Publication: Primedia
Author: Chanté Ho Hip
Photograph: Sanlam Foundation Head, Ray -Ann Sedres and Bongani Bingwa. Photo: 702/Karabo Tebele
702’s Bongani Bingwa speaks with Ray-ann Sedres, Head of the Sanlam Foundation.
Sanlam-backed programme Youth4Tourism aims to get more young people on the path to employment.
The initiative provides young South Africans with market-related skills and sustainable opportunities in the tourism and creative industries.
“[These are] skills that you can use in the tourism sector... but at the same time, you can actually create your own small business.” – Ray-ann Sedres, Head of Sanlam Foundation
Sedres says tourism is unique, as it branches into other sectors. Without it, the value chain is highly impacted.
This makes it the perfect industry for the youth to apply their skills and creativity.
Sanlam not only funds the programme, but also utilises the talent themselves in its own events.
“We are currently looking at 40% unemployed and a large portion of them are youth… we have to look at how we support growing jobs for the youth, and more importantly, how do we creatively grow those jobs.” – Ray-ann Sedres, Head of Sanlam Foundation
Find out more about the programme on the Youth4Tourism website here.