NDT Annual Report 2012/13 - Department of Tourism

develop skills to prepare them for absorption in the labour
market. It has provided, through projects such as the chef
training, hospitality, tourism monitors, sommeliers, work
experience and exposed young people to vocational training,
career counselling and even placed them in jobs.
These programmes are aligned to the National Skills
Development Strategy which focuses on the formation of Quality
Council for Trades and Occupation. The department implements
these skills programmes in partnerships with provinces, local
government, tourism authorities, private sector, NGO's and the
sector education and training authorities (SETAs).
The need to enhance on skills development in the tourism
sector is of critical importance to the country. The department
hosted an Annual National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) in
September 2012 in which 7 306 overall learners participated.
The Expo was in partnership with Department of Economic
Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism in the
Eastern Cape (DEDEAT) and the Culture, Arts, Tourism,
Hospitality and Sports Sector Education and Training
Authority (CATHSSETA).
The Expo exposed young people from high schools, Further
Education and Training (FET) colleges and universities to
existing professions and career opportunities within the
tourism industry.
The National Responsible Tourism Strategy and the Universal
Accessibility (UA) Action Plan were successfully developed
and launched. Plans were also put in place to support the
sector to be UA compliant in promotion of responsible tourism
best practices. A report exists on UA Compliance of Top
Tourism Attractions and Meeting Venues, as well as approved
Framework for Tourism UA Compliant City Destination.
Improving and maintaining service levels at all service points
speaks to one of the National Tourism Sector Strategy’s
objective of positioning South Africa as one of the top 20
global tourism destinations. Token of Excellence for grading
purpose exists and continues to guide all service providers in
the delivery and maintenance of quality service, and creation
of an experience that meet the world tourist standards for all
service providers to adhere to.
This past year presented us with many exciting and
innovative opportunities to enhance what we have to offer to
our citizens and visitors, and our accomplishments are
highlighted in this report. We look forward to building on our
achievements in the year ahead to ensure our quality of
service continues to be second to none.
In implementing its mandate, the department received support
from the industry partners and other stakeholders. We
acknowledge and thank them for their support and cooperation.
During the Expo:
• 361 curriculum vitae from unemployed graduates were
registered through the recruitment corner.
• Students from five (5) institutions of higher learning were
in attendance.
• 100 students from Buffalo City Metro College and Walter
Sisulu University participated as volunteers.
• 247 educators also participated.
It is a responsibility of the department to make a contribution
to job creation and the reduction of unemployment. Efforts are
continuously being made to drive inclusive economic growth
and development, and enhancing the vibrancy, equitability and
sustainability and food security of our rural communities.
Special thanks go to the management and staff of the
Department of Tourism who made invaluable contributions
towards ensuring that we fulfil our mandate to meet the
demands of our strategic objectives.
I hope this report will enable our esteemed readers to
understand and appreciate better the role of the Department
of Tourism, in ensuring that South Africa’s tourism develops
to sustain economic growth and social transformation.
MS TOKOZILE XASA
Deputy Minister of Tourism
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Annual Report 2012 / 2013