Brakpan Herald | March 25, 2025
Carnival City has run 29 study sessions since November and December.
Young participants completed 4-5 months of training, but will take several more months to gain additional knowledge about the hospitality industry during the 12-month program.
Learners are divided into two groups: tertiary graduates participating in the Youth Employment Services (Yes) South Africa programme launched in December, and 12th Grade Alumni from the Food and Beverage and Cashers division from November.
•Youth Employment Services (Yes) South Africa Program
Ten higher education learners have acquired hands-on career experiences through Yes, a private sector-led initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment in South Africa.
NPOs work with businesses to create employment opportunities, provide 12 months of work experience to unemployed young people, and acquire valuable skills. Since its founding in 2018, yes has created job opportunities for around 170,000 people.
“Youth unemployment is a key socioeconomic challenge in South Africa, a 59.7% share in the second quarter of 2024, according to Statistics SA,” said Brian O'Connor, general manager of Carnival City.
“Sun International supports employment opportunities, offers graduate jobs and scholarships, and Carnival City will provide employment opportunities for young people as one of its assets, where possible.
“We believe that the 10 learners we train with will have extensive experience learning about the gaming and hospitality industry.”
“We see opportunities as the key,” said Mantiva Musi, Carnival City's learning and change expert. Implementing the yes program has surpassed workplace experience. It's a path to meaningful employment and career success.
“By providing practical skills and industrial exposure to young people in South Africa, Carnival City empowers individuals and contributes to our country's economic growth.”
In December, Carnival City placed 10 learners who had just completed Tertiary studies in various departments. Three of the technical and slots divisions on the casino floor, two of the marketing divisions, two of the finance divisions, the HR and learning development divisions, and one of the IT divisions.
“We provide valuable practical experiences to prepare for the modern workforce by placing learners in key sectors such as HR, IT and marketing.
“This investment in young people promotes a culture of learning and adaptation and ensures that carnival cities and South Africa thrive in a changing business environment,” Musi said.
Carnival City Food and Beverage and Cashier Divisions
In addition to the Yes program, Carnival City opened doors to Grade 12 graduates of 2024 at the end of last year to provide further learning opportunities.
These include 10 positions in the Food and Drinks division and nine positions in the Casino Casher division.
“The programme provides practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, increasing employment potential and bridges the gap between education and the labour market,” Musi said.
“Disclaimer – the views and opinions expressed in this article are the views of the author and are not necessarily those of the Bee Room.”
