For many young South Africans from underprivileged communities, the dream of travelling internationally or building a career in global hospitality seemed far out of reach—until now.
Through the NukaKamma Talent Development Centre, students are experiencing life-changing opportunities that take them from their hometowns to full immersion in France, all within months.
Bridging the gap
Founded in 2022 by French entrepreneur Laurence Armand, who has lived in South Africa for 15 years, NukaKamma was born out of a passion to empower youth through skills development.
“When I arrived in South Africa, I saw the enormous potential in young people, but also the barriers they face,” says Laurence. “NukaKamma was created to bridge that gap. Today, we are not just training students—we are opening doors to global careers, and doing it faster than anyone imagined.”
Innovative training programme
The academy’s unique programme combines intensive hospitality training with practical placements and full cultural immersion at Molo Lolo, a renowned fine-dining restaurant in Eastern Cape. The establishment welcomes many French chefs who subsequently welcome the young trainees to work in their restaurants in France.
Students experience French culinary techniques, service traditions, and hospitality excellence firsthand. Beyond professional skills, innovative approaches such as the “Kamma Money” system teach financial literacy, business acumen, and leadership, giving students the tools to thrive as both professionals and entrepreneurs.
International recognition
“This programme is about more than hospitality skills—it’s about preparing young people to engage with the world,” says French Ambassador David Martinon. “It represents the very best of Franco-South African collaboration, offering opportunities to those from communities where access to such experiences is rare.”
Rapid transformation
The pace of transformation is staggering. Students move from application to training, provincial placements, international travel, and preparing to work at South Africa’s first Club Med resort on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast—all within a few months. Many had never left their province, let alone their country, making each step both thrilling and transformative.
Student success stories
Emmanuel, from KwaZulu-Natal, shared: “A few months ago, I’d never left my town. Now I’m preparing to train in France and build a career in hospitality. It still feels unbelievable.”
Victor, a young chef from Cape Town, adds: “I never imagined this would happen so quickly. NukaKamma gave me the skills and confidence to work at prestigious establishments, and now I’m heading overseas—it’s beyond what I imagined.”
Philip, from Soweto, who will work as a baker-chef at the new Club Med resort, shares: “Baking has always been my passion, but NukaKamma gave me a professional pathway to make it happen. Knowing my skills will contribute to South Africa’s first Club Med resort fills me with pride.”
Having achieved considerable success, the cohorts are now advancing to the final phase, furthering their path of development and accomplishment.
Measurable economic impact
The programme has demonstrated significant socio-economic impact, with 90% of the new Club Med South Africa Beach Resort workforce being recruited from KwaZulu-Natal, directly tackling youth unemployment and creating sustainable careers.
Through this fast-tracked, immersive approach, NukaKamma demonstrates how international expertise, local ambition, and rapid transformation can reshape lives, uplift communities, and raise the standard for South Africa’s hospitality industry.
A model for success
From KwaZulu-Natal to Paris, the academy is proving that when opportunity meets preparation, extraordinary things happen quickly, setting a new benchmark for skills development and international collaboration in South Africa.
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