WSU ALUMNUS’ MENTORSHIP PROPELS STUDENT TO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

WSU Hospitality Graduate, Sinethemba Mhlambiso’s dedication to nurturing young talents has paid off impressively for his student, Lisakhanya Skitas, as well as the East Cape Midlands TVET College where he currently lectures.

Mhlambiso beamed with pride as his student and mentee, Skitas, walked away as the national champion at the South African leg of the World Skills competition held in February.

The 22-year-old hospitality student, under Mhlambiso’s guidance, obtained a gold certificate in the cooking category, and earned herself a spot in the international World Skills Competition which will be held in September 2024 in France.

“I am highly motivated by the opportunity to mould and nurture the skills of young people who come from different spheres of our society. Coming from the rural areas of the Eastern Cape myself, it is humbling to contribute to such brilliance, and play a part in changing young people’s mindsets when it comes to studying at TVET colleges,” said Mhlambiso.

Mhlambiso’s own journey in culinary began at WSU where he pursued a diploma in Hospitality Management. He further went on to do his in-service training in hospitality establishments in Florida, USA.

Upon his return from the US, he managed to score himself a job at the East Cape Midlands TVET College where he lectures Hospitality, Food Preparation and New Venture Creation.

Mhlambiso asserted that his biggest wish for his students was to see them rigorously venture into entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for themselves as well as their communities.

“Young people should strive to be self-employed. They should chase funding opportunities and create their own business ventures because entrepreneurship is the only way we can curb unemployment in South Africa,” said Mhlambiso.

By Yanga Ziwele