28/11/2024
The Greater Kruger Hotel School: Celebrating Success and Embracing Change
It is with mixed emotions that The Greater Kruger Hotel School and Training Centre (GKHS) announces the closure of one chapter and the opening of another.
First, we are thrilled to celebrate the success of our final two students, Nondu and Xavier, who have officially passed their Trade Tests to become qualified chefs. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for culinary excellence are inspiring, and we wish them the very best as they embark on their professional journeys. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to following their bright futures.
As Nondu and Xavier close their chapters as students, GKHS also reaches a turning point. After much deliberation, the board of directors has made the unanimous but difficult decision to close the GKHS campus to future full-time students. This decision was not taken lightly. While the demand for culinary and hospitality skills in the Greater Kruger region remains high, we have observed that privately funded Gen Z students often seek opportunities in more dynamic environments. Many young professionals are drawn to roles that offer diverse experiences, mentorship opportunities, and less remote settings than those typical of establishments in our region.
This shift in generational preferences, coupled with our mission to create meaningful and sustainable impact, has prompted a strategic reassessment of our business model. We believe it is vital to revisit our offering in collaboration with the Greater Kruger hospitality industry to better understand and address the region's specific skills needs. Moving forward, we aim to develop a more sustainable model that includes potential funding options for local youth who may lack access to further training and development opportunities.
To achieve this, GKHS will take time to reset and realign strategically with relevant stakeholders, ensuring that our next chapter is one of even greater impact and sustainability.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout this journey—from our students and staff to industry partners and the community. Your belief in our mission and contribution to our growth has been invaluable. Together, we have created cherished memories, learned invaluable lessons, and built a legacy that will endure.
Here’s to the memories we’ve made and the exciting new chapter ahead.
If you would like to collaborate or be part of this next phase, we invite you to reach out to Alanka at [email protected].
