Chairperson, as the ANC, we view the official opening of the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre in North West province as a step in the right direction in terms of changing the socioeconomic status of the people of Taung, especially women and the youth.
The institution will be known as Pedagon, and will focus on the skills and competencies that are required to grow the tourism economy of North West in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan, NDP, which identifies tourism as one of the key growth sectors of the South African economy.
This institution will operate in full swing from the beginning of March this year, 2015. Thus far, it has already registered 30 students for this academic year. Learners at the school will be offered practical courses in professional cooking, food and beverages and accommodation service for this academic year.
Soon to be introduced, will be additional courses such as the Higher Education Programme in Tourism and Hospitality Management. This institution hopes to be an anchor of the economic development for the Taung region, with the capacity to create additional employment opportunities, as well as boosting local business.
Chairperson, this shows that the ANC is moving forward. [Time expired.]
