Umlazi resident makes her mark in tourism industry
Having had no prior knowledge about whales, Kim said that she is both overwhelmed and happy about this unique opportunity to be recruited at WildOceans Whale Time.
Working hard towards making her mark in the tourism industry is 22-year-old Kim Sogoni who recently received the opportunity to be a part of the WildOceans Whale Time Project where she is being trained as a tour and information guide at the Maritime Museum in Durban.
Having had no prior knowledge about whales, Kim said that she is both overwhelmed and happy about this unique recruitment opportunity. “I used to envision myself working in accommodation within the tourism industry however, working as a Whale Time guide has been an amazing experience so far. Learning about the unique history and phenomenon of whales has been eye-opening and I think I want to continue with this line of work even after I have completed the programme,” said the Umlazi resident.
The WildOceans Whale Time Project provides a platform for a coastal community-based ‘citizen science’ movement that brings benefits, not only for the conservation of whales and their environment but also for coastal communities as well. The project’s goal is to bring science, conservation, tourism and community together around this iconic species. It aims to contribute to updating scientific knowledge of Humpback whale populations and to engage the public in whale sightings and associated monitoring of the distribution, behaviour patterns and habitat use of the whales.
After completing her studies in travel and tourism, Kim’s developing journey started out at Sodura Community Tourism Organisation (CTO) in the Bluff, as an intern working under the guidance of Sodurba Tourism vice chairperson, Melissa Lee. Melissa took on the initiative six years ago to work with Coastal College in Umlazi in efforts to bridge the gap between the large influx of students entering tourism studies and the lack of work experience offered to help these students get good jobs in the industry.
“Over the years I have facilitated with the college to help qualified students with no work experience gain basic office skills as well as the crucial skills needed within the industry. Some of these students have been placed as interns at our office and others have branched into other hospitality categories. Kim was one of the top students in her final year, who joined us in September last year as an intern and recently received a great opportunity with one of our partners, WildOceans,” explained Melissa.
Her programme mentor Sandile Ntuli, who is also qualified in marine biology said that he is very happy with Kim’s progress and eagerness to learn. “Not many people in Durban know about the rich history of whaling that took place right on our shores, especially in the Bluff. It is educated youth like Kim who will spread this information and increase awareness not only to locals but also other people around South Africa, therefore attracting more tourists to our city,” said Sandile.
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