Umzi Wethu

Umzi Wethu holds a high standard of training and produces graduates with the qualifications, skills and confidence to meet industry standards and needs. After graduation, Umzi Wethu assists students in securing job placements with a pay-scale and responsibilities well-suited to their qualifications and with opportunities for future advancement.

Umzi Wethu have partnered with African Global Skills Academy (AGSA) in order to provide our students with excellent skills training programs which are accredited through the Tourism, Hospitality, Sport Education & Training Authority (THETA). These qualifications open doors for graduates to enter jobs in the formal hospitality and eco-tourism sectors. Accredited training is supplemented with a wide range of related skills (e.g., First Aid, Wine Stewardship, Rifle competency etc.)

Through partnerships with employers and continued mentoring, Wilderness Foundation strives to ensure at least half of Umzi Wethu graduates are being primed for management jobs. Wilderness Foundation is monitoring the success of job-placed Umzi graduates and opportunities for upward mobility, and offers interested graduates an opportunity to:

- Start their own businesses through Umzi Wethu's Entrepreneurship Fund; and
- Obtain tertiary education through Umzi Wethu's Seed Scholarship Fund.

“What we did in class, we apply in our work place, and also that which we didn’t do at the coffee shop, we applied at … (casual work placement)." Umzi 7 Student

“I think that I am more than ready for work because the program has taught me so much. I like the fact that they gave us a chance in life and they prepared us for the workplace" Umzi 6 Student

“I’m ready (for work). Umzi has changed me personally. I’m able to talk in front of people and I can also work with the group and I have knowledge I gained through my facilitator." Umzi 6 Student

“From the theory and training and wellness, I’ve developed. I can’t wait to be at work." Umzi 7 Student