Passion, hard work and dedication were the core themes shared with Tourism Management students during a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) workshop hosted by the Department of Tourism Management at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) on 25 June.

Held in Building 13, the workshop was organised by the department’s WIL Coordinator, Kgomotso Mereotlhe and her dedicated team. In her welcome address, Mereotlhe explained that the workshop aimed to equip students with essential insights and expectations as they transition into the professional world.

She encouraged students to broaden their horizons when applying for WIL placements. “Don’t limit yourselves to opportunities only within Pretoria. There are valuable experiences waiting in other regions too,” she advised.

A key highlight of the event was the introduction of the Entrepreneur-Based WIL Programme presented by Dr Patrick Ebewo, Head of TUT’s Centre for Entrepreneurship. As a guest speaker, Dr Ebewo outlined the structure and purpose of the six-month programme, which runs from 7 July to 5 December and is delivered primarily online.

“This programme is designed to help students become job creators, not just job seekers,” he said. “It will be facilitated by professional coaches and includes three key phases: entrepreneurial planning, hands-on experiential entrepreneurship and launching a business venture.”

Students from the Department of Tourism Management will be among the first to participate in this innovative programme, which includes the development of a business plan followed by the actual execution and growth of a startup.

Another inspiring voice at the event was Nokubonga Ngqola, founder and owner of Ekuthuleni Guesthouses. Despite having no formal background in tourism, she launched her hospitality business with passion and vision. She now runs two guesthouses in Soweto, one in Vosloorus and recently added a spa to her growing enterprise.

Ngqola, who employs 18 full-time and seven part-time staff, has also started mentoring others and accepting students for training. “With determination, I plan to own a hotel in KwaZulu-Natal within the next three years,” she said.

Also addressing the students was Orlando Vargas, Director of The Cirk, who brings more than 20 years of experience in performing arts, event rigging and management. He echoed the importance of passion, especially in the early and uncertain phases of entrepreneurship.

“Success doesn’t come overnight,” he said. “Be prepared to work hard with minimal returns at first. But stay committed. Passion will carry you through.” Vargas added that he would be open to hosting students for WIL training opportunities.

Closing the event, Dr Pascal Tauoatsoala, Head of the Department of Tourism Management, commended the students for their attentiveness and engagement. He thanked the speakers for generously sharing their journeys and motivating the next generation of entrepreneurs.

At the WIL Workshop (from left): Nokubonga Ngqola, Carl Isernhike, Kgomotso Mereotlhe, Dr Pascal Tauoatsoala, Portia Phakatwana, Kabelo Modikwe, Matildah Kutumela and Orlando Vargas.

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