By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
A graduation ceremony was held at the Capital Hotel, in the City of Mbombela on Wednesday 4 March 2026, to honour a total of 20 students from across Mpumalanga who successfully completed the RPL(Recognition of Prior Learning) programme.
The 20 students received NQF Level 5 Occupational Trade certificates, fulfilling their dreams of being accredited Chefs in the tourism sector.
The ceremony was said to be a formal recognition of skills the graduates have been practicing for years.
Mpumalanga DEDT(Department of Economic Development and Tourism)said the RPL initiative is yet another measure of the TSHRS(Tourism Sector Human Resource Strategy) from the National Department of Tourism, which trains Chefs and grants them appropriate qualifications, as well as acknowledging their expertise and providing career advancement while helping them achieve their aspirations of becoming accredited chefs in Mpumalanga Province’s tourism sector through the TSHRS.
“ DEDT commended the newly graduated Chefs and the National Department of Tourism for their achievement, as these fresh graduates are set to become future employers and enhance job opportunities in the nation,” said DEDT.
The National Department of Tourism spokesperson, Bheka Kweyama, said the Department recognises the prior learning of Chefs, and awards them with the relevant occupational qualification and designation.
“ The programme empowers beneficiaries to explore diverse career growth opportunities in the hospitality industry. To date, the RPL has upskilled and awarded trade certificates to 160 Chefs in various provinces,” said Kweyama.
The graduation ceremony was hosted by DEDT, in collaboration with the National Department of Tourism, and LCA(Limpopo Chef Academy).
