Youth in hospitality

In an effort to create sustainable careers in the hospitality industry for young South Africans in the Cape region, FEDHASA Cape (Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa) hosted its annual golf day at Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate in Stellenbosch last month – where they announced that they will be offering their Youth Bursary Fund for the fourth consecutive year.

“Offering financial assistance to future ambassadors of the hospitality industry is an opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of one of South Africa’s most thriving sectors,” says Rob Kucera, chairman of Fedhasa Cape.

By 2017, it is estimated that the hospitality industry will generate roughly R161 billion a year of South Africa’s GDP. It is with this understanding that Fedhasa Cape has identified investing in education as the biggest return on investment for the industry.

According to Noli Mini, Fedhasa Cape youth chair, “the youth bursary is our pledge to new members joining our ranks that this industry rewards a commitment to education and when coupled with experience, members are well on their way to success”.

A total of 116 golfers took part in this year’s golf day, with support from local celebrities including Breyton Paulse and KFM’s Jeremy Harris. The event raised R 48 500 – a welcome boost to the organisation’s bursary fund.

The bursary is open to students and trainees currently in the employ or studying at Fedhasa Cape member institutions and establishments. Entrants should have successfully completed their second year of study and have entered or will be entering their third year of study.

* Fedhasa Cape is recognised and respected by government and all industry role players since 1949 as the prime representative and voice for the South African Hospitality Industry. The association aims to ensure a sustainable and profitable business environment for the hospitality industry in the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces as a private business sector voice.