A R270 Million Vote of Confidence in Gqeberha’s Youth
A R270 Million Vote of Confidence in Gqeberha’s Youth
Twenty-five cruise ships are scheduled to dock in Gqeberha this season — nine of them staying overnight. That kind of footfall brings opportunity. It also raises an important question: who is ready to meet it?
At a time when the hospitality sector faces critical skills shortages and youth unemployment continues to weigh heavily on communities, the true measure of tourism growth lies in whether it creates meaningful local opportunity.
Industry bodies have already sounded the alarm. The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa recently warned of mounting staffing pressures across the sector, highlighting the growing gap between demand and available skills. As visitor numbers recover and confidence returns, the need for trained professionals in hotels, restaurants and tourism services is becoming increasingly urgent.
Tourism as a Catalyst for Local Economies
Hospitality has long played a central role in local economies. Each new development supports a network of suppliers, service providers and small businesses — from laundry services and fresh produce suppliers to tour operators and transport companies.
Patricia de Lille has repeatedly underscored the sector’s role in job creation and inclusive growth, noting its capacity to uplift communities and drive regional development.
In Gqeberha, that broader impact is beginning to take shape through a R270 million hospitality investment: The Capital Boardwalk.
The Capital Boardwalk: A New Accommodation Model
As the city’s first aparthotel, The Capital Boardwalk introduces a modern accommodation model to the metro.
The development features:
- 145 contemporary units
- Standard rooms and studios
- One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments
- Luxury penthouses
Designed to accommodate expats, corporate travellers and contractors working in the region, the property responds to evolving business travel demand linked to manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics and port activity.
The aparthotel format offers flexibility for longer stays, supporting professionals who require space, convenience and a sense of home. Sustained occupancy patterns translate into consistent local spending — benefiting restaurants, transport services and surrounding attractions.
As 25 cruise ships arrive throughout the season, the opportunity for the hospitality sector extends well beyond the harbour.
Jobs, Skills and Youth Empowerment
Beyond infrastructure and tourism statistics, the project’s real legacy will be measured in jobs and career pathways for local residents.
When The Capital Boardwalk opens in April, it expects to create 150 to 200 direct jobs, including:
- Food and beverage staff
- Chefs
- Receptionists
- Facilities management
- Housekeeping
- Security
- Hotel accountant
- Stock controller
According to Garnet Basson, COO of The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts:
“Hospitality remains one of the most accessible entry points into the formal economy for young South Africans. By investing in structured training and hiring locally, we are strengthening our own operations while contributing to the long-term skills base of the city.”
Leadership Rooted in the Eastern Cape
The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts has appointed a General Manager from the Eastern Cape, reinforcing its commitment to keeping leadership aligned with regional culture and community dynamics.
The aim is not to operate as an external entity, but to collaborate directly with the city’s hospitality ecosystem — strengthening the destination as a whole.
Building a Sustainable Skills Pipeline
Addressing skills shortages requires more than recruitment drives. It demands:
- Structured on-the-job training
- Mentorship programmes
- Clear career progression pathways
- Long-term community partnerships
John Skelton, Chief People Officer of The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts, has been engaging with local community centres, training institutions and youth organisations to strengthen employment pipelines.
By identifying talent early and supporting work readiness, the group aims to connect young residents to sustainable hospitality careers.
For young professionals entering the workforce, hospitality offers exposure to international standards, customer service excellence and operational discipline — skills that elevate both individual careers and the city’s global reputation.
A Signal of Confidence in Gqeberha
The R270 million investment sends a strong message: Gqeberha is open for business.
Significant private-sector confidence in tourism infrastructure reflects belief in the city’s:
- Coastline and natural attractions
- Cultural offerings
- Commercial growth potential
- Expanding business travel market
As cruise liners dock and corporate travellers check in, the visible signs of growth will be immediate. The deeper impact — skills development, career mobility and economic resilience — will unfold over time.
Conclusion: Turning Tourism into Shared Prosperity
Tourism growth carries real weight when it translates into livelihoods.
In Gqeberha, the combination of renewed visitor momentum and targeted skills development offers a practical route toward shared prosperity.
Through its R270 million investment in The Capital Boardwalk, The Capital is aligning expansion with a broader ambition:
- Strengthening the hospitality sector
- Empowering local youth
- Building long-term economic resilience
The measure of success will not only be occupancy rates — but opportunity created.
