Weskus School of Skills in Saldanha Bay has officially opened the doors to a newly upgraded Hospitality Classroom, creating a modern, industry-relevant environment for learners pursuing practical hospitality training.
The facility was officially handed over on 8 October following a seven-month refurbishment made possible through a R1.2 million investment by Umoya Energy, implemented in partnership with Breadline Africa.
The handover was celebrated as a community occasion, bringing together learners, educators and stakeholders. Representatives from Umoya Energy, Breadline Africa, the Western Cape Education Department, local government, independent power producers and local NGOs joined the school to mark the completion of the project.
The upgraded facility replaces equipment that, in some instances, dated back to the late 1990s. Learners now have access to new ovens, stovetops, cupboards and projectors, as well as practical workstations, upgraded tiling, fresh paintwork, and a redesigned layout. The result is a modern learning environment aligned with industry standards and designed to equip learners with the skills and confidence needed to pursue opportunities within the the hospitality sector.
For learners, the upgraded classroom provides hands-on opportunities to develop competencies in cooking, baking and food service while building the confidence and workplace readiness required for further education, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes visionary partners to help build their future. This incredible hospitality workshop stands as a monument to what can be achieved when Umoya Energy, Breadline Africa and Weskus School dream together. You have given our learners more than just a state-of-the-art facility – you have given them a place to turn raw talent into lifelong recipes of success. Our school’s mission is not to change who our learners are, but to reveal what they can achieve when given the right tools,” said Delmarie Engelbrecht, Principal of Weskus School of Skills.
This project reflects Umoya Energy’s commitment to responding to needs identified by communities within its areas of operation and investing in initiatives that create lasting social impact.
“This project is particularly significant for us because it is our first Socio Economic Development investment supporting a School of Skills. By investing in education infrastructure that strengthens practical skills development, we are helping create pathways for young people to build skills that can support future employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the West Coast communities,” said Amber Zeeman, Social Performance Practitioner at Umoya Energy.
Through this partnership, Umoya Energy and Breadline Africa are helping strengthen the school’s capacity to provide practical, relevant training that bridges the gap between classroom learning and workplace requirements. The upgraded facility will serve as a valuable resource for future generations of learners, enabling them to develop industry-relevant skills and explore career opportunities within the hospitality sector.
