The Khulanathi Leadership Development Programme recently celebrated the graduation of its third cohort, marking a significant step towards advancing employment equity and diversity in South Africa's tourism sector.
The programme, named “Khulanathi”, meaning “grow with us”, aims to develop talented individuals into leadership roles, addressing the gender and equity gap within the industry.
This comprehensive 12-month initiative includes a six-month management course facilitated by the University of Stellenbosch Business School Executive Development Programme.
The remaining period focuses on an internal curriculum that blends formal education, discipline-specific development, cross-exposure, and job shadowing. The programme's holistic approach equips participants with essential skills and knowledge, preparing them for leadership positions.
“With South Africa’s hospitality industry projected to reach US$1.68 billion over the next five years, the travel and hospitality sector must invest in diverse talent to sustain equitable and inclusive growth,” said Benjamin Memani, Marriott International’s Area Director of HR, Sub-Saharan Africa. “Through Khulanathi, we are supporting this growth by unlocking opportunity, empowering our talented workforce, and enabling them to realise their leadership potential.”
Since its inception in 2021, the Khulanathi Programme has successfully graduated 29 individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry. This year, eight more professionals have joined this esteemed group of alumni, and an additional 10 participants embarked on their journey in July this year.
Rising stars
This year’s graduating class features rising stars from various departments and hotels, including Razeen Toeffie, Food and Beverage Manager at Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch.
“The Khulanathi programme has been transformative,” Toeffie reflected. “It equipped me with comprehensive leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the business's strategic goals. It has aligned my personal growth with the company's vision.”
Toeffie emphasised the programme's collaborative environment, which provided opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders, enriching his professional network. This experience played a crucial role in his recent promotion, where he now oversees a larger team and manages more complex projects.
