Zimbabwean stand-up comedian and entrepreneur Carl Joshua Ncube is launching a new hospitality training initiative at Coghlan Villa Boutique Hotel as part of efforts to strengthen skills development within Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality industry.
The new Hospitality Academy, officially launching this Friday, has been designed as an intensive six-week programme focused on preparing trainees for professional careers in hotels, restaurants, events management, and guest services.
According to Ncube, the initiative was created in response to growing shortages of experienced hospitality professionals, particularly in senior operational roles such as General Managers and Executive Chefs.
He said the academy is intended to help build a pipeline of skilled workers capable of meeting international service standards while remaining grounded in local hospitality culture.
The programme begins with a selection weekend where candidates will undergo practical exercises and assessments led personally by Ncube.
The process is intended to evaluate how applicants perform under pressure, adapt to instruction, and demonstrate creativity and customer-service instincts in real hospitality scenarios.
Successful candidates will then attend an Orientation Day scheduled for May 15 at Coghlan Villa Boutique Hotel, where trainees will be introduced to the academy’s expectations, culture, and training structure.
The academy’s curriculum combines classroom learning with practical application across multiple areas of hospitality operations.
Trainees will complete assessment packs throughout the course to measure competency, track development, and identify areas requiring improvement before progressing to advanced stages.
One of the major components of the programme is housekeeping training, which focuses on room preparation, hygiene standards, presentation, and attention to detail — all considered essential elements in guest satisfaction within the hotel industry.
The culinary training section will expose participants to professional kitchen operations, including food preparation, kitchen management, safety procedures, and the consistent execution of high-quality dishes.
The academy also plans to highlight local culinary heritage while teaching industry-standard production methods.
Restaurant service training forms another core part of the programme. Students will learn customer engagement techniques, dining room coordination, service sequencing, and methods for managing guest expectations in professional hospitality settings.
Participants will also receive instruction in coffee preparation and beverage service, covering barista techniques, flavour profiling, equipment maintenance, and beverage presentation.
Additional modules will focus on front desk operations, events coordination, and banqueting management. Trainees will learn how to manage guest check-ins, oversee event logistics, and maintain professionalism in high-pressure hospitality environments.
Beyond technical training, the academy says it will provide career guidance and mentorship to help graduates pursue opportunities both inside and outside Zimbabwe.
Participants who successfully complete the programme and meet required standards will receive reference letters endorsed by Ncube.
Speaking about the vision behind the academy, Ncube said the initiative is intended to develop discipline, professionalism, and leadership within Africa’s hospitality sector.
He said hospitality excellence goes beyond technical ability and requires individuals who can consistently create memorable guest experiences through attention to detail and service excellence.
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