Since becoming a Partner School of the American Hospitality Academy at the beginning of 2008, the Private Hotel School’s programmes have changed from Further Education and Training (FET) programmes to Higher Education and Training programmes (HET). The programmes are fully registered and accredited with the American Hospitality Academy and are offered and recognised throughout the world. According to Regulation 28 pertaining to the Higher Education and Training Act, Act 101 of 1997, the PHS can legally offer these programmes in South Africa and get recognition from the local industry for the programmes. Students are therefore able to find employment, not only internationally, but also in South Africa, with these excellent programmes.

However, to ensure that students do not only obtain an international qualification, but a qualification that prepares them fully for the local hospitality industry, the Private Hotel School has decided to adapt the international programmes by adding local content. The programmes were also thoroughly compared with all similar programmes offered in South Africa and adapted to give the PHS students, in addition to the international compatibility of the programmes, a programme that matches similar programmes on the same level in South Africa.

To get recognition for this programme, the Private Hotel School has applied to the Department of Education for registration as a Private Higher Education Institution and to the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) for accreditation of the programmes. We also applied for registration of the programmes to the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).

Registration and accreditation through these bodies can take time and therefore the PHS will continue to offer the programmes of the American Hospitality Academy until such time we are able to offer the new registered and accredited programmes. However, that does not mean we offer only international content at present.

Even in the programmes of the American Hospitality Academy there is much scope to include local content. The academic faculty of the PHS are actively involved in the continuous improvement, renewal, revision and upgrading of the programmes of the American Hospitality Academy, as our industry is ever changing and evolving and we cannot give excellent education if we do not continuously adapt to the changes that take place in the industry.

THE PRIVATE HOTEL SCHOOL PIONEERS ACCREDITED DIPLOMA

A cutting edge diploma programme of the Stellenbosch-based Private Hotel School has just received accreditation from South Africa’s Council on Higher Education (CHE) and students can now enrol for January 2011.  The newly endorsed Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Education, on NQF level 7, broadens the already impressive curriculum which provides hospitality students with specialised instruction.

“Whereas most higher education institutions in South Africa have abandoned programmes for hospitality management, thus eliminating the possibilities for the tuition of educators in this field, The Private Hotel School has worked proactively to develop a curriculum to address the lack of opportunities in hospitality education,” explains Susina Jooste, Director of Academic Development.

The aim of the Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Education is to offer candidates, including educators, developers, teachers and trainers who already have a teaching qualification but no background in hospitality, culinary art and/or consumer study teaching, further education to improve their knowledge and skills so that they can teach in these fields. By attaining this qualification the student would therefore be able to play a significant role in the provision of training as required by the Department of Education and the hospitality industry.

“We are one of a very few private hospitality and culinary arts further and higher education institutions that are registered with the Department of Education,” Jooste says. “The fact that we also have programme accreditation with the CHE and are registered with the South African Qualifications Authority is not only an achievement, but a necessity for all students wishing to obtain a recognized local qualification.”

The Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Education is a one year full time course, but can also be completed over two years with an online approach. It is structured to address the inherent complexity and multidisciplinary nature of the subject areas of hospitality, consumer and culinary studies that are the main reason educators often do not possess the variety of necessary skills. The diploma’s content is made up of subjects such as applied food and beverage management, food safety and microbiology, accounting and revenue management, and leadership and cultural diversity.

The qualification is fully recognised by the American Hospitality Academy whose credits are transferable to the University of Southern New Hampshire should students wish to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Hospitality Administration in the USA.

The strength of tuition at the Private Hotel School, the sole African partner school of the American Hospitality Academy, centres on its practical approach, as well as the focus on cultural awareness skills necessary to succeed in the global economy. Students are prepared to successfully transcend country borders in terms of the hospitality industry. Students in the Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Education will be placed at appropriate hotels for an internship period of 100 hours.

Other programmes on offer at The Private Hotel School include diplomas in International Hospitality Management and International Culinary Arts, as well as an advanced certificate in culinary arts and several professional certification short courses.

For further information, contact Susina Jooste, Director of Academic Development at tel 021 881 3792 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.privatehotelschool.co.za.

• The Private Hotel School was established in 2006. It is a member of Fedhasa and the Association of Private Providers of Education, Training and Development (APPETD) and a faculty member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. It is headed up by directors Hein Olckers and Susina Jooste, both experienced hospitality professionals and trainers.

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