Unisa tourism students participate in a notable international challenge

Demonstrating commitment to student support, global engagement and graduate employability, four students from Unisa’s College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS) participated in the 2026 Future Leaders Challenge Finals in Dubai, representing South Africa and the broader Middle East and Africa (MEA) region internationally. Hosted in February 2026, aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 ocean liner, the finals brought together peer students, educators and global industry leaders, all focused on developing future-ready talent for the tourism and hospitality industry.  

The challenge, organised by the Game Changers Group, is a global initiative that bridges the gap between academia and industry by providing students with opportunities to collaborate internationally, engage with real-world challenges, and develop critical leadership and employability skills. Unisa was represented by fours tourism students, namely: Mzwanele Meva, Nikisha Poniappen, Sane Precious Motlhale, and Thelma Makoma Rasekele. The students were selected through a rigorous process and supported through structured academic mentorship in preparation for the competition.

The team was guided by Dr Lesedi Nduna, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Applied Management (CEMS), whose academic leadership and mentorship played a key role in preparing the students for this global engagement. Additional mentorship and support were provided by Professor Ntise Manchidi, Chair of the Department of Applied
Management, and Professor Nellie Swart, who was in the same department, but currently the Acting Director of Executive Education at Unisa’s Graduate School of Business Leadership, reflecting a strong culture of academic support and student development within the department.

Nduna began working with the students in January 2025 for the first leg of the competition, which was held in South Africa. The 2025 project challenge focused on the question: “How can tourism and hospitality establishments in South Africa implement futuristic sustainable practices to minimise their environmental impact?”. In response, the students developed SmartServe, an innovative AI-powered solution designed to revolutionise sustainable dining by reducing food waste and enhancing guest satisfaction. The solution integrates technology with eco-friendly hospitality practices, and the team developed both a website and prototype mobile application as part of their concept.

Following this competition, the Unisa team was invited to participate in the MEA Future Leaders Finals in Dubai, where they competed alongside other regional winners. Their progression to the finals demonstrates the quality of their work, innovation and ability to compete at an international level.

Participation in such global platforms is not only about competition, but also about transformation. The students were exposed to real-world industry challenges, global networks and diverse perspectives that will shape them into future leaders in the tourism sector. Their performance reflects the calibre of Unisa students and the power of experiential learning.

During the finals, students worked in multinational teams to develop innovative, sustainable and technology-driven tourism solutions. This experience strengthened their problem-solving abilities, cross-cultural collaboration skills and confidence in engaging with global peers.

A key highlight of the programme was direct engagement with senior leaders from global hospitality brands, such as the Hilton, Four Seasons and the Accor Group. These interactions provided valuable insights into industry expectations, career pathways and emerging trends. The students also participated in employability workshops, including curriculum vitae development and LinkedIn optimisation, further enhancing their readiness for the global job market. Beyond the formal programme, the students engaged in cultural immersion activities, exploring Emirati heritage and gaining exposure to international tourism practices. These experiences broadened their perspectives and deepened their understanding of tourism as a global industry.

The Unisa team delivered strong presentations and received positive feedback from the judges. The experience was described as transformative, with students highlighting the value of networking, global exposure and collaborative learning. Participation in this challenge aligns with Unisa’s commitment to student support, student success and graduate employability. The initiative also contributes to enhancing student development, strengthening industry engagement and preparing graduates to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global environment.

Importantly, the participating students will now mentor the 2026 cohort of the MEA Future Leaders Challenge, ensuring that the initiative's impact continues through peer learning and mentorship. Looking ahead, Unisa remains committed to creating opportunities that empower students to gain international exposure, build professional networks and develop the skills required to lead within the tourism and hospitality sector.

* By Dr Lesedi Nduna, Senior Lecturer, Department of Applied Management, College of Economic and Management Sciences