In a ceremony attended by esteemed guests and officials, Mahlalela lauded the graduates, stating, “These achievements are indeed a by-product of a great partnership between ourselves as Department and the Silwood School of Cookery here in Cape Town.”
He emphasized the significance of initiatives like the National Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning, noting,
Our government has been investing enormous efforts and resources to stimulate, transform and grow our economy so that it can create jobs, grow new and old industries, and create business opportunities for millions of young men and women.
The partnership between the Department of Tourism and institutions such as Silwood School of Cookery has yielded over 100 graduates, filling crucial skill gaps within the tourism sector. Mahlalela urged the graduates to embrace their roles as culinary ambassadors, stating, “As you go out there to start working for your future, just remember these words as you serve our people, you are called to be true disciples of the tourism sector as food forms a greater part of the visitor’s experience.”
Expressing gratitude to Silwood School of Cookery for their dedication, Mahlalela reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering an empowered and skilled workforce, essential for the industry’s continued success.
The ceremony served as a celebration of individual achievements and a testament to collective efforts toward a brighter future for South Africa.
