Club Med South Africa has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Nukakamma Talent Development Centre, aimed at providing exceptional training and career opportunities to underprivileged youth in South Africa. This collaboration comes in anticipation of the opening of Club Med’s new resort on Durban’s north coast in 2026, with a focus on training 160 young South Africans for roles in hospitality, particularly in food and beverage service.
The program, which commenced in February 2025, involves an intensive 6-8 months of theoretical and practical training followed by a 6-month internship. Club Med is heavily involved in funding, recruitment, and training to ensure that the curriculum is comprehensive, industry-relevant, and offers a solid foundation for sustainable career growth.
Olivier Perillat-Piratoine, Managing Director of Club Med, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, “We are thrilled to see the first intake of students starting their training at Nukakamma. As part of Club Med’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, we are dedicated to uplifting the communities in which we operate through our ‘Happy to Care’ initiatives.”
Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the opportunity to secure employment at the upcoming Club Med South Africa Resort, where they can apply their newly acquired skills. Additionally, the program provides avenues for international career opportunities, with the potential for graduates to work at Club Med resorts around the world. Renowned Michelin-starred Chef Pascal Favre d’Anne will serve as a mentor, ensuring that culinary and hospitality standards are upheld to the highest benchmarks, setting a global standard for talent development.
This public-private partnership exemplifies a new standard in talent development, empowering young South Africans to forge sustainable, global careers in the hospitality industry. With the launch of Club Med South Africa on the horizon, this program is poised to revolutionize the hospitality landscape and create enduring opportunities for South African youth.
