THE halls of the University of Joburg were full of big smiles and hope for the future.
This as Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, gave a loud "well done!" to the Learning for Life Programme on Friday, 3 October.
The programme focuses on the hospitality sector and addresses a critical barrier to the graduation of thousands of students.
The barrier is a lack of industry placements required to complete their practical training despite having fulfilled their academic requirements.
This is a public-private partnership between Diageo South Africa, the University of Joburg's School of Tourism and Hospitality and YES4YOUTH.
The programme equips students with practical skills and industry knowledge across tourism, hospitality and food and beverage services, preparing them for employment opportunities.
Once they have gained theoretical learning and practical experience, participants from the 2025/26 cohort will join more than 1 500 Learning for Life alumni who have secured employment across South Africa's tourism and hospitality sectors.
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According to Statistics South Africa, the country's youth unemployment rate is 46,1%.
This year's instalment of the programme facilitates the one-year placement of 100 students with reputable hotels and culinary establishments to complete the mandatory experiential training required for their final graduation.
General manager of Diageo, Andew Ross said: "A big reason for that success in South Africa is our growing partnership with the Youth Employment Service and the University of Joburg.
"Together, we've been able to not only train young people, but also place them into structured, real-world work experiences, where they can grow, contribute and build momentum in their careers," he said.
Precious Dube, a University of Joburg School of Tourism and Hospitality graduate and Learning for Life alumna, said the programme has been transformative.
"I was placed at the Four Seasons Westcliff, where I gained confidence, learned to interact with guests from different countries and applied my academic knowledge in a real-world setting. The experience shaped the professional I am today, and for that I am truly grateful," she said.
