
We believe in preparing future leaders to rise to any challenge, and our Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism Management students recently did just that on a national stage.
Four of our top Tourism students, Ntokoto Malatji (Midrand), Dealane van der Walt and Jolene Roux (Mbombela), and Olivia Olivier (Tygervalley) – proudly represented Eduvos at the Future Leaders Challenge South Africa (FCLSA) 2025, held on 5–6 May at the Radisson Hotel in Sandton.
This year's event marked a milestone for Eduvos, as this was the first time private higher education institutions were invited to participate in the high-profile competition. Our students were notified just three weeks before the event, significantly later than many other participants. However, despite the shorter preparation window, our Vossies showed exceptional resilience and drive, making the most of every opportunity.
Under the guidance of our dedicated lecturers Anele Mtemeli, Nasreen Tisaker, and Lena Maregere, the students collaborated closely to prepare their presentation.
Their challenge? “How can tourism and hospitality establishments in South Africa implement futuristic sustainable practices to minimise their environmental impact?”
With passion and purpose, our Vossies delivered innovative, sustainability-driven solutions that stood tall alongside proposals from some of the country's most established tertiary institutions.
The event began with an inspiring opening speech from the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille. The stakes were high; winners of the South African competition would go on to represent the region in Dubai at the next stage of the challenge. Though our team did not make it into the top three, the experience left a lasting impact.
“Although we didn’t make it into the top three, I can confidently say, on behalf of our entire team, that we are genuinely proud of what we’ve achieved,” says Olivia Olivier, a third year Tourism student. “We poured our hearts into this project and have no regrets. This journey has been inspiring. I’ve learned so much about innovation, collaboration, resilience, and what we’re capable of under pressure. It’s opened my eyes to new possibilities and taught me how far passion and teamwork can take us.”
Lecturer Anele Mtemeli echoed Olivia’s sentiments and emphasised the broader significance of this achievement:
“The Future Leaders Challenge has not only elevated our students’ confidence and capabilities – it has also opened new and exciting doors for Eduvos. We are now being recognised by key stakeholders in the Tourism industry, including the Department of Tourism – an achievement we can all be proud of.”
“To Jolie, Dealane, Ntokoto and Olivia – what you accomplished in just three weeks is extraordinary. Competing against teams with more than double the time to prepare, you showed professionalism, creativity and leadership. You’ve helped put Eduvos on the map.”
Olivia Olivier and Jolene Roux have been selected to represent Eduvos at the upcoming G20 Summit in Durban this September. This marks another exciting learning experience for our students, our Tourism faculty and the institution as a whole.
At Eduvos, we don’t just teach about leadership, we give our students the platform to live it. Congratulations to our participating students and lecturers for making this an unforgettable and meaningful experience.
Here’s to future leaders, future opportunities, and a future we’re proud to be part of.
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