"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."

...

"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."

Author Sydney Morweng of Soweto Life Magazine goes on to describe the events of the day, experiencing some unique and memorable tourism moments, and chatting to small business owners about transformation of the tourism industry. Read all about it here: https://sowetolifemag.co.za/transformation-transformation-transformation/

(Image: Soweto Towers, shared with permission)