves travelling, chose tourism to learn more about the world.
“Seeing professionals come to school to talk to us is encouraging. Other learners questioned our choice of tourism, but now we can answer them confidently,” she said.
“The workshop taught me to be open-minded and focus on communication and connecting with people.”
Pictured above: A Future Leaders workshop on job opportunities in tourism was held at Oscar Mpetha High School in Nyanga, Cape Town.
