Bojanala June 2026

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• JUNE 2026EDITION 01
• INSIDETHIS EDITION 1
• EDITORIALFROM FREEDOM TO OPPORTUNITY: BUILDING THE FUTURE OF TOURISM TOGETHER Ayears of constitutional democracy and s South Africa commemorates 30 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Youth Uprising, we are reminded that the pursuit of freedom has always been about more than political rights. It has also been about creating opportunities, expanding inclusion, and improving the quality of life of all South Africans.
• Page 4President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, and other dignitaries lead the opening ceremony of Africa's Travel Indaba in Durban, South Africa UNLIMITED AFRICA: INDABA IGNITES NEW VISION, DRIVES MOMENTUM FOR CONTINENTAL TOURISM GROWTH
• Page 5With a record-breaking of 10.5 million international visitors to South African shores, a clear sign that the world is rediscovering South Africa with renewed enthusiasm, he said it is significant that three- quarters of international arrivals come from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, showing that Africans are choosing Africa. “The increases we have seen in tourism figures are not merely of statistical interest. They represent families supported, small businesses revived, and communities that are being uplifted,” said President Ramaphosa.
• AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA 2026 REINFORCESTOURISM’S ROLE IN DRIVING ECONOMIC GROWTHBy Elizabeth Mpetsi South African Tourism Chief Marketing Officer Sithembile Ndaba responding to questions during the session.
• Page 7As African tourism markets continue to recover and reposition themselves globally, regional partnerships such as this are increasingly important for ensuring Africa remains competitive, resilient, and interconnected. Minister de Lille highlighted the economic benefits the partnership is expected to deliver to businesses, communities, and workers in both countries. “It will help us increase tourist flows between our countries, strengthen air connectivity, and create new opportunities for our businesses, our SMMEs, and our workers,” she said.
• Page 8Panel members engage in a discussion on Regional Connectivity in Southern Africa. REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY KEYTO UNLOCKING SOUTHERN AFRICA’S TOURISM POTENTIAL
• Page 9opportunity cost is massive, and we see the opportunity cost through unemployment within our region. We see many young people seeking employment whether is from Zambia, all the way to Tanzania and we know that tourism has the potential to solve unemployment, especially the young people and those who live in the rural areas,” he said He added that what is important is what they can implement together in the region, when can they implement solutions and who is willing to implement those solutions. Aaron Munetsi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Airlines Association of Southern
• Page 10CAPE AGULHAS LIGHTHOUSE PRECINCT: A BEACON FOR INCLUSIVE TOURISM GROWTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT By Annah Mashile Scontinues to evolve through strategic outh Africa’s tourism landscape infrastructure investments that unlock new destinations, strengthen local economies, and preserve the country’s rich natural and cultural heritage. The official handover of the upgraded Cape Agulhas Lighthouse precinct marks a milestone, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive tourism growth and sustainable development.
• Page 11An exhibition display at the modern Interpretation Centre within the Cape Agulhas Precinct, showcasing the area’s rich biodiversity. This is a clear demonstration of how tourism infrastructure investment contributes directly to job creation and enterprise development.”
• AFRICATURNS TO DIGITAL POWER TO DRIVE TOURISM GROWTHAfrican Tourism Leaders Embrace Digital Innovation to Attract Global Travellers By Phathu Luvhengo
• Page 13She said that if countries want to grasp the attention of young people, digital space was a place to go to where you will find them, talk to them and they respond immensely. When iShow Speed approached them, they ensured that they expose him to the culture in their country and it was at the time of the Icwala ceremony. “We wanted to showcase our culture. We were somehow writing our story, telling the world about us, how we live and how we do things. When we embrace the coming of Ishow Speed, he really portrayed, it well” she said.
• EXPERIENCEDCHEFS RECOGNISED THROUGH NATIONAL SKILLS PROGRAMME
• Page 15Speaking during the Limpopo graduation ceremony, Limpopo MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mr Tshitereke Matibe, highlighted the significance of recognising industry experience. “Today we are not just handing out certificates,” said MEC Matibe. “We are restoring dignity to years of hard work, skills and passion that have long been unrecognised.” Through the programme, the chefs were awarded the Chef Occupational Trade Qualification at NQF Level 5, the highest level within the occupational qualification framework.
• Page 16A family enjoys quality time together while building a sandcastle on Durban Beach, one of the KZN’s popular coastal attractions KZN TOURISM GAINS GROUND AFTER STRONG FESTIVE AND EASTER SEASONS Ta broader shift in travel patterns, with his consistent performance points to KwaZulu-Natal increasingly attracting visitors beyond traditional peak seasons. Strong domestic travel, coupled with a steady return of international tourists, is contributing to a more balanced and resilient tourism economy - one that is less reliant on short-term surges and better positioned for long-term growth.
• Page 17The province attracted over 400,000 domestic visitors during this period, generating an estimated R1 billion in tourism spend. Performance was not limited to major urban centres. Regions such as iLembe, uMkhanyakude and uThukela recorded strong occupancy levels, reflecting the growing appeal of KwaZulu-Natal’s mix of coastal, cultural and nature-based experiences.
• Page 18It’s people from the industry who actually nominate their peers for this special category of awards. Winners of the inaugural Inspiration Awards pose for a group photograph following the awards ceremony.
• Page 19Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu, and eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Vusumuzi Cyril Xaba lead delegates in unveiling donated vehicles during an official handover ceremony. DURBAN SAFETY INITIATIVE
• Page 20A destination that feels safe is a destination that can grow. Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu Department of Tourism
• Page 21TOURISM ACTION LAB SPARKS HOPE FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN THE TOURISM SECTOR By Annah Mashile
• Page 22Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu in a group photograph with some of the Tourism Transformation Fund beneficiaries at Africa’s Travel Indaba. TOURISM TRANSFORMATION FUND FUELS GROWTH OF BLACK-OWNED ENTERPRISES
• Page 23Administered by the NEF, the fund combines grants, loans and equity contributions to help grow black-owned tourism enterprises, reduce barriers to entry and drive transformation in the sector. Grants are capped at 30% of project costs, up to R5 million per applicant. A yacht at sunset along the Cape Town coastline.
• Page 24Attendees posing for a picture with the Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu. WOMEN IN TOURISM CHAMPIONS INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP
• Page 25“The participation of women signals our shared commitment towards transformation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Together, we can ensure a tourism sector where women are not only participants, but leaders, innovators, and architects of the industry’s future,” she said. The session brought together women from all nine provinces, reflecting on the growing national footprint of the Women in Tourism Programme and ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s participation across the tourism value chain.
• PHYSICAL ADDRESS Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria 0002POSTAL ADDRESS Private Bag X424, Pretoria 0001 CONTACT INFORMATION Call centre: +27 (0) 12 444 6730/6621 Call centre e-mail: [email protected] Switchboard number: +27 (0) 12 444 6000 Switchboard fax: +27 (0) 12 444 7000 www.tourism.gov.za