Celebrating Youth Employment: Tertiary Graduates Praise Carnival City Learnerships
Johannesburg – A number of recent graduates are sharing positive experiences regarding their ongoing learnerships at Carnival City.
The learnerships offered to 29 tertiary graduates have been in effect since November and December 2024.
“Although the young participants have completed four to five months of training, they still have several months left to broaden their understanding of the hospitality sector during this 12-month programme,” Carnival City explained.
The learnerships are categorized into two groups: tertiary graduates involved in the Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa programme, which commenced in December, and grade 12 graduates placed in the Food & Beverage and Cashiering divisions since November.
Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa programme – December 2024
Ten tertiary learners are acquiring practical work experience at Carnival City, Sun International’s casino and hotel located on the East Rand, as part of YES.
YES is a private sector-driven initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment in South Africa.
The non-profit organization collaborates with corporates to create job openings and provide 12-month work experiences for unemployed youth, helping them gain valuable skills. Since its launch in 2018, YES has generated approximately 170,000 work opportunities.
“Youth unemployment remains a significant socio-economic challenge in South Africa, with a rate of 59.7% in the second quarter of 2024 according to Stats SA,” noted Bryan O’Connor, General Manager of Carnival City.
“Sun International is committed to creating job opportunities and offering graduate roles and bursaries, while Carnival City, one of its properties, strives to provide employment opportunities to young people whenever possible.
“We believe that the 10 learners currently training here will gain a wealth of experience in the gaming and hospitality sectors.”
Manthiba Musi, Carnival City’s Learning and Change Specialist, remarked: “We see opportunity as essential.”
“Through the YES Programme, we are not just providing workplace experiences; we are creating pathways to meaningful employment and career success.
“By equipping young South Africans with practical skills and industry exposure, Carnival City is empowering individuals and contributing to the economic growth of our country.”
In December, Carnival City placed 10 learners who had recently completed their tertiary studies into various departments – three in the Technical and Slots Department on the casino floor, two in Marketing, two in Finance, and two in the Human Resources and Learning and Development Department, along with one in the IT Department.
“Placing learners in critical areas like HR, IT, and Marketing allows us to provide valuable hands-on experience that readies them for today’s workforce,” Musi stated.
“In return, we benefit from new ideas and build a talent pipeline for future needs.
“This investment in youth nurtures a culture of learning and adaptability, ensuring Carnival City and South Africa thrive in an evolving business landscape.”
Carnival City’s Food & Beverage and Cashiering Divisions – November 2024
In addition to the YES programme, Carnival City opened its doors to an extra nineteen 2024 Grade 12 graduates at the end of last year, further expanding learnership opportunities.
This includes ten positions in the Food & Beverage division and nine in the Cashiering division of the casino.
“As of November 2024, Carnival City welcomed 19 youth from Ekurhuleni for 12-month learnerships in Food & Beverage and Cashiering roles,” said Musi.
“The programme equips them with practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, thereby enhancing their employability and bridging the divide between education and the job market.
“We are also making an investment in our local Ekurhuleni community, which is vital to Carnival City.”
Here’s what the tertiary graduates have to say about their learnerships at Carnival City:
Technical and Slots, Casino
Mhleli Sibiya, 21, from Tsakane, has completed an N6 in Electrical Engineering from Ekurhuleni Tvet College at the Daveyton campus.
“I am currently involved in the Technical Slots Department, which maintains gaming machines in the casino,” Sibiya explained.
“I am applying my electrical engineering qualifications effectively and learning a lot throughout this process.
“The quality of the training and the warm welcome from my co-workers has been outstanding.
“I aim to continue gaining experience and contribute to the growth of Carnival City.”
Etwatwa’s Gareaipha Thobejane, 22, who also holds an N6 in Electrical Engineering from Sekhukhune Tvet College, Cs Barlow Campus, works in the Technical Slots Department.
“I have gained hands-on experience in maintaining and repairing gaming machines and cashiering equipment,” she noted.
“I am confident that by November 2025, I will have the expertise required to excel in my position.
“I am eager to keep learning and am truly appreciative of the opportunities this programme has granted me.”
From Kwa-Thema in Springs, Zintle Princess Mabena, 23, holds a higher certificate in Mechanical Engineering from the Springs Campus in Ekurhuleni.
“In the Gaming Technical Department, we install, maintain, and repair gaming machines, including tables,” she elaborated.
“I have gained experience with cashiering equipment, including note counters.
“This experience has been both incredible and challenging, as I began with limited knowledge from my Mechanical Engineering studies. This has pushed me past my comfort zone, and I look forward to learning more.”
Marketing
Kutlwelo Molahloe, a 21-year-old Marketing Management N6 graduate from Ekurhuleni East TVET College, Benoni campus, resides in Daveytown.
“Since starting at Carnival City, I have learned how to manage weekly promotions, engage with customers, and identify their needs. I have also gained marketing experience in updating posters and designs, as well as researching competitor information. My goal is to gain hands-on experience across various marketing functions and develop practical skills in digital marketing and campaign management,” he shared.
Tsholofelo Julia Ndlovu, 26, from Tsakane, Brakpan, has a Marketing Management N4-N6 qualification from Ekurhuleni East TVET College, Springs Campus.
“Thus far in my learnership, I have accumulated valuable experience in the Marketing Department,” Ndlovu commented.
“We have received training to improve our skills and deepen our roles’ understanding.
“It has been a humbling experience, and I aspire to keep learning and growing to excel in my career and studies.
“Thanks to my colleagues at Carnival City for making this journey enjoyable.”
Finance
Katlego Junior Mabuza, 26, from Kwa-Thema, is a Diploma in Accounting holder from Tshwane University of Technology.
“I am currently working as a Revenue Intern in the Finance Department at Carnival City, where I am acquiring invaluable insights into the financial operations of this large organization,” Mabuza stated.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting.
“As I progress in this role until November, I am confident this internship will yield a solid foundation for my future career in finance.”
Twenty-eight-year-old Ntombifuthi Mathebula from Tsakane, Brakpan has an N6 Certificate in Financial Management from Ekurhuleni East College, Brakpan Campus.
“My ambition is to undertake more responsibilities and acquire a comprehensive understanding of financial principles and practices related to warehouse and stock control alongside various areas of the finance department,” Mathebula expressed.
“I am excited about potential mentorship and supervisory opportunities that will aid my development.
“I trust this programme will afford me the chance to cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in this field, and I am eager to learn from seasoned team members.”
Human Resources, including the Learning and Development Department
Twenty-three-year-old Bonga Mhlongo from Katlehong possesses a Diploma in Human Resource Management from Vaal University of Technology.
“My experience at Carnival City has been incredibly enriching; I have obtained valuable insights into Human Resource Management and developed essential practical skills for my career,” Mhlongo shared.
“By November 2025, I hope to further refine my expertise and contribute significantly to the industry while fostering personal and professional growth.”
Abenathi Mlindazwe, 28, from Kwa-Thema, Springs, holds a Diploma in Management Assistance from Ekurhuleni TVET College, Brakpan campus.
“I am part of the Learning and Development Department, which prioritizes employee training and development, ensuring that employees are well-equipped for their roles and responsibilities,” Mlindazwe explained.
“During my brief time here, I’ve already seen that Carnival City holds its employees and their contributions in high regard, highlighted by ‘Sun Stars’ nominations and recognitions.
“I am thrilled to be part of this opportunity and am fully committed each day to contributing to departmental growth, enhancing team performance, and nurturing a positive working environment that supports the company’s success.”
Twenty-four-year-old Arthur Madora Zitha from Katlehong graduated with a diploma in Information Technology from the Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark campus, achieving three distinctions in his final year.
“I am excited to become a part of Carnival City and the opportunities within the IT Department,” Zitha remarked.
“In this industry, keeping up with rapidly advancing technology is crucial, and I recognize that by doing so, I will enhance my work performance.
“With support from my senior colleagues, I can now perform tasks with minimal supervision.
“As a member of the Carnival City team, my objective is to ensure our service delivery remains exceptional.”