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AAn elated Hlolohelo Zwane brimmed with pride as she was crowned the winner of 2024 Future Leaders Forum – International University Challenge at Meetings Africa.
“I do not know what to say,” the visibily excited Tshwane North College student said trying to contain her emotions.
Zwane was announced as the competition winner during a session on BONDAY of Meetings Africa 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre on Monday.
Speaking after being crowned the winner, an elated Zwane emphasised the importance of the business events industry. “This event is so important because it encourages young people in universities and colleges to appreciate the broad nature of tourism and not only focus on the leisure side of it but also the business tourism side”.
Zwane had competed against James Kgabo, also from Tshwane North College and Anais Saayman from the North West University for the honour of representing the country on the global stage.
The competition – an initiative by the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) - was open to young people below the age of 35 currently pursuing qualifications in Tourism and Hospitality.
This competition provides students an opportunity to showcase their creativity in conceptualising, planning and coordinating business events.
As part of her pitch, Zwane presented on the Urban Townships Future Summit which promises to shape the future of South African townships.
Zwane was equally excited about making history as the first student from a college to win the competition, which had previously been won by university students.
As the winner of the 2024 Future Leaders Forum International University Challenge winner she will receive a sponsored trip to attend the global Future Leaders Forum at IMEX Frankfurt in May this year.
This puts Zwane in a position to win the coveted MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award, which will be presented to the overall winner at the IMEX Gala Dinner in Frankfurt.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Fish Mahlalela said the Future Leaders Forum was a practical demonstration of a commitment to youth empowerment across the tourism sector.
“This forum is a practical approach to nurturing a pipeline of future industry leaders,” Mahlalela said
Mahlalela further hailed The Future Leaders Forum as a unique opportunity for students to gain expert insight into the meetings industry and to learn from and with inspirational industry experts and fellow students.
“With a steadfast commitment to youth empowerment across the tourism and business events industry, the Future Leaders Forum presents a meticulously curated programme with ambitious objectives aimed at inspiring and guiding students towards successful careers in the dynamic business events arena, Mahlalela said.
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