THIS years’ World Tourism Month, to be celebrated in September 2025, stands out in that this sector still remains in the hands of the few instead of spreading equally to all.
At the media launch recently, national Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille, said the sector must be equitable, future-focused, and inclusive of all South Africans thereby contributing to growing direct employment and ultimately contribution to GDP.
But this ugly head has been popping up for years’ unending, and unfortunately some of the establishments in most affected areas in rural (some urban), are shut down or lack financial support.
Through initiatives such as the Tourism Transformation Fund, the Department of Tourism has committed millions of rands to support Black-owned, women-led, and youth-driven enterprises thereby contributing to job creation. It’s a good move by Gvt, but will those funds trickle down to those who need it most?
According to the unemployment figures released, 51.35% of our youth are not in jobs or a form of training, says De Lille, who continued, Transformation must be bod, inclusive, and Youth-Driven.
Thriving businesses are built on connection and on collaboration, diverse networks, and the free flow of ideas. We must be deliberate with driving innovation to ensure long-term sustainability and transformation, she highlighted.
“Tourism as a Driver of Economic Growth Tourism, is one of the most dynamic sectors of our economy. In 2024 it supported 1.8 million jobs. This sector is a lifeline for countless entrepreneurs and families, and it has the potential to deliver even more if we remain focused on long-term, inclusive growth,” noted Minister De Lille, addressing guests at Sakhumzi restaurant, in Parktown.
The sought-after eatery is one of the flagship brands that was assisted with finance by the department. Now that’s a good story to tell.
On latest stats, between January and June 2025, South Africa welcomed 4,97 million tourists , an 11.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
This significant growth reflects the impact in collaboration with sector across key regions.
Africa remains a powerhouse of growth and continues to deliver remarkable results, achieving a 14.2% increase (3,85 million arrivals).
Empowered female owned businesses like Buhle Magwentshu of Asmara, Mapholo Ratau of Ledikana and Zandra Habana of Inkezo, were honoured at the launch, as true examples of transformation.
South African Tourism also invests in traditional and new marketing initiatives that profile these smaller businesses, because when travellers and buyers understand the unique character of township, rural, and heritage tourism, they are more likely to engage, support, and promote it.
In partnership with Sigma International and the SATSA Tourism Business Incubator, City Lodge Hotels, a proudly South African hospitality group with 58 hotels across Southern Africa, have the Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme, a model of intentional, practical transformation, says the minister.
The Basic Quality Verification (BQV) programme, has been designed to bring informal and township tourism operators into the formal economy, such as AI-driven tools, digital transformation and business coaching, amongst others and thus far has empowered 47 tourism-focused SMMEs.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu, also emphasised that ‘our work with partners such as SATOVITO, enables township-based and rural SMMEs to become competitive, compliant, and visible’.
However, she was not pleased with the unfortunate shenanigans playing itself out at the SAT and the slow progress in transformation.
According to impeccable sources, the CEO, CMO and other executives are on suspension.
Upon our arrival in the department last year, we did realise there were issues within the SAT executives which were not resolved, said the deputy minister, without giving much details, when asked on the status of the entity and the suspensions.
“We’re engaging with the board to be appraised on matters and challenges unfolding at the entity.”
On the financial matters, the deputy minister says: “ The AG has ordered us to ‘baby-seat’ them (SAT) and monitor their financial reports because at the end of the day, we provide funding to them as our entity. Don’t forget we provide 50% to the entity and another fifty to the department,” warned Sotyu, who emphasised they must account for every cent we give them.
On transformation, Sotyu, who is a former Police deputy minister, said this is like a cancer, in that from previous roles, the issue of transformation is a bone contention within every department. It never gets to be resolved.
“But now our mandate is to make sure the tourism charter is followed in transforming this sector. It cannot benefit the few selected,” she told this reporter.
On the international front- mzansi will play host to the Presidency of the G20, and also host the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on 7 African soil.
As part of celebrating the launch of Tourism Month in the Gauteng Province, SAT hosted media in various regions to explore different products on offer.
The 3-day tour featured visiting Maropeng- Cradle of Humankind, and waking up 5h30 for a popular ‘Hot Air Ballooning’ straddling between Cradle of Humankind and Magaliesberg. I ticked that box…
Thereafter, we hopped on the shuttle and off to Cullinan in Pretoria for quadbikes and horse-riding, that was followed by a drive to Dinokeng Game reserve for an overnight-stay and game drive.
After checking out, Soweto was calling.
This is where we met the sister to the late Hector Pieterson, Antoinette Sithole. She appears on the famous picture alongside Mbuyisa Makhubo, who is carrying Hector after being shot by devious cops during the deadly 1976 Soweto-Student Uprisings.
‘This is not what my brother died for’ she told media corps, in reference to todays’ situation, when I posed the question to her on the freedom and democracy now.
Asked on whereabouts of Mbuyisa, the stylish and very engaging Antoinette, in her black/white beret said “unfortunately we learnt he went to Botswana after being sought by Police, and landed up in Nigeria. Till today we haven’t heard from him and his family have also decided not to conduct any interviews or talk about this heart-wrenching matter.”
After that sombre moment, we headed off to Soweto Towers for activities such as Bungee jumping, freehumping and archery.
The venue is experiencing development with the introduction of a ZipLine to be ready in September- in time for summer and tourism month.
Having dusted off with a cool shower at the Maslow Hotel, the night jol rounded off the weeklong activities at Solo club (Sandton) to quench a thirst, along the likes of controversial businessman Edwin Sodi and his entourage that was seated on the other side of the club.
He seemed pre-occupied with ‘her young-one’. Orange overalls beckoning for him soon, we wait with bated breath…
Yes, its Sho’t Left time- lets’ travel and transform tourism in SA!
Image SAT (Transformation has to happen. Dep National Tourism Minister Maggie Sotyu recorded at Tourism Month launch, held at Sakhumzi eatery in Parktown last week).
