Hlobi explores the tourism world

WITH just a hint of shyness and a bubbly personality, many may already be familiar with the face of Hlobisile Ntshangase at the Information Bureau.

This young woman, who is currently doing her practicals as part of the last leg of her travel and tourism diploma, says that she feels right at home in her hometown’s information centre.

“I took tourism as one of my subjects in high school and just knew from there,on that it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I loved learning about all these different countries, the people there and their unique ways of living,” said Hlobi.

After matriculating, she headed to Durban and started her studies at Damelin.

“Although it was really difficult at times as I was being supported by a single mother who had to support two other children who are still at school, on a mineworker’s salary, I was determined to succeed and make my mother proud,” she said.

Being the first in her family to have gone to tertiary, Hlobi said that she was determined to set a good example for her younger siblings.

As part of the requirements for her final year, Hlobi needed to complete a minimum of 160 hours of Work Integrated Learning (WIL), and she could not think of a better place to do it than in her hometown, Vryheid.

“I am really loving being here, I have met visitors from Holland, England and many little ones from the surrounding schools. I am highly grateful to AbaQulusi Municipality for the opportunity they have given me to do my practicals here. I would also like to thank my mom and the rest of the family for their endless support,” she said.

On where she sees herself in the future, Hlobi said that she would like to become a tourism officer, meet more people and learn more about the fascinating world of tourism.

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