These are the encouraging words from one of SA’s marketing guru Thebe Ikalafeng, the South African Tourism agency chairperson responsible for Marketing Committee and member of the board.
Ikalafeng and other board members, held what is termed ‘in-person session’ as part of the agency’s commitment in contributing to reignite tourism sector and to demonstrate Covid-19 safety protocols in place, as the sector slowly recovers.
Speaking to SLM on the sidelines of the meeting at the popular ChafPozi, in Orlando, Soweto, Ikalafeng reiterated that tourism sector continues to battered by the pandemic but on a positive note said the beauty about it, it’s that is so diverse and open to everyone.
“This session of some of the board members is a sign that we believe in supporting small emerging tourism and hospitality establishments in the country, hence we decided unanimously, to opt for one of Soweto’s finest ChafPozi to kick-start the year as numbers of Covid-19 continues to drop,” he said gleefully.
He said for them, it’s a sign of believing in small sectors, not just in hospitality, that contribute hugely in the GDP of our economy.
Soweto is an iconic Township with rich culture globally and this an embodiment of backing one of own, having produced and crafted celebrated stars, businesspeople, head of State and Noble Prize winners, says Ikalafeng.
“So for us being here with the board is a sign of affirmation and that very soon this venue and others country-wide will be a hive of activities soon. International tourists will come back in large numbers to feast on the diversity of cultures we’re so proud of, as long as we adhere to safety protocols,” says the man, who boasts a record 10years with the SAT board.
For us, it’s more about the goal to recover the economy and also an indication to township establishments nationwide, that we believe in their product offering and reciprocally, both local and international tourists will support it, especially during these hard times, he said.
The meeting was also attended by advocate Mme Mojanku Gumbi (chairperson of the board), who had a word or two with our lensman Sipho Maluka, Tony Ikadimeng, Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, chief marketing officer and acting CEO Themba Khumalo, amongst others.
Image Sipho MALUKA (The SAT Marketing committee board members led by chairperson advocate Mojanku Gumbi at the ChafPozi restaurant, Soweto).
