About us
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Our organization connects professionals in the industry and provides them with access to valuable resources and information. We are committed to helping our members succeed.
Our mission is to bring together professionals in the industry and provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
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Our organization specialises in creating connect opportunities for youth growing into professionals in the industry and facilitates access to valuable resources and information. We are committed to raising a generation of youth thought leaders.
Ours is to curate creative networking, training and mentoring platforms to provide youth with relevant resources and support needed to succeed.
We are a team of dedicated youth
with extensive industry knowledge
Meet our team
Kagiso Emmanuel Ngwenya
President
He leads the organisation’s strategic vision and national initiatives aimed at empowering youth within the tourism and hospitality sector. He works to strengthen partnerships across industry and academia while advocating for youth participation in tourism development.
Nosibusiso Nosii Maseko
Deputy President
Newly appointed as deputy, supporting the President in driving the organisation’s strategic priorities and leadership coordination. She plays an important role in ensuring effective collaboration across the management team, ensuring proper implementation of all initiatives.
Botlhale Kokela
Secretary
Botlhale is responsible for maintaining the organisation’s governance records, documentation, and meeting coordination. She ensures that leadership communication and organisational administration are effectively managed to support the network’s operations.
Kgomotso Mthi
Head of Creative & Events
Kgomotso is responsible for designing and coordinating all our events and experiences. He brings creativity and innovation to the organisation’s programmes while ensuring engaging and impactful initiatives for youth. He leads both online and physical sessions.
Akwande Tlou
Head of Monetization
Akwande's portfolio, focuses on identifying sustainable funding opportunities and partnerships that support our organisation's growth. He works to develop innovative strategies that strengthen the organisation’s financial sustainability.
Casey Lee Peters
Head of Marketing
Casey leads our brand visibility and communication strategies. She manages digital platforms, marketing campaigns, and outreach initiatives that promote SAYTN’s work and connect with young professionals in tourism.
Lesedi Mogonediwa
Head: Tourism Read Newsletter
Lesedi leads our flagship programme. Curating, sharing updates, insights, and stories from the broader tourism sector. Stay informed about programmes, opportunities, and industry developments with the Tourism Read Newsletter.
Tiisetso Tsoeleng
Head of Operations
With a strong acumen in operations efficiencies, Tiisetso works closely with the leadership team to ensure that projects, events, and organisational activities are delivered efficiently, and we adapt key enabling policies.
Karabo Shishaba
Head of Stakeholder Relations
Karabo strengthens partnerships with industry corporates, Businesses, institutions, and organisations. She works to expand collaboration opportunities that support youth participation and development in the tourism sector.
Mdumiseni Buthelezi
Intern: Office of the Presidency
Mdumiseni joins us as an intern and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Tourism Management. His academic journey makes him a strong fit to support and learn from our management team. Under the guidance of the President, He will translate his academic knowledge into practical contributions within our management structure.
Semakaleng Laka
Voluntourism Specialist
She provides focused leadership by driving strategic collaborations and developing impactful programs that connect youth with industry partners through volunteer opportunities. These initiatives will play a key role in upskilling young people and strengthening their pathway into the tourism sector.
Meet our advisory
board members
Thembeka Ngcamu
Advisor: Research and Analytics
Thembeka contributes insights on tourism research, data analysis, and industry trends that inform our strategic direction. This is done through consulting industry organisations such as the South African Tourism - Data and analytics department and all relevant bodies. The role supports evidence-based decision-making and helps strengthen the organisation’s thought leadership in youth tourism development.
Sula Jonas
Advisor: Corporate Identity
The Industry Professional Advisor brings practical tourism sector experience to support our organisation's initiatives. This role contributes industry insights, professional networks, and strategic advice that help connect young professionals with opportunities within the tourism and hospitality industry.
Jean Claude
National Student Ambassador
The National Student Ambassadors Advisor supports the development and coordination of SAYTN’s student ambassador network across academic institutions. This role focuses on strengthening youth engagement, leadership development, and collaboration between students and the tourism industry.
Andulela Suka
Advisor: Entrepreneurship
The Youth Entrepreneurship Advisor provides guidance on enterprise development and innovation within the tourism sector. This role supports young entrepreneurs by sharing industry knowledge, mentorship, and strategies that encourage youth-led tourism businesses.
Snegugu Dlomo
Advisor: Governance
Snegugu played a pivotal role ensuring SAYTN takes shape in its inception, her advisory in governance provides strategic guidance on governance structures, organisational accountability, and best practices within executives, interns, student leaders and volunteering youth. This role supports the leadership team in strengthening institutional frameworks.