Local Youth Take the Helm: A Journey into Bartending at Sea

Big dreams are setting sail for two young individuals from the Bergrivier region, thanks to the Bergrivier Youth Development Programme. In mid-October, Chelsea and Tristan Daries left Cape Town’s shores for the vibrant decks of the MSC Musica, where they began their new adventure as fully-qualified bartenders on board the cruise ship.

“It’s been an exciting yet challenging journey for these two,” shared Nomonde Ndlangisa, CEO of Bergrivier Tourism. “We started this adventure in January, assisting them with everything they needed—from training to visas—to seize this incredible opportunity. Our programme was comprehensive, providing support with essential documents like passports and visas, arranging medical checks, and offering top-notch marine safety training.”

Community Support Fuels Their Success

Behind their achievements lies a network of generous supporters. The National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) contributed R15,000 for each person’s medical tests, while SSTG Marine Training School in St Helena Bay provided R20,000 worth of marine safety training. Additionally, Sparrow Restaurant played a pivotal role by offering Chelsea and Tristan the crucial hospitality experience required for cruise ship employment. The restaurant’s owner even covered their accommodation and meals during an intensive two-week course at the MSC Academy in Cape Town.

“It’s a shining example of how community collaboration can turn dreams into reality, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to Chelsea and Tristan’s success,” said Ndlangisa. “From MSC Cruises, which guided us through the rigorous qualification process, to our fantastic partners, this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without their support.”

A Programme Driven by Passion

The Bergrivier Youth Development Programme was created with a clear vision: to open doors for local youth who often feel overlooked in the tourism sector. The initiative emphasizes training in essential areas such as hospitality, marine safety, and personal development. By collaborating with local businesses, government agencies, and training institutions, Bergrivier Tourism has established a robust support system to help these young individuals transition from learning to employment.

“Tourism is one of the largest employers in the Bergrivier region,” Ndlangisa noted. “However, many young people from marginalized communities lack the skills or opportunities to engage in this sector. High unemployment rates and rising school dropout figures make it increasingly difficult for them to envision a future in tourism.

“We aimed to change that. We see tourism as a significant pathway for these young people to not only secure jobs but also build lasting careers. The programme focuses on equipping them with the necessary skills and the confidence to take that leap.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Chelsea and Tristan represent just the beginning of what the Bergrivier Youth Development Programme hopes to achieve. With ambitions to expand opportunities for even more young individuals, the programme plans to broaden its scope. Although this year’s intake was limited, the long-term goal is to enhance partnerships and introduce additional training avenues—from bartending to entertainment and culinary arts—helping as many youths as possible.

“This is only the tip of the iceberg,” Ndlangisa emphasized. “We’re committed to assisting as many young people as we can, whether it be securing jobs on cruise ships or in our own tourism sector here in Bergrivier. Our mission is to transform the future of our youth, one success story at a time. There’s immense potential to unlock, and we are excited to see where this journey leads.”

Through perseverance, community collaboration, and a commitment to education, Chelsea and Tristan are paving the way for future generations, proving that with the right support, dreams can indeed set sail.