Franschhoek Hospitality Academy partners with Prince Albert Community Trust to uplift local youth

In a significant stride towards enhancing hospitality education in South Africa, the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy & Learning Centre (FHA) has announced a formal partnership with the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT). This collaboration will give rise to the Prince Albert Community Trust Hospitality Academy (PACTHA), a new campus set to operate in Prince Albert, mirroring the high educational standards of the FHA.

The establishment of PACTHA signals not just an educational milestone, but a pivotal moment for the local community aimed at uplifting the lives of historically disadvantaged youth. By bringing premium hospitality training to rural areas, this initiative is poised to change lives, create job opportunities, and strengthen local economies—a vision echoed fervently by PACT’s founder, Ingrid Wolfaardt.

“PACT and the community of Prince Albert believe that partnering with best practice is the way forward to empower our local students with skills and opportunity that will be life-changing. Taking hands with FHA speaks to this vision of tangible transformation. We are excited,” said Wolfaardt during the announcement.

Since its inception, FHA has proudly graduated 587 students, impacting over 3,500 individuals indirectly. Astonishingly, 96% of these graduates have successfully secured employment, either in their local communities or abroad. These achievements are nothing short of remarkable, reflecting FHA’s unwavering commitment to breaking cycles of poverty while helping to fortify the hospitality sector across the country.

FHA’s focus aligns with Stellenbosch Municipality's objectives, providing skills development for historically disadvantaged and unemployed youth. Through practical courses, evening classes, and short-term programs, these efforts have focused on improving employability within the local tourism industry.

As part of the partnership, FHA will generously share its comprehensive curriculum with PACTHA, provide academic guidance, support quality assurance, and assist in the student adjudication process. PACTHA will assume responsibility for local program delivery, ensuring that young people in Prince Albert will have access to the same high-quality training that has fostered success stories in its sister town of Franschhoek.

The pilot programme is set to launch in February 2026 and will welcome a select group of students. It marks the beginning of a long-term vision to grow hospitality skills and strengthen local tourism economies, aiming to broaden access to education for underserved communities throughout the Karoo and beyond.

PACT, a community-based non-profit organisation, is deeply committed to breaking cycles of inequality through investments in education, health, and youth skills development. Their flagship initiatives offer a mix of real-life work experience alongside accredited learning opportunities, helping local youths gain confidence and pathways into employment.

FHA’s partnership with PACT is a perfect fit, as both organisations share a commitment to providing educational opportunities and fostering community upliftment. Together they are laying the groundwork for a broader presence of hospitality excellence in South Africa, empowering the nation’s youth one region at a time.