THRIVE: 20 The annual STH Alumni and Industry event returned to the in-person format, much to the delight of industry partners and alumni alike. This is an event like no other on the STH calendar. A date, intentionally set aside each year, to reflect with, (re) connect to, celebrate, and remind each other of all that is positive in the tourism and hospitality sector, writes STH Marketing Manager, Kagiso Mosue. The response to the call for alumni and industry partners to gather was heartwarmingly positive. On the day, the energy in the room was exciting with many familiar faces expressing gratitude for the opportunity of face-to-face interaction. Recollections of the ‘last’ inperson gathering pre-COVID seemed to be a popular conversation starter. The program featured Futurist, Youth Trends Analyst and CEO of The Culture Foundry Co., Dali Tembo as the guest speaker. Leveraging the theme ‘Own Your Greatness’, Tembo highlighted the emerging swell of confidence amongst African youth. He highlighted how young Africans are fast becoming the global influencers through the power of their imagination. “Our edge on the global platform will only be realised when we can exploit our natural abilities and imagine our own futures despite the prevalence of an environment that gives you every reason not to do so” Tembo explained. Continuing with the tradition of recognising alumni’ contribution to the tourism and hospitality sector, the event also featured the STH Alumnus Awards. The STH Rising Star Alumnus Award was presented to Ryan Ferreira, Learning and Development Manager for Kerzner International. Ferreira travelled from Dubai specially to attend the event. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude in receiving the Rising Star Award for 2022. I have had a phenomenal journey with Kerzner International celebrating ten years of service this year. I have had the opportunity towork and learn fromsome of the industry’s best in two amazing brands, One&Only and now Atlantis Dubai. I have also had opportunity to be Alumni Owning their Greatness S T H A L U M N I From left - Jerry Mabena (STH Board Chairman & CEO, Motsamai Tourism), Heidi Duminy (Principal, Cape Wine Academy), Prof Diane Abrahams, (STH Director), Ryan Ferreira, Learning & Development Manager (Kerzner International), Karen Borain (STH Deputy Chair & Training and Development Manager, Southern Sun)
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