With the initial establishment of the Waterberg Tourism and the Waterberg Development Initiative, it became evident that there is a significant demand for practical skills training in our region. Our area faces nearly 80% unemployment in an economy primarily driven by wildlife and tourism.
Considering the expansion of tourism and the critical role of the environment in a rapidly changing world, this situation is unacceptable. We must leverage our existing resources not only to generate employment locally but also to educate the community on the sustainable benefits these economic sectors can provide with the right knowledge and training.
A feasibility study was conducted, and the findings highlighted the necessity for a skills training facility.
The Waterberg Development Initiative (WDI) began by offering over 60 one-day or short courses, ranging from snake awareness to first aid, firefighting, and the use of bush clearing tools, as well as table laying, among others. Most of these courses took place locally at the Farmers Hall in Vaalwater and other appropriate locations nearby.
Consequently, an entity named Waterberg Skills Campus (WSC) was established which is part of Waterberg Development Initiative.
It was determined that our focus should encompass five key areas:soft skills, artisan training, tourism and hospitality, conservation and environment, and agriculture. There will be a strong emphasis on bushveld knowledge and skills.
We officially launched on June 1, 2025, in collaboration with our Soft Skills Development Partner. Additional skills partners will be announced as we roll out our other platforms.
Our Main Campus is located in Vaalwater, and we have satellite campuses throughout the Waterberg region in Limpopo, established through various partnerships.
