Dr Kamilla Swart, Head of the Centre for Tourism Research in Africa at CPUT, has recently been awarded the Black Business Quarterly (BBQ) Youth Award for Research and Development.

Dr Swart, who is involved in 2010 research projects and initiatives, is among several other South Africans who received awards in various categories at the inaugural BBQ Youth Awards in March.

The awards are an initiative of the BBQ publication, which has been at the forefront of honouring and celebrating the achievements of black businessmen and women in South Africa.

However, this year they have chosen to honour the achievements of the youth (those younger than 40) of South Africa, who against all odds, have made a positive contribution to the country and shown creativity and innovation in their field of expertise.

The awards honoured individuals in several categories, including corporate, civil society, entrepreneur, information communication technologies, government and arts and culture.

Dr Swart, who is a leading expert in Sport Tourism research, was awarded the BBQ Youth Award for the category Research and Development.

Dr Swart, who received her award on 6 March 2009 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, said: “I am elated to be honoured and celebrated in this manner. I have worked hard to make a positive contribution to building our country through my specialist area of sport tourism research.”

“For my accomplishments to be recognised at this juncture, especially with the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ on the horizon, it feels very satisfying,” she said.

Dr Swart said she would not have achieved this without her colleagues and students who have contributed to her success.

Farouk Roberson, a representative on the Black Management Forum (BMF) in the Western Cape Tourism Development Partnership – 2010 Sub Committee, nominated Dr Swart for the award.

Robertson, who serves alongside Dr Swart on the Western Cape Tourism Development Partnership (WCTDP) said: “Her presence in our Committee is always beneficial and meaningful because she has the ability to constructively engage and share her experiences and knowledge as much as she is eager to learn from others.

He said Dr Swart “constantly strives to enhance her skills for the betterment of her students and others within the Tourism sphere.”

“She operates in the international arena with the greatest ease and no fuss at all and is acknowledged by her peers both locally and internationally for the sterling work she does,” he said.

Robertson said this award showcases Dr Swart as a role model for the youth.

“We need people like these from amongst our own with solid credentials to ensure a better future for all in this beautiful country of ours,” he said.

Photo: Dr Kamilla Swart accepts her award from Keabecoe David Motlhoioa, one of the judges of the BBQ Youth Awards.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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Thousands of soccer fans are expected to descend on CPUT residences during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

CPUT recently became one of the first higher education institutions to sign a deal with Madlanduna Corporation, which will see student residences converted into temporary accommodation for international soccer fans.

Madlanduna Corporation, a Gauteng based service and investment company, is involved in sourcing affordable accommodation for the 2010 World Cup.

They are in the process of entering into similar agreements with several other South African tertiary institutions.

Temporary accommodation will ensure that soccer fans who cannot afford the high cost of hotels will have access to affordable and comfortable accommodation, in close proximity of the various stadiums.

Johhny Basson, the institution’s Residence Business Manager said: “CPUT's residences are strategically placed in order to house thousands of soccer fans.”

According to the agreement, 2 501 beds in residences across the province will be made available during the event.

Of this total, 1 368 beds will be made available at Bellville Campus, 581 beds at the Cape Town campus and 522 beds at the picturesque Wellington campus.

Basson said while CPUT stands to benefit financially from the agreement, there are many other spin-offs.

“Madlanduna is marketing the residences internationally and in that way CPUT will gain international exposure,” he said.

This agreement will also provide substantial opportunities for other businesses as the institution will require the services of additional security, cleaning and catering companies.

Basson said the institution has been approached by other agencies who would also like to enter into similar agreements.

One of these agencies is MATCH, who is also involved in sourcing affordable accommodation on a national level

Basson said: “We are proud to be part of this event and excited that we, as CPUT can contribute in this way to this prestige event.”

Mthuzi Luthuli, Director of Madlanduna Corporation commended the institution for its “visionary vision” with regards to this venture.

Madlanduna Corporation began negotiations several years ago, with the then Peninsula Technikon.

Mthuzi said the institution will be required to avail the rooms and the institutions facilities for 25 days in June 2010.

Madlanduna Corporation will be responsible for marketing the accommodation and all other arrangements, such as reservations of rooms and transport to the stadiums on match days.

“We are also looking at utilising students at an operational level,” he said.

Mthuzi said they would like to offer CPUT students involved in sport management, events, tourism and hospitality the opportunity to work with international tourists.

He said they are looking at employing students to man tourist desks at the institution and assist with the checking in of tourists.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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