Project Enza, in partnership with Take Note Reputation Management and key players in the tourism industry have announced their inaugural staging of the annual Mandela Day initiative, “Knowing and growing our tourism”, scheduled to be held on 18 July 2014 at the Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC) at 9am. 

The idea is for local hotels to host hundreds of pupils for 67 minutes on Mandela Day. Founder, Thandekile Jessica Nhleko explained the concept. “We aim to create sustainable jobs through exposing the pupils to ideas they wouldn’t have had an opportunity to dream of. We will do this by involving willing pupils in schools through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism as well as KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZN DoE),” said Nhleko.

“As a sector responsible for creating many jobs, it is key to nurture this industry at grass roots level in order for the overall strategic plans of Department of Economic Development and Tourism as well as Department of Education departments to witness positive growth in the sector. The overall vision is to empower the youth in tourism sector and instill the values of professionalism through uncompromised service.”

Commenting on behalf of the The KZN DoE, Deputy Manager of Curriculum Grades 10 to 12, Nontobeko Zani Buthelezi said the school tourism curriculum was designed for pupils to assume various roles in the sector. “Participation in Project ENZA will enable the pupils to become tourists and experience service. It will also expose pupils to a variety of careers in the tourism sector, which is also part of what they learn at school. Understanding the careers in tourism will give them the confidence to make it their career of choice,” said Buthelezi.

Project Enza’s vision was formalised in 2010 by passionate individuals in the industry with a vast network of former colleagues in industry.  The project is designed to take place annually, with future involvement from other provinces.