Johannesburg – A few tertiary alumni can say great things about ongoing learning in Carnival City.
The learners provided to 29 tertiary alumni have been running since November and December 2024.
“The younger participants completed 4-5 months of training, but it will take several more months to gain additional knowledge about the hospitality industry during the 12-month program,” Carnival City explained.
Learners are divided into two groups: tertiary alumni who are participating in the Youth Employment Services (Yes) South Africa programme launched in December, and 12th Grade Alumni who have been placed in the Food & Beverage and Casher Division since November.
Youth Employment Services (Yes) South Africa Programme – December 2024
Ten tertiary learners have hands-on career experience at Carnival City, Sun International casinos and hotels in Eastland.
Yes is a private sector-led initiative designed to tackle the unemployment of young people in South Africa.
Nonprofit organizations 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, a Carnival City learning and change expert.
“By implementing a yes program, we are beyond our workplace experience, 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 the Tertiary study in various departments. Three are in the Technology and Slots division of the casino floor, two are in the Marketing, two, HR and Learning Development divisions, and one is in the IT division.
“By placing learners in key sectors such as HR, IT and marketing, we provide valuable and practical experiences to prepare for the modern workforce,” Musi said.
“In return, we will gain a fresh perspective and develop a talented pipeline for future needs.
“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.”
Carnival City's Food & Beverage and Casher Division – November 2024
In addition to the Yes programme, Carnival City opened the door to 19 more 2024 Grade 12 alumni at the end of last year, offering more learning opportunities.
These include 10 positions in the Food and Beverage sector and nine positions in the Casino Casher sector.
“As of November 2024, Carnival City welcomed 19 young people from Ekulfreni in the Food & Beverage and Casher Learner positions for 12 months,” Musi said.
“The programme provides practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, increasing employment potential and filling the gap between education and labor markets.
“We are also investing in our local Ekulfreni community, which is key to Carnival City.”
Next is what the 3rd alumni said about their learning in Carnival City.
Technology, slots, casino
Mhleli Sibiya, 21, of Tsakane, completed his N6 in Electrical Engineering at Ekurhuleni Tvet College in Daveyton Campus
“I currently work in the technical slots department, which maintains casino consoles,” Sibya said.
“Here we make effective use of our electrical engineering qualifications and learn a lot along the way.
“The quality of the training and the way my colleagues welcomed me were incredible.
“I want to continue to gain experience and contribute to the growth of Carnival City.”
Etwatwa resident Gareapha Thobejane, 22, has an N6 in electrical engineering at Sekhukhune Tvet College on the CS Barlow campus, and she also works in the technical slots department.
“I have gained practical experience in maintaining and repairing gaming machines and cashier equipment.
“I am confident that by November 2025 I have excellent expertise in my role.
“I want to continue learning and growing and I am grateful for the opportunity that this program offers.”
From KWA-Terra in Springs, 23-year-old Zintle Princess Mabena appreciates Ekurhuleni's Springs Campus' mechanical engineering certificate.
“The Game Technology department installs, maintains and repairs gaming machines, including tables.
“I have gained experience with cashier equipment, including memo counters.
“I started with limited knowledge from a mechanical engineering background, so this experience was amazing and challenging. This is what I want to drive me out of my comfort zone and learn more.”
marketing
Kutlwelo Molahloe is a 21-year-old Marketing Management N6 graduated from Ekurhuleni East Tvet College at Benoni Campus, who lives in Daveytown.
“Since starting at Carnival City, I have learned how to manage weekly promotions, interact with customers, understand their needs, and gained marketing experience in posters and design updates, and gather information about my competitors.
Tsholofelo Julia ndlovu, 26, Tsakane, Brakpan has the Marketing Management N4-N6 at Ekurhuleni East Tvet College, Spring Campus.
“So far, I have gained valuable experience in the marketing department,” Ndlovu said.
“We were trained to improve our skills and to better understand our roles.
“It was a humble experience and I want to continue learning and growing so that I can excel in my career and research.
“I would like to thank my colleagues at Carnival City for making the experience enjoyable.”
finance
Katlego junior Mabuza, 26, is from Tema, KWA and holds an accounting diploma from Tshwane Institute of Technology.
“I am currently a revenue intern in the Finance division of Carnival City and have invaluable insight into the financial operations of this large organization,” Mabuza said.
“We appreciate the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical environment.
“As I continue this role through November, I am confident that this internship will provide a solid foundation for my future career in finance.”
Ntombifuti Mathebula, 28, of Brakpan, holds an N6 certificate of financial management at Ekurhuleni East College on Brakpan campus.
“My goal is to assume more responsibility and have a comprehensive understanding of the financial principles and practices related to warehouse and stock management, as well as the various areas within the finance sector,” Mathebula said.
“We are excited about the potential coaching and supervision opportunities that will help us achieve this.
“I think this program offers the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field and wants to learn from experienced team members.”
Human resources including learning and development departments
Bonga Mhlongo, a 23-year-old Katlehong resident, holds a diploma in human resources management from Vaal Institute of Technology.
“My previous experience in carnival cities has been enriched by the fact that I gained valuable insight into the field of HR management and developed practical skills that are essential to my career,” Mhlongo said.
“By November 2025, I hope to further strengthen my expertise, contribute meaningfully to the industry, and grow both personally and professionally.”
Abenati Mlindazwe, 28, lives in KWA Sacrificial Therapy in Springs and holds a diploma in administrative assistance from Ekulfrenni Television University, on the Brakpan campus.
“I work in a learning and development department that focuses on employee training and development, ensuring that employees are equipped to fulfill their roles, duties and responsibilities,” Mlindazwe said.
“In our short time here, we already see that Carnival City values ​​its employees and their contributions, as evident in the nomination and recognition of “Sunstar.”
“I look forward to taking part in this opportunity and am fully committed to contributing to the growth of the department, improving team performance and promoting a positive work environment that supports the company's success every day.”
Arthur Madra Zita, 24, from Catrejon, completed her information technology diploma from Vaal Institute of Technology's Vandervisil Park campus, citing three distinctions in her final year.
“I am part of Carnival City and look forward to being an opportunity to be available within the IT department,” Zita said.
“In this industry, it is essential to keep up with ever-evolving technology, and we know that doing so will improve performance in the workplace.
“With the support of senior colleagues, I can now complete the tasks with minimal supervision.
“As a member of the Carnival City team, my goal is to ensure that we remain serviced.”
