Future Leaders Challenge Targets Youth Employment in South African Tourism
The second South African edition of the Future Leaders Challenge (FLC) concluded on 6 May 2025 in Sandton, Johannesburg, with broad industry support and ministerial endorsement. Held under the theme “Seamless Graduate Employment,” the event brought together tourism authorities, leading hospitality brands, and academic institutions to co-develop solutions addressing youth employability and sustainability in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille delivered the keynote address, highlighting government backing for skills development and career readiness in the industry.
Student teams proposed innovative models to help tourism and hospitality businesses adopt environmentally sustainable practices. The University of Pretoria team was named the overall winner, with the Central University of Technology and the International Hotel School securing second and third place respectively. The trio will represent South Africa at the FLC MEA Finals in Dubai in January 2026. Running alongside the main event, the School Directors Alliance (SDA) Meeting facilitated dialogue between academia, government, and industry on aligning education pathways with employment needs—reinforcing tourism’s role in driving inclusive growth across the region.
Source: BizCommunity