Tourism training courses in PMB a reality

After a four-year-long process, the Msunduzi Pietermaritzburg Tourism Association has finally been granted approval to conduct tourism industry-related training courses.

The Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority has given written accreditation for two PMB Tourism learning programmes, General Travel and Accommodation Services.

PMB Tourism director, Dumi­sani Mhlongo said after a long four-year process, the news had been received with great excitement.

Mhlongo said when they first applied for the accreditation about four years ago, Cath-Seta indicated that a lot of requirements were needed including their assessment policies, quality management system, the content of the programmes, and the CVs for assessors and moderators.

He said they thereafter had to wait for Cath-Seta to assess their submission and if unhappy about certain things, send it back.

He said he was especially excited about the programmes’ Gidla Express module, which is a township initiative for sleep-overs and encourages locals to open up their homes for tourists to get the raw local experience.

He said the module will equip these people with the necessary skills to deal with tourists in their homes.

He said the new accredited courses were part of PMB Tourism’s aim to develop and transform the tourism sector.

Although PMB Tourism would not be providing jobs for their graduates, there would be opportunities for learnership programmes with a stipend.