A five-star hotel in South Africa’s Eastern Cape is redefining hospitality training by operating as a live classroom for young women from rural communities, offering a direct pathway into the industry.
Drostdy Hotel, located in Robert Sobukwe (formerly Graaff-Reinet), is owned by the South African College for Tourism (SACT) and functions as its primary training facility, giving students hands-on experience within a working luxury property.
Bridging the gap between training and industry
Founded in 2001, SACT was established to support unemployed young women through hospitality training and career development. The integration with Drostdy Hotel allows students to gain real-world experience from the outset, working with paying guests and managing live operations rather than simulated scenarios.
This model addresses a long-standing challenge in the sector, where access to five-star training environments is often limited to those already connected to the industry.
Students graduate with practical experience at a recognised luxury hotel, strengthening employability outcomes and providing a more direct route into professional roles.
Leadership aligns education and operations
Both the hotel and the college are led by Executive Director Tebello Polisane-Casper, whose role focuses on aligning training with the demands of high-end hospitality.
“Not only is it a huge honour to manage both these institutions, but the alignment of Drostdy Hotel and SACT under a single leadership mandate reinforces the overall vision for a seamless integration of education and industry-leading hospitality,” she said.
Polisane-Casper began her career as a student waiter and has spent 16 years in the industry, highlighting the potential for progression within the sector.
Creating pathways for women in tourism
The initiative is particularly focused on improving access for women from rural areas, who are often underrepresented in formal hospitality pathways despite making up a large share of the tourism workforce globally.
By embedding training within a functioning hotel, the program removes barriers to entry and provides mentorship opportunities within a professional environment.
“Women in leadership positions serve as vital role models and mentors,” Polisane-Casper said. “By demonstrating competence, resilience and initiative, we inspire the next generation to realise their potential.”
The approach extends across the property, with long-term staff progression forming part of the culture. Team members who began as trainees have moved into senior operational roles, reinforcing the model’s long-term impact.
The Drostdy–SACT model highlights a growing shift toward purpose-led tourism, where commercial operations are increasingly aligned with skills development and community outcomes.
