Johannesburg Tourism is proud to announce the latest iteration of its Tourism and Hospitality Vocational Training Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at driving job creation and sustained economic growth in the city’s dynamic tourism sector. 

A total of 300 former participants of the Tourism Ambassador Programme have been recruited through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to take part in a six-month Tourism and Hospitality Vocational Training Programme. The training commenced on 1 September 2025 and will run until 28 February 2026.

The programme builds on the success of the 2024/25 recruitment drive, which saw 396 EPWP participants deployed across key tourism hotspots. These ambassadors played a pivotal role in enhancing the visitor experience by providing information, reporting incidents and supporting destination management efforts. By the end of the 2024/25 financial year, the ambassadors had completed their contracts, having gained valuable training and workplace exposure that significantly improved their employability. 

A notable highlight is that 10 ambassadors secured permanent employment opportunities while the programme was still underway - clearly demonstrating its long-term impact. In response to the City of Johannesburg’s mayoral priority of job opportunity and creation, Joburg Tourism is implementing this vocational training programme to provide participants with on-the-job learning, mentorship and practical experience. The goal is to empower individuals to either secure employment with host employers or launch their own tourism-related ventures.

Recruitment was conducted in line with the EPWP Recruitment Guidelines of 2018, with preference given to youth, women and people with disabilities. Participants will be placed with host employers across Johannesburg, including tourism precincts, hospitality venues, cultural institutions and community development units. All placements are designed to be close to participants’ residential areas to reduce travel costs and ensure accessibility.

Chairperson of Johannesburg Tourism Company, Nandipha Zonela, emphasises the importance of the programme’s impact: “This initiative is more than just a training programme - it’s a gateway to opportunity. We’re investing in people, in skills and in the future of Johannesburg’s tourism economy.” She adds, “We’ve seen firsthand how these ambassadors uplift the visitor experience and contribute meaningfully to the city’s reputation as a world-class destination.”

The programme is being implemented in accordance with EPWP legislative frameworks, with clear guidelines around remuneration, duration and expectations. Participants are inducted to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities - and measures are in place to manage expectations around permanent employment.”

For more information about Joburg Tourism and upcoming events, visit their website https://visit.joburg/Home/Home