SAACI NEWS

SAACI announces winners of the youth competition

The national board of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) undertook to create a youth platform within SAACI; specifically targeted to young students studying towards a career in the broader business events and tourism industry.

This platform aims to empower students and new entrants in the industry and bridge the knowledge and skills gap between Academia and Industry. The vision is to enhance relevant skills and employment opportunities in the industry.

SAACI challenged students to come up with a brand name inclusive of an identity (logo, vision, mission and tagline) for the SAACI Youth Initiative.

Glenton De Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI, said: “Many professionals in the business events industry acknowledge the challenges we are facing due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. As SAACI we are concerned about the students and graduates that will be entering the world of work soon. We all agree that there is no substitute for learning about the world of work, than being in the world of work. As an association, we view this competition as a building block for young professionals and students within our industry to understand the current ecosystem of the business events industry.”

All students were at CPUT at the time of entering the competition.

The competition winners are:

• Jade Dumas

• Nadia Ruthanne Cloete

• Mbali Ndlela

• Abigail Tsolo

• Darren Vaudin

This is what some of the winners had to say about the competition:

Nadia Ruthanne Cloete

Events assistant at SARETEC (CPUT)

+27 (0)74 719 5593

Nadiacloete96@gmail.com

“I am grateful that our initiative was selected to make a change in the lives of young and vibrant individuals. This initiative aims to elevate the struggle of gaining experience within the work environment and, in essence, equip graduates and students with the necessary skills to change the events industry on a broader level. The youth of today is the future of tomorrow.”

Darren Vaudin

+27 (0)84 085 7777

darrenvaudin1@gmail.com

Currently in Seychelles working for a private resort, in conjunction with events and service management. “By achieving this amazing award it has come to my attention that the youth’s decision-making skills of today, ultimately affect the outcomes of the future. Therefore, we should always give 110 per cent when attending to something.”

Mbali Ndlela

CPUT

074 010 8081

Currently residing in KZN Durban Working status: Unemployed Graduate “I’m so proud to be one of the people to work with SAACI to start the youth initiative, like Paulo Coelho said in his book: “When you want something all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it. Doors are opening for the youth, the start of a better future.”

Jade Dumas

CPUT

+27 (0)64 687 7122

dumasjh100@gmail.com

Currently self-employed. “Hearing about this win came as an overwhelming surprise. I am thrilled about this networking opportunity and that I get to be involved with an association that is central to the business events industry. I cannot wait to see what the future brings. Hard work certainly pays off!”