Project Enza is a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) that was established in 2010 by founding member Thandekile Jessica Nhleko. This initiative was not only borne out of Nhleko’s love and passion for Hospitality and Tourism but also because there is a genuine need for us to create opportunities for learners to realize their potential in this industry.
In 2013, Project Enza was formally registered. This NPO seeks to educate, introduce and further enhance and strengthen previously disadvantaged school kids’ need to know and grow their tourism in Kwazulu Natal in particular, as well as their country, South Africa, in general.
Our Province and youth have so much potential and so much to offer but the feeling on the ground is that it is difficult for those in impoverished areas and schools to actively participate in the mainstream economy especially if they have not been exposed to the industry.
Since its inception, Project Enza has, over the last 2 years, been involved in campaigns to expose local high schools and tertiary institutions, especially learners who are studying Tourism and Hospitality, to the Hospitality and Tourism industry. The aim is to show these youngsters that from their first position of being employed as a receptionist or hotel porter, front office or Food and Beverage Manager, they can eventually go on to own their own hotel or business within the hospitality industry. We provide a platform that shows them that this can be achieved.
This NPO has partnered with a lot of key stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism industry. On Mandela Day in 2014, July 18th, Project Enza launched their inaugural campaign under the theme “knowing and growing your tourism”. This event was aimed solely at introducing learners to the Hospitality and Tourism industry, as they are the future stakeholders of this industry.
World Tourism Day is also a feature on Project Enza’s calendar of things to do. With the first programme also in 2014 on 20th September, learners were invited to a day with industry leaders and business people. This was also done to illustrate to the learners that no matter what background one might come from, one’s success is within reach through determination and hard work.
Our aim at Project Enza is to:
- Inspire and empower the youth through skills exposure in the tourism sector to help enrich their lives.
- Teach and instill the values of professionalism through uncompromised service.
- Identify and create sustainable job options through exposing learners to ideas they wouldn’t have had an opportunity to dream of.
- Increase tourism in our province in particular and country in general.
The core focus is to strive for the eradication of poverty in our communities and ensure a better life for all. Project Enza has partnered with some key stakeholders who have the same vision, to ensure that this initiative stays on track.
Some of the institutions and organisations they have worked with include the following: Durban Tourism and Tourism Kwazulu-Natal / KwaZulu Natal Department of Economic Development / Tourism and Environmental Affairs / Kwazulu-Natal Department of Education / Holiday Inn Express Umhlanga / Protea Umhlanga / Protea The Ridge / The Royal Palm Gateway / The Gateway Hotel / Moses Mabhida Stadium / The Benjamin Hotel / The Riverside Hotel / Aids Health Foundation
For more information contact Thandekile Jessica Nhleko on 079 672 4095 or email her on tjnhleko@anb-group.co.za
