Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiates Ambitious Tourism and Hospitality Training Project

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), under the umbrella of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has embarked on an ambitious new project aimed at bolstering the local tourism and hospitality sector. Funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF), the initiative kicked off with a series of induction workshops starting on February 24, 2025, concluding today in Hessequa’s Riversdale Civic Centre.

These workshops, which have been successfully held in various locales including Bitou, Knysna, Mossel Bay, George, Calitzdorp, Ladismith, and Oudtshoorn, are part of a broader effort to equip Work Integrated Learners (WIL) and aspiring chefs with necessary skills in a bustling industry. The sessions have been notable for their comprehensive coverage and high participation, with halls filled to capacity, exemplified by the turnout at the Knysna workshop.

Reginald Salmons, the Coordinator for Skills Development at GRDM, played a pivotal role in steering these sessions. The workshops began with a warm welcome from local municipality representatives, setting a collaborative tone, followed by an extensive background overview of the GRSM activities and their crucial impact on the community’s skill development.

Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, the Portfolio Chairperson for Corporate Services, highlighted the dual benefits of the project: enriching learners with essential skills while providing local businesses with trained personnel ready to excel in the hospitality sector. The agenda of the workshops included thorough discussions designed to clarify the roles and expectations of all involved, thereby fostering a transparent and accountable program environment.

An interactive Q&A session provided a platform for addressing any concerns, ensuring all participants were well-informed and supportive of each other’s learning paths. The induction sessions concluded on a positive note with expressions of gratitude extended to all participants for their engagement and enthusiasm.

Mayor Andrew Stroebel lauded the initiative, recognizing the detailed planning and comprehensive nature of the induction workshops as building a robust foundation for both the project's and participants' future success. "This initiative is set to empower individuals and fortify our local hospitality industry, securing a more prosperous future for the Garden Route," affirmed Mayor Stroebel.

The positive reception and successful launch of these workshops underscore GRSM’s commitment to fostering significant educational and employment opportunities within the Garden Route.