NukaKamma student induction ceremony, 13 February 2025
Ten NukaKamma students begin internships at Cape Town's Mount Nelson hotel.
Posted on 18 February 2025.
On Thursday, 13 February, we hosted an unforgettable event on behalf of NukaKamma Hospitality School, bringing together key figures from the hospitality and education sectors. The Mount Nelson, a Belmond hotel, provided the backdrop for this gathering.
The event marked the induction of 10 talented NukaKamma students into their internships at the Mount Nelson hotel. Inspiring speeches came from French Ambassador David Martinon, French Consul General Sophie Bel, and NukaKamma's founder Laurence Diaz Armand. Dynamic chef and godmother to the students, Mpho Phalane, shared her insights, alongside student Anda Rono, who gave a heartfelt perspective on the journey.
Our mission
The goal of this gathering was to introduce our hospitality school model to Cape Town's industry professionals. NukaKamma integrates young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, primarily from townships, into high-level hospitality careers. Our boarding school programme follows a holistic approach: 6 to 8 months of intensive training at our Addo campus, 6 months of internships in top hotels and restaurants, and a 90% rate of graduates securing long-term employment.
A thank you to our partners
The French Embassy and Consular Services have supported us with steady commitment over the years. We thank the hotels, lodges and restaurants that fund these young talents' training, with special thanks to Belmond, Accor (Pullman Cape Town, Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel) and our long-standing lodge partners. Our industry partners provide financial assistance, additional training and donations, among them Moët Hennessy, Fondation groupe EDF, the United Nations Development Programme, Campus de Groisy, Air France and Standard Bank Group.
Developments ahead
From February, we are training 130 young talents who will become the future employees of the new Club Med resort opening north of Durban in July 2026, in collaboration with Collins Residential. This marks a major step in our growth and reinforces our inclusive, high-level expertise in hospitality training. Thank you to all who believe in this project and help shape a more inclusive and skilled hospitality industry in South Africa.
