SA gets new hotel school
20 November 2003
World renowned South African hotelier Sol Kerzner has donated R20-million towards the construction of the Technikon Witwatersrand's new School of Tourism and Hospitality in Johannesburg, the Saturday Star reports.
Of the R20-million, R10-million came from Kerzner's New York-listed company, Kerzner International Limited, and R10-million from his and his son Butch's pocket.
"We're putting our money where our mouths are, helping to build tourism and hospitality in South Africa", Kerzner told the Saturday Star, but added that "this is not only a sentimental gesture." The tourism industry, he said, was "set to burgeon in South Africa".
According to the newspaper, Technikon Witwatersrand alumnus Len Wolman, chief executive of US-based hospitality company Waterford Group, has also contributed US$1-million (R6.8-million) toward
the school in the hope of encouraging South Africa's tourism industry to follow suit and support the new project.
At a total cost of R47-million, the new school will be built on the Auckland Park Campus of the University of Johannesburg – the merged Technikon Witwatersrand and Rand Afrikaans University, incorporating the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University.
The new School of Tourism and Hospitality will open its doors in January 2005, and will combine practical training with a strong commercial component, including a selection of public restaurants and a wine cellar.
The building will also house the SA Chefs Association, the SA Culinary Institute and the Gauteng branch of the Cape Wine Academy.
Kerzner told the Saturday Star: "I have always been a great believer in tourism potential, and I am confident that this new initiative will elevate the Hotel School to university status and place it on par with other international hotel schools."
Former president Nelson Mandela, a guest of honour at the breakfast to mark the announcement, declared that Kerzner was "by far the greatest entrepreneur in the tourism industry", and that he and his brother came from "a family not only interested in their own enrichment but willing to give back to their country.
"Having the Kerzners back in South Africa, and having them herald their return with this generous donation to this new institution, is a tribute to the transformation that South Africa has enjoyed and the fact that we are now on the international tourism map."
Technikon Witwatersrand principal Connie Mokadi highlighted the contribution the current Technikon Witwatersrand Hotel School has made to South Africa, saying the institution has produced alumni such as Protea Hotel Group MD Arthur Gillis; internationally renowned winemaker Ken Forrester; and Johannesburg Tourism Company chief executive Deon Viljoen; and Len Wolman.
SouthAfrica.info
reporter
| 
