In a bid to promote transformation within the tourism sector, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), led by MEC Musa Zondi, has today, 14 August 2025 hosted a graduation ceremony for 70 Tourist Guide learners and 93 participants of the Tourism Graduate Development Programme (TGDP) for the 2023-2025 intake.

The graduation ceremony took place at the uMgungundlovu Multimedia Centre Auditorium in Ulundi Local Municipality, under the Zululand District. The ceremony was honoured by the presence of the Chairperson of the Zululand House of Traditional Leaders, Inkosi L.D. Ntshangase.

The Department, through its Tourism Development unit, initiated this programme to train and ups-kill new and existing Tourist Guides who are already working in the sector without a formal qualification. This effort aims to professionalise the Tourist Guide fraternity and ensure continuous growth and development within the sector. The programme has been well-received by local authorities, who emphasised its potential to improve the lives of local youth and contribute to overall economic growth.

Welcoming the guests, His Worship the Mayor of uLundi Local Municipality, Cllr W. M. Ntshangase, expressed his gratitude to the department for investing resources in the city of heritage. “This is one of many programmes that demonstrate the commitment of the KwaZulu-Natal government towards youth development. We extend our appreciation to KZN EDTEA for consistently offering relevant and empowering skills development programmes,” said Mayor Ntshangase.

The Head of Department, Mr. Nhlakanipho Nkontwana, highlighted KZN EDTEA's commitment to addressing government priorities through skills development. He also encouraged graduates to take advantage of departmental programmes and to pursue entrepreneurship in order to strengthen the rural and township economy. His Worship the Mayor of Zululand District, Cllr M.B. Khumalo, delivered a keynote address on behalf of MEC Zondi. The ceremony concluded with the signing of a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding between KZN EDTEA and Msinsi Holdings.