11/05/2026
My name is Julia Nyamate. I am 42 years
old and come from the dusty mining town of
Jagersfontein in the Free State.
In 2013, as an unemployed 30-year-old woman searching
for direction and opportunity, I was introduced to SACT at
a time when I needed it most. That year became one of the
most defining chapters of my life.
My time at SACT was transformative. It was here that
I gained not only technical knowledge and practical
hospitality skills, but also confidence, discipline, and
belief in my own potential. The training I received laid
a foundation — but I quickly learned that success is not
built in a single year. It is built step by step, opportunity
by opportunity.
Through SACT, I was placed for an internship at Namaqua National Park, where I began applying what I had learned
in real working environments. After completing my internship, and with the continued support and guidance of
the College, I secured a permanent position at Bergplaas Nature Reserve, starting my career from the bottom and
working my way up to become the Guesthouse Manager.
That role became a significant stepping stone in my journey. I served there for five years, steadily growing in
leadership, responsibility, and industry experience. From there, I joined the team at Langhuis Guesthouse in Graaff-
Reinet, part of the Sneeuberg Nature Reserve portfolio, where I have now worked for the past four years as Host and
Guesthouse Manager, a position I continue to hold with pride.
"Looking back, I see clearly that SACT did not simply give me a
qualification. It gave me a starting point. The journey since graduation
has required perseverance, humility, hard work, and patience"
Growth in this industry takes time but when the foundation is strong ,progress follows.Today I stand as proof that opportunity. When matched with dedication can change direction of a life.For new and aspiring students,my story is a reminder:Your yeat at SACT is the beginning .The real journey unfolds overtime and for those who make this opportunity possible ,the investment in one student extends far beyond graduation. It continues to grow ,year after year,in workplaces across our country.
*Julia Nyamate,Class of 2013*