Nukakamma Student Induction Ceremony 13 Feb 2025

Posted on Tue February 18, 2025.

On Thursday, 13 February, we hosted an unforgettable event on behalf of the NukaKamma Hospitality School, bringing together key figures from the hospitality and education sectors. The stunning Mount Nelson, a Belmond hotel, provided the perfect backdrop for this exclusive gathering.

This event was a milestone celebration, marking the induction of 10 talented NukaKamma students into their internships at the prestigious Mount Nelson hotel. The occasion was made even more special by inspiring speeches from French Ambassador David Martinon, French Consul General Sophie Bel, and NukaKamma’s visionary founder Laurence Diaz Armand. Adding to the energy of the event, dynamic chef and godmother to the students, Mpho Phalane, shared her insights, alongside one of the students, Anda Rono, who gave a heartfelt perspective on their journey.


🎯 Our Mission:
The goal of this gathering was to introduce our unique hospitality school model to Cape Town’s industry professionals. Nukakamma is dedicated to integrating young individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds—primarily from townships—into high-level hospitality careers.
Our boarding school program follows a holistic training approach:
✔ 6 to 8 months of intensive training at our Addo campus.
✔ 6 months of internships in top hotels and restaurants.
✔ 90% of our graduates secure long-term employment upon completion.

🏨 A Huge Thank You to Our Partners!
🔹 The French Embassy and Consular Services for their unwavering support and legitimacy over the years.
🔹 The incredible hotels, lodges, and restaurants that fund these young talents' training—special thanks to Belmond, Accor (Pullman Cape Town, Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel), and our long-standing lodge partners.
🔹 Our industry partners, who provide financial assistance, additional training, and donations, including Moët Hennessy, Fondation groupe EDF, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CAMPUS DE GROISY, Air France, Standard Bank Group...
🚀 Exciting Developments Ahead!


Starting this February, we are training 130 young talents who will become the future employees of the new Club Med resort opening north of Durban in July 2026, in collaboration with Collins Residential. This marks a major step forward in our growth, reinforcing our inclusive and high-level expertise in hospitality training.
A heartfelt thank you to all who believe in this project and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and skilled hospitality industry in South Africa!