Nonzwakazi Shelembe

Head of Academics & Student Affairs

Welcome to the TVET Tourism Challenge 2026! As Head of Academic and Student Affairs, I'm thrilled to invite you to this groundbreaking national competition.

Calling all TVET Colleges: this is your chance to showcase your talent! We urge you to encourage your N6 Tourism, Hospitality, Travel Services, Events, or Marketing students and alumni (aged 18-35) to participate.

Let's collaborate to shape the future of South African tourism.

Join Us!

A Word From Leadership

Revolutionise Tourism.
Build Your Future.

To our incredible students and alumni: get ready to revolutionise tourism! This challenge, blending AI, drone analytics, and digital storytelling, will equip you with vital skills, offer R1.7 million in prizes, and provide national recognition. From online learning to a televised final, your innovative tourism campaigns will shine.

And to SMEs in the tourism sector: your involvement is crucial! We invite you to support and mentor these bright minds. Your expertise can guide the next generation of tourism leaders, fostering sustainable growth and innovation within our industry.

Calling all TVET Colleges: Secure your institution's spot in the 2026 cohort. Encourage your N6 Tourism, Hospitality, Travel Services, Events, or Marketing students and alumni (aged 18–35) to be part of a nationally televised competition with life-changing prizes and career opportunities.
R1.7 Million
Total Prize Pool
Including cash prizes, work placements, G20 Ambassador opportunities & national recognition.

Who's This For?

Find Your Path
Into the Challenge

There are three distinct ways to participate in Project IGNITE — each with its own benefits, commitments, and rewards.

TVET college students collaborating
For Colleges

TVET Colleges

Join a national movement to elevate vocational training. Offer your students a chance to participate in a prestigious, nationally televised challenge that provides real-world skills and direct pathways to employment.

  • National institutional recognition
  • Industry-aligned curriculum exposure
  • SABC broadcast feature opportunity
  • Minimum 25 students per college
Register Your College →
Students studying and planning a tourism campaign
For Students

Students & Alumni

This isn't just theory — it's practical skills for real careers. Direct work placements, G20 Ambassador opportunities, and national exposure await those who rise to the challenge.

  • Share in R1.7 million prize pool
  • Work placement pathways
  • G20 Ambassador opportunity
  • Live TV national recognition
Apply as a Student →
South African tourism destination landscape
For Destinations

Tourism Destinations & SMEs

Boost your visibility. Gain significant exposure through our national platform and extensive reach. Your "hidden gem" will be brought into the spotlight, reaching new audiences across South Africa and beyond.

  • National platform exposure
  • Free digital marketing campaigns
  • SABC broadcast feature potential
  • Zero risk, high community impact
List Your Destination →

What's at Stake

R1.7 Million.
Life-Changing Prizes.

The top three teams compete in the Grand Finale for cash prizes, industry placements, and career-defining national recognition.

1st Place

Grand Winner

  • Major cash prize
  • Industry work placement
  • G20 Ambassador nomination
  • SABC spotlight feature
  • National media recognition

2nd Place

1st Runner Up

  • Significant cash prize
  • Industry mentorship programme
  • National broadcast mention
  • Portfolio development support

3rd Place

2nd Runner Up

  • Cash prize
  • Industry networking access
  • Certificate of excellence
  • Alumni community membership

Additional Awards

Best Destination CampaignMost innovative spotlight on a hidden SA gem
Best Use of AIOutstanding application of technology in tourism
Sustainability ChampionBest integration of responsible tourism principles

Simple 3-Step Process

How to Apply
as a Student

The application process is straightforward and completed entirely online. Here's what to expect.

1

Check Your Eligibility

Confirm you are aged 18-35, hold an N6 certificate (or equivalent) in Tourism, Hospitality, Travel Services, Events, or Marketing, and are from a participating TVET college in Gauteng, KZN, or Mpumalanga.

2

Complete Your Online Application

Fill in the application form on this website. You'll need your N6 certificate details and your college registration number. The process is quick and straightforward.

3

Await Confirmation & Get Ready

Successful applicants will receive confirmation before the cohort start date. Prepare to commit to the 12-week programme and show South Africa what you're made of.

Students planning and working on their tourism campaign
Apply Online Full Programme Details

Don't Miss Out

Applications Close Soon.
Your Future Starts Now.

Apply Now Partner With Us