The extent of knowledge about the hospitality industry among life orientation teachers and learners in previously disadvantaged black schools in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

The hospitality industry is one of the most popular industries in Cape Town, where it plays a major role in the economy and offers many employment opportunities. Because of this, one might have thought that learners would be encouraged to pursue a career in the industry. But learners and Life Orientation teachers in black township schools do not know about the hospitality industry: Hospitality Studies is not offered as a subject and learners receive no career guidance about this industry. This study investigates the extent of knowledge among Grade 11 learners and LO teachers in black township high schools about the hospitality industry, with a focus on the extent to which these learners are guided towards pursuing a career in the industry. The study therefore examines the information given to Grade 11 learners about the hospitality industry and the information LO teachers have about the industry to equip them to guide learners. The aim of the study is to highlight the knowledge gap that exists amongst Grade 11 and LO teachers when it comes to the hospitality industry, with the ultimate object of enhancing awareness of the industry so that learners can make meaningful career choices informed by that awareness.