The Portfolio Committee on Tourism has called for the development of a comprehensive tourism sector skills strategy, warning that current efforts are not adequately supporting the industry.
During a briefing by the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), Committee Chairperson Ronalda Nalumango said: “It is clear from the presentation and matters raised by the committee that CATHSSETA is not doing enough to support the hospitality and tourism sector.”
The committee recommended that CATHSSETA, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the TBCSA, develops a new strategy aligned to current industry needs, replacing the existing version.
The committee also raised concerns about lack of alignment between training and workplace placements, calling for improved monitoring to address the mismatch between training provided and industry requirements. CATHSSETA indicated that it conducts a training impact assessment every five years.
Further recommendations include reviewing curricula at higher education institutions and technical and vocational education and training colleges to ensure alignment with industry needs, expanding demand-led training programmes linked to employment and strengthening collaboration with employers and training providers.
The committee also highlighted the need for increased support for tourism and hospitality training, greater focus on digital and business skills and expanded training in villages, townships and small towns.
A key concern is lack of active partnerships between CATHSSETA, the Department of Tourism and the TBCSA, which the committee said “raises doubts about alignment of training programmes with industry needs” and is “unacceptable”.
The Department of Tourism has been urged to report back within three months on progress in establishing substantive, demand-led training programmes and curriculum alignment.
Speaking to Tourism Update from a hospitality perspective, FEDHASA Inland Chairperson Gustav Pieterse said training from CATHSSETA remains misaligned with operational realities. “Training remains too theoretical and inconsistently aligned to day-to-day hotel and restaurant operations. The biggest gaps are practical workplace readiness, digital literacy, customer service excellence, leadership at supervisory level and basic business acumen.”
He said workplace placements are possible but require stronger collaboration and support.
“Placements are achievable but only through true partnerships, shared planning and incentives for employers. Industry cannot absorb placements alone without funding support, clear expectations and reduced administrative burden,” said Pieterse.
Skills shortages are affecting business performance, he added. “Skills shortages lead directly to inconsistent service quality, higher staff turnover, increased training costs and pressure on experienced teams, ultimately affecting guest satisfaction and profitability.”
Pieterse said FEDHASA should play a role in bridging the gap between industry and training authorities, actively shaping curricula, advising on real operational needs and facilitating structured workplace exposure.
He also stressed the importance of expanding digital and business skills training. “This is essential, especially for small and community-based operators, where digital, financial and basic management skills are critical for sustainability and growth.”
