Incubator programme generates WIL opportunities in Tourism Management


17 May 2023

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Tshwane University of Technology’s Department of Tourism Management and Bidtravel in April 2023, the Bidtravel Abazayo incubator programme, will open-up Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for Tourism Management students, who will be placed at Bidtravel’s Corporate Office situated at the Travel Campus in Parktown. 

Beaulah Bam, Bidtravel ICT Operations Manage at Bidtravel;  Lorraine Molefe Tourism operations lecturer at Tourism Management department, Paulina Ngubeni WIL coordinator at Tourism Management department and Kele Lakalake, General Manager for Harvey World Travel.

The programme aims to support candidates by means of a ring-fenced business incubator programme. They will receive resources, training, hands-on mentorship and be supported by a team of skilled professionals to hone and enhance their business acumen in order to realise their potential. A variety of income-generating activities will fund the center. 

In view of South Africa’s unemployment rate currently at more than 33%, Bidtravel has realised that even the most promising graduates might struggle to enter the job market. Hence, the Bidtravel incubator / TUT partnership aims to identify talented travel and tourism graduates with a keen entrepreneurial acumen, to participate in the programme.  These enterprising minds will have access to a professional office space, resources, training, hands-on mentorship, and the support of a team of skilled professionals to maximise the potential of their business.

Due to the city location, it will be easy for partners and clients to reach these young entrepreneurs and also enable them to conveniently reach any part of the city.

Following Prof Ndivhuwo Tshipala, Head of the Department’s opening address, Beaulah Bam, Bidtravel ICT Operations Manager and Kele Lakalake, General Manager for Harvey World Travel, provided more information about this exciting opportunity and invited students to apply for the first WIL opportunities at Bidtravel open for 12 students, who will be placed and paid a stipend for a minimum 6-months period.  Candidates will have an opportunity to gain experience in all Bidtravel Brands:  Bid travelambassadors, CWT, Rennies BCD Travel, Harvey World Travel, BushBreaks, New Frontiers, Travel Connections, Cruises International and World Travel. 

Third year Tourism Management students.
 Faneka  Matana HR manager at Bidtravel, Kele Lakalake, General Manager for Harvey World Travel, Beaulah Bam, Bidtravel ICT Operations Manager at Bidtravel and Prisca Mangena HR Manager at Bidtravel.

For more information on the Tshwane University of Technology, please contact Phaphama Tshisikhawe, Corporate Affairs and Marketing.
Tel: +27 12 382 4711    Email: tshisikhawerpt@tut.ac.za