V&A Waterfront’s V&A Academy recognised at World Travel Market Africa’s Awards for tackling youth unemployment

The V&A Waterfront has been recognised at the 2026 World Travel Market (WTM) Africa Responsible Tourism Awards for the work of its V&A Academy, established to connect young people with entry level jobs tourism.

Although still in its early phases, the V&A Academy has already demonstrated meaningful impact. Since its launch as a pilot in September 2023, the programme has prepared and facilitated the employment of 315 young Capetonians across 46 businesses within the V&A Waterfront precinct.

The Academy helps young people by offering training, connecting them with entry-level jobs in tourism, hospitality, and retail, and supporting them during their first year of employment in the neighbourhood. The V&A Academy received a Gold in the Local Economic Benefit category, recognising its role in addressing youth unemployment, one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges.

V&A Waterfront CEO Graham Wood says this recognition affirms the need for effective and structured pathways into employment.

“South Africa has no shortage of young people eager to work, nor businesses in need of capable entry-level staff. The challenge has always been bridging that gap in a way that sets both up for success,” says Wood. “The Academy offers a practical and scalable solution which is replicable across multiple sectors of the economy.”

The V&A Academy focuses on preparing participants for the realities of the workplace through a six-week programme centred on confidence-building, emotional readiness and practical workplace skills.

Crucially, the V&A Academy extends beyond training, supporting graduates and their direct line managers for up to 12 months after placement, to ensure successful integration into the working environment. Results from the latest 2025 cohorts, indicate strong retention outcomes, with 90% of participants entering formal employment for the first time.

The success of the V&A Academy has been catalysed by the V&A Waterfront’s shared value ecosystem ethos.

This collaborative model has enabled independent businesses, including 14 traders in the Watershed craft market, to participate in job creation, supported by partnerships such as YES4Youth, which has helped fund extended employment opportunities.

Academy Lead, Brett Wilks comments about the award “The first six months is the highest‑risk period for any new hire entering the workplace. What makes the V&A Academy different is that we support both the young employee and their manager for a full year. Recognition from WTM Africa highlights the importance of the Waterfront’s shared‑value approach, when strong behavioural foundations are combined with the right support on both sides, young people and businesses can thrive to create exceptional tourism experiences. We really hope that this model can be adopted by tourism destinations facing similar youth unemployment challenges.

For graduates, the impact extends beyond employment outcomes.

“The Academy taught me how to work with different people from different backgrounds, and it helped me build my confidence and engage with customers.” Zolekwa Bokwe, 31, receptionist at the Portswood Hotel.

“The managers and seniors gave me a platform to make mistakes and also learn from them.” Liyema Ndzuzo, 21, Academy Intern at Spyced restaurant.

“Most places were looking for people with experience; we were so fortunate to be ona programme that provided us with those skills.” – Sinozuko Tonjeni, 26, Housekeeping Room Attendant at the Cape Grace hotel.

Looking ahead, the Academy plans to expand its model into the construction sector. The V&A Waterfront has ambitious plans to expand the neighbourhood over the next 15 – 20 years, which will generate significant demand for entry-level roles across construction trades.

“This model is intentionally replicable,” says Wood. “We have shown that an ecosystem of tourism businesses can work together to build a shared pathway connecting local youth with employment opportunities. “This approach has the potential to be adopted anywhere in South Africa where businesses are looking for reliable young talent.”

The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards were presented on 14 April 2026 at the WTM Africa travel and tourism expo in Cape Town.

The V&A Academy is an employment pathway initiative that connects the unemployed youth with entry-level jobs across the V&A Waterfront’s tourism, hospitality and retail businesses. Launched in September 2023, the programme has trained and placed 315 young people into employment. For more information: www.waterfront.co.za/academy

The WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards celebrate those driving positive change through sustainable tourism across Africa. The awards recognise best practice in sustainable tourism and are presented annually at World Travel Market Africa.