.The true value of our degree programmes is not solely measured by the grades achieved within our class rooms but by the tangible skills, industry exposure, and professional connections forged outside of the class room. Stenden South Africa’s commitment to immersive education is perfectly encapsulated by the invaluable annual educational tours to Cape Town, which transform academic theory into real-world experience for our Disaster Management and Hospitality Management degree students.
These tours are not simply excursions; they are strategic windows into the professional world, providing unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, networking, and industry insight—exposure that is often limited in our local Port Alfred setting.
Disaster Management students at the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre
Disaster Preparedness: Seeing Systems in Action
The recent tour at the start of the fourth term for our Disaster Management students offered a vital look into the operational core of the field. The journey through the Garden Route provided context, but the visit to the George Disaster Management Centre was a masterclass in coordination. As Disaster Management Officer Lee-Ann Jobert explained, these centres are the “central nerve system” for effective response. For students, seeing how disparate resources and stakeholders are brought together offers a critical understanding of the holistic approach required when a crisis strikes.
Furthermore, the visit to the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station drove home the necessity of stringent, protocol-driven safety and emergency planning. Exposure to the vigorous safety measures and the role of emergency controllers reinforced the importance of international guiding procedures in high-stakes environments.
Perhaps the most significant professional highlight was the attendance at the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Summit in Cape Town. As student Ella Norton commented, the G20 walk along the Sea Point Promenade provided the “best networking opportunity and most valuable aspect of the tour.” Connecting with international stakeholders transformed abstract professional goals into attainable realities.
Hospitality Management students seeing sustainability in practice
Hospitality’s Diverse Canvas: Innovation and Sustainability
For our second-year Hospitality Management students, the Cape Town tour provides essential exposure to the sheer breadth and variety within the industry. As Career Development and Internship Lecturer Marius Stols noted, this industry exposure is “invaluable” for students.
This year’s itinerary wove together diverse sectors. Students toured various accommodation establishments and visited renowned vineyards, including a memorable stop at Vergenoegd Löw. Here, they were not only treated to a surprise indigenous tasting—featuring local treats like bokkoms and spekboom brownies—but also experienced first-hand the principles of sustainability and regenerative farming. Seeing the runner ducks, sheep, and small breed cattle maintaining the vineyards demonstrated how environmentally responsible practices are becoming central to award-winning farm accommodation.
The tour also showcased the pinnacle of high-end luxury at prestigious establishments such as Canopy by Hilton and the Old Grain Silo. These visits provided insight into bespoke interior design inspired by local artists and the masterful renovation of historic buildings—demonstrating how accommodation can be both a contemporary showcase and a curator of history. Even the interactive hot chocolate workshop at the Revved Up Café within the MotorRad display room served as a lesson in crafting unique and engaging customer experiences.
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The Cape Town industry tours are a cornerstone of the Stenden educational philosophy, linking academic rigor with professional vitality. By bringing students into direct contact with operational centres, high-profile summits, sustainable practices, and luxury establishments, the campus is actively shaping the next generation of industry leaders—equipping them not just with knowledge, but with connections, collaborative experience, and a clear vision for their future careers.
