The Hospitality industry had been amongst the industries that contributed immensely to the GDP of the country.
This industry was harshly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic mainly due to the lockdown and travel restrictions that were imposed, globally.
After most restrictions have been lifted, the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) opened a hotel for its students.
The Tfokomala Hotel and Conference Centre: Boutique Hotel was officially opened on 7 April 2022 by the UMP Vice-Chancellor Prof. Thoko Mayekiso at the university’s Mbombela campus.
As the hotel is owned by the university, the institution’s mandate is to give its hospitality students skills that will help them to be industry players.
In a statement, Mayekiso shared the establishment of this facility is in line with UMP’s vision of being an African University leading in creating opportunities for sustainable development through innovation.
In an interview, UMP Hospitality, and Tourism lecturer, Professor July Sibanyoni added:
The knowledge that the students have been gaining from the classroom, will be given the opportunity to be put into practice in this hotel.
Tenson Nkosana, Director of the Hotel and Catering services has confirmed that this is a commercial hotel and it is open to the public.
This initiative has been seen as one that will boost the tourism industry.
A second-year student, who is also doing his work-integrated learning at this hotel shared that this is a great opportunity for them.
A number of students also sing the same tune and are glad that this opportunity will enable them to be ahead of their peers.
