President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to the continent to use its tourism appeal as a form of global soft power and a mirror to the world to showcase its beauty, heritage and sophisticated cultures, while correcting the negative image of Africa often portrayed by outsiders.

Addressing the Africa Travel Indaba in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the world’s perception of the continent too often focused on negative issues such as civil wars, disease and political instability, and that the tourism industry should help reshape that image.

“And what we now need to do is to change that narrative and tourism is the influence that we can use. It is the colour that we can put to our continent. It is the shine that we can put into our continent and showcase our continent to the world.

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“Not only showcasing the animals, not only showcasing the mountains, not only showcasing our beautiful deserts but also showcasing the people. People of Africa and also showcasing their capabilities, their knowhow and how well adapt they are, in running things, in organising things, in building things and in making things,” said Ramaphosa.

The president said tourism was a window to the world, but also a mirror through which the continent could look at itself and ask whether its people were living up to the dream of the African continent.

He added that the continent was replete with wonderful endowments and that tourism was visible on the surface, unlike mines and minerals buried underground. Tourism, he said, could showcase the continent’s beauty, sophisticated cultures and rich heritage, where humanity originated.

“Africa as a continent we can use tourism as a global soft power which is where for instance can really wrap up its own image and use that as our soft power to demonstrate that apart from everything else, we have God’s providence continued living gifts which is our natural endowment.

“Tourism shapes the way the world looks at our environment, and too often the world’s narrative about Africa tends to focus on all the negative things. They focus for instance on the wars, poverty, diseases and political instabilities,” he said.

The president said tourism was more than just a sector of the economy, but rather a living expression of who people are.

Ramaphosa said South Africa welcomed 10.5 million international visitors last year, which he described as a clear sign that the world was rediscovering the country with renewed enthusiasm.

He added that it was significant that three-quarters of international arrivals came from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, signalling that Africans were choosing Africa.

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Ramaphosa said that was why South Africa was working with its neighbours to advance the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, which would enable seamless, borderless travel for tourists across SADC member states.

“We are also working to expand our one-stop border posts and develop cross-border itineraries that showcase the richness of our region. When Africans travel within Africa, we strengthen our economies, deepen our cultural ties and build a more integrated continent,” he said.

The president called for rigorous marketing strategies and tourism packages that would benefit regions. He reminded guests from across the continent that, during his State of the Nation Address earlier this year, he had called on tourism role players to promote unique cultural, historical and natural attractions that reflected the country’s identity.

Ramaphosa said Africa’s Travel Indaba had become one of the most powerful platforms for tourism growth on the continent. Last year, he added, about 10,000 delegates gathered at the same venue in Durban, while more than 1,300 exhibitors showcased the best of African tourism.

The gathering contributed to local economic and social development, and its benefits were felt not only in boardrooms but also in small businesses, township enterprises and the homes of ordinary South Africans.

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The benefits of the Indaba were felt across the country and the continent as new destinations were discovered and new linkages formed, he said.

He added that every conversation at the Indaba, every partnership formed and every idea shared were building blocks of a continent that was rising, confident in its potential and united in its purpose.

“Let us continue to work together – as government, industry, communities and our young people – to ensure that this jewel called tourism continues to shine brightly for generations to come,” he said.

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Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says planning for Africa Travel Indaba 2027 is already under way, with the event set for a revamp that will bring in sponsors and private partners as South Africa looks to strengthen its global tourism competitiveness.

Speaking during a stakeholder webinar ahead of Africa Travel Indaba 2026 on Wednesday, De Lille said tourism must be treated as a central pillar of the country’s economic growth strategy. 

“Next year’s event will be different because we are going to bring in partnerships and sponsorships. We must have been more or less doing the same thing for 30 years; if you use the same business module over and over again but expect different results, you are not going to get it,” she said.

She called on the public and the tourism sector to share concepts and ideas on how the revamp should be done and to ensure that Indaba 2027 is improved.

“We must also look at how we make the event more appealing to ensure its longevity for the next 40 or 50 years. Let’s engage to help us have a brand-new Africa Travel Indaba next year,” she said.

She said that the new business module will not exclude anyone, particularly small businesses who benefit from the department, which funds their exhibitions.

The minister said the cost of living has affected domestic tourism — which is the bedrock of the country’s tourism — and generates more revenue than international tourism.

She said there was a lack of marketing initiatives to draw the attention of domestic travellers to what was happening in the country.

De Lille said domestic tourism “must be front and centre of what we are doing”. The sector was failing to capitalise on major local events, she said.

She cited the example of a Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates being hosted in Durban, saying the tourism industry was often unprepared to turn such occasions into travel opportunities. 

She said these events should be used more aggressively to market travel packages for football supporters, while also directing visitors to guest houses in townships and surrounding villages.

“We are not proactive with our own national events. We must have a calendar of national events where we can all work together and produce packages,” she said.

De Lille also stressed the importance of the rest of Africa as South Africa’s largest and most resilient source market, saying Africa’s Travel Indaba was more than a trade show, and served as a platform for continental economic cooperation.

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That was until gunshots erupted and helicopters flew overhead as the Mexican army killed the country’s most powerful drug lord, just a few kilometers (miles) from her home.

Now, the 50-year-old Aguirre worries that the bloodshed will deal a blow to her livelihood and change towns like hers. It is something many in the western Mexican state are grappling with, from its Pacific Ocean beaches to its capital Guadalajara that will host matches in June for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“It’s going to affect us. It’s collateral damage,” Aguirre said. “The government is going to have to have a lot of security. … The entire world just saw what happened and, of course, people are going to think twice about coming.”

Fighting between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Mexican security forces raged on in a number of states Monday, fueling fears among many like Aguirre that there will be more violence to come.

More than 70 people died in the attempt to capture Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes and its aftermath, authorities said Monday. Known as “El Mencho,” he was the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, known for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against Mexican government officials.

The White House confirmed that the U.S. provided intelligence support to the operation to capture the cartel leader and applauded Mexico’s army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries. The U.S. State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of “El Mencho.”

The death of Oseguera Cervantes came as Mexico’s government has stepped up its offensive against cartels in an effort to meet demands by U.S. President Donald Trump to crack down on criminal groups, threatening to impose more tariffs or take unilateral military action if the country does not show results.

Mexico hoped the death of one of the world’s biggest fentanyl traffickers would ease that pressure, but many people were anxious as they waited to see the powerful cartel’s reaction.

Oseguera Cervantes died after a shootout with the Mexican military on Sunday. Mexican Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla said Monday that authorities had tracked one of his romantic partners to his hideout in Tapalpa. The cartel leader and two bodyguards fled into a wooded area where they were seriously wounded in a firefight. They were taken into custody and died on the way to Mexico City, Trevilla said.

In the aftermath, a sense of unease simmered in tourist towns.

The Pacific Ocean resort city of Puerto Vallarta also was hard hit by cartel reprisals, frightening tourists.

Steve Perkins, 57, was visiting Puerto Vallarta with his wife Gayle and some friends. They were on their hotel room’s terrace when explosions and black smoke started appearing around the city Sunday morning.

Their return to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was delayed when their flight was canceled Monday and they were rebooked for March 1.

Perkins and his wife have been taking annual trips to Puerto Vallarta since 2012 and have always felt safe, until now. He said they don’t plan on returning to Mexico.

“There’s a lot of Americans trapped here,” Perkins said.

Back in Tapalpa, Aguirre worked next to her son from the small neighborhood shop her family has owned for 50 years. The 15-year-old’s classes were canceled due to the violence.

Aguirre said it was unclear who exactly was in control of the area surrounding her: the military or the cartel. The other question on her mind was if this was just a one-off, or if there was more violence to come.

“We don’t know if these people (cartel leaders) are permanently here or not,” she said. “If they really did kill this leader, it could be that they fight between each other to win control or see who will lead it.”

AP

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The Portfolio Committee on Tourism has instructed Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille to lead the department in formulating a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote domestic tourism, involving other stakeholders such as the South African Township and Village Tourism Association to ensure inclusivity.

Acting Chairperson Altia Sthembile Hlongo noted that the current Tourism Growth Partnership Plan before Parliament was unsatisfactory and tasked de Lille with revamping the plan to focus on domestic tourism, enabling the committee to gain a clearer understanding.

“Based on the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, the Department of Tourism, in partnership with the sector and other stakeholders, should develop a specific domestic-targeted growth plan and coordinate domestic tourism initiatives,” she said.

De Lille led a delegation from the department, SA Tourism, SANParks, and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) to appear before the committee, which sought clarity on how the entities planned to market domestic tourism during the festive season.

In its presentation on the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan 2025–2030, the department highlighted that domestic travel in 2025 accounted for 28 million overnight trips, with R70 billion spent on overnight stays and R82 billion on day trips.

The presentation emphasized that SA Tourism was strengthening efforts to encourage South Africans to explore lesser-visited provinces, villages, townships, and small towns, promoting travel year-round through monthly campaigns. The Sho’t Left Campaign, driven in collaboration with the private sector and provinces, was cited as a key initiative.

However, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the current strategy. 

Hlongo urged the department and the Tourism Business Council to intensify collaboration with stakeholders, including SATOVITO, to improve domestic tourism while advancing transformation in the sector.

In addition to the initiatives outlined in the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, Hlongo recommended that the minister conduct a benchmarking visibility study on dual pricing for park entrance fees, making it easier for locals to visit and explore their own country.

“This should be done in collaboration with the private sector, SANParks, and provincial parks. The minister is requested to report back on the outcome of the study in six months. The study should provide findings based on thorough consultations with various stakeholders on the possibility of introducing a pricing policy nationwide,” she said.

Hlongo added that during a recent oversight visit to the Maropeng Cradle of Humankind, the committee was unimpressed with efforts to market the site, particularly to local visitors. 

The minister was further instructed to develop, through SA Tourism, a targeted marketing campaign to draw locals to heritage sites across the country.

The committee also appealed to the TBCSA to lower accommodation prices during the low season, allowing locals to explore South Africa at more affordable rates.

SANParks faced criticism for focusing primarily on the Kruger National Park, leading to congestion there while other national parks were neglected. 

“SANParks should ensure that other national parks attract more tourists to ensure geographic spread and reduce over-tourism at Kruger National Park,” Hlongo said.

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Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has pledged South Africa’s commitment to the G20 member states to advance tourism financing and implement an action plan aimed at strengthening resilience and ensuring sustainable tourism.

Delivering her keynote address at the G20 Tourism Investment Summit in Cape Town on Wednesday, De Lille revealed that the tourism report on air connectivity—designed to enable seamless travel for visitors—was among the key deliverables.

She said that improved accessibility was vital to showcase South Africa’s diverse attractions, from the meeting point of two great oceans to the vast Kalahari Desert, from world-renowned safaris to vibrant modern skylines

“The question before us today is not whether South Africa is beautiful. The question is: What more can we offer the world? This Summit marks the beginning of that answer. This is our inaugural Tourism Investment Summit, a G20 legacy project,” said De Lille.

She presented eight projects to delegates and urged the private sector to partner with the government on flagship infrastructure initiatives, which she said offered “guaranteed bankable prospects.”

De Lille noted that there had been an overwhelming response from potential investors who had already made inquiries.

She added that the projects represented only a fraction of what the department has planned, describing them as “rich, diverse, and growing.”

“We stand here not only as a nation of immense tourism potential, but also as a gateway to Africa. Our theme, ‘G20 Tourism Investment for Jobs, Growth, and Transformation,’ reminds us that this is not just about business,” she said.

“This is about livelihoods. This is about reshaping South Africa and positioning Africa as a global tourism powerhouse. Together, through regional collaboration, enabling policies, and smart infrastructure, we can achieve this vision.”

The minister told delegates that the Government of National Unity had demonstrated how policy shifts could unlock economic growth.

She highlighted that, as of 1 June 2025, the Amended National Treasury Regulation 16 for Public-Private Partnerships came into effect.

The amendments allowed the department to embrace a range of models—from Design-Build-Operate partnerships to blended finance and even crowdfunding.

She called on investors to build tourism infrastructure that not only created jobs but also uplifted communities.

She further revealed that the projects required significant investment, from the God’s Window Skywalk in Mpumalanga, which needed R200 million, to the Hole in the Wall Resort in the Eastern Cape, which required R141 million.

Combined, the projects represented R1 billion in investment-ready opportunities.

De Lille noted that tourism contributed at least 8.5% to South Africa’s gross domestic product.

She also revealed that in July alone, the country welcomed over 880,000 visitors—a 26% increase compared to the same period last year.

“Again, investors, guide us on what the demand-led skills of the future are. What will be the skills that we need in the next 5 to 10 years? South Africa’s human capital is one of its strongest assets. With 56% of the population under the age of 30 and an adult literacy rate of 95%, the country provides a broad and adaptable labour base,” she said.

The minister revealed that, supported by advanced universities and national skills development efforts, such as those led by the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority, the tourism workforce was prepared for inclusive, service-oriented growth.

She added that it was encouraging to see the private sector already showing confidence, citing the unveiling of the V&A Waterfront’s R20 billion Granger Bay precinct development as an example.

Following the launch of the Tour Operators Scheme in India and China, South Africa has unlocked access to key tourist destinations.

By the end of September, the Home Affairs Department will roll out the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, which will digitalize and automate all short-stay visas, enabling secure and seamless travel for tourists across the globe.

“This Summit is about jobs, growth, and transformation. Tourism is labour-intensive. Every investment here means jobs for young South Africans. Every Rand or Dollar invested is an opportunity created. And every partnership formed here will help us transform tourism into a driver of inclusive, sustainable prosperity,” she said.

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The story of South Africa’s national parks is incomplete if told only to tourists without acknowledging the surrounding communities who were forcibly removed during apartheid to make way for the preservation of animals and other species.

This was one of the key messages raised at the South African National Parks (SANParks) Vision 2040 Indaba currently underway in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

The gathering, convened by SANParks, seeks to explore ways of involving communities in conservation efforts across the country.

During a panel discussion, traditional healer Makhosi Amanda Gcabashe argued that tourists were being short-changed because SANParks excluded the history of displaced communities.

She said the focus remained on wildlife and landscapes while erasing the cultural and historical context of the people who once coexisted with nature.

“When you look at the parks, even the marketing focuses on the animals and the land. But the real context—about the communities, their culture, and their history—is never included. It’s erased. So, frankly, if you come to any of the parks, it could be anywhere in the world,” she said.

Gcabashe stressed that by ignoring these narratives, the parks lacked the spirituality Africa is known for.

She praised SANParks for bringing communities into the Vision 2040 process, describing it as a bold and people-centred initiative.

However, not all participants were as complimentary.

Some criticised SANParks for failing to consult meaningfully with communities, accusing it of engaging a handful of experts while sidelining traditional leaders.

They argued that local communities, with generations of lived knowledge, could offer invaluable insights, yet SANParks often deferred to Western-trained specialists instead.

Gcabashe added that the previous model focused only on development within park boundaries while neglecting the surrounding areas—alienating communities, some of whom still refuse to attend SANParks meetings.

Others raised concerns that many traditional leaders and their people have not healed from the trauma of forced removals, and that current approaches do little to rebuild trust.

Traditional healers also complained that sacred sites within parks remain inaccessible and that they are often barred from collecting medicinal herbs necessary for healing.

Suggestions were made that SANParks should employ traditional healers to advise on community engagement and spiritual matters.

One healer cited the example of a Traditional Healers’ Weekend once launched at Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State, which was promoted as an annual event but never repeated.

Former parks manager Victor Mokoena confirmed the event, describing it as spiritually powerful. SANParks representatives on the panel acknowledged the oversight and pledged to revisit the concept.

This, critics argued, reflected a broader problem: SANParks has strong policies but often fails to implement them.

The indaba is being used to solicit ideas from community and traditional leaders on how to strengthen relationships and ensure meaningful inclusion in the Vision 2040 agenda.

Speakers cautioned, however, that the gathering should not become a “talk shop” but must produce clear, actionable outcomes.

In a statement, SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said the indaba had drawn representatives from government, farming communities, academia, civil society, sponsors, donors, the private sector, land claimant communities, conservation partners, and youth.

“The indaba is intended to foster meaningful dialogue and forge collaborative actions that will advance the implementation of Vision 2040,” Louw said.

He described it as a bold strategy that advocates a people-centred, conservation-driven agenda aimed at ensuring “thrivability” between biodiversity conservation, social justice, and economic empowerment.

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North West MEC for economic development, environment, conservation and tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, has called for increased commitment and initiative from municipalities to boost local tourism, aiming to drive economic growth in the province. 

During a recent meeting with municipal leaders, Lenkopane emphasised the need for enhanced marketing and promotion of the region’s attractive tourism destinations. 

This call to action comes as the province prepares to host world leaders later this year, having recently conducted a series of G20 preparatory workshops across South Africa.

Lenkopane told municipal leaders, including members of mayoral committees across the province, that as part of efforts to stimulate local tourism, they should improve the grading systems of tourism establishments. 

She said as the provincial government, the department was constitutionally obliged to help municipalities grow tourism in their areas, but municipalities must lead the way in identifying projects which the department would financially support. 

She further encouraged municipalities to work with communities to help set up tourism projects, and if they were financially unable to do this, the department would be on hand to help them, either through funding or applications for funding. 

“I need municipalities because they are on the ground to identify the needs and then I facilitate. Generally, this department is there to facilitate,” said Lenkopane.

“Where there is economic growth opportunities, where there is tourism opportunities, the more the municipalities raise their hands, the more our department through this engagement that we have with international partners we can direct the investors to these projects.”

On her recent trip to Russia, she said the department realised the need to intensify social tourism to advance the transformation of rural areas and help them create jobs.

Lenkopane said the department learnt the aspects and importance of village, agricultural, mining and industrial tourism, which needed to be intensified. 

“These are areas that need to be intensified to advance our culture and heritage. So, the collaboration that we will need in these areas is that we want to market different tourism destinations,” she said. 

“This is not only to focus on the photographic tourism as well as tourism around the big areas like the Hartbeespoort, but also tourism in the sense of making people to start to understand their areas as tourism destinations.” 

The MEC added that it was important for municipalities to make people aware of the grants that were available to them if they chose career paths in tourism or wanted to start programmes which would in turn create jobs in their areas. 

Lenkopane’s call comes on the back of the department funding the construction of a museum at the Taung fossil site where a human skull was discovered in 1924. 

The discovery, which is known as the Taung Chlid, is significant because it was the first time a hominid was discovered in Africa. 

The museum is expected to be launched next month.

It is part of the department’s drive to drum up rural development and is likely to spark tourism potential and encourage cultural tourism in the province.

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Gauteng environment MEC Ewan Botha has unveiled a R679.4 million budget for the 2025/26 financial year, framing it as a strategic and urgent intervention to tackle the province’s growing environmental pressures while unlocking green economic growth.

Tabling the budget before the provincial legislature on Thursday, Botha stressed the dual need for cleaner cities and “green jobs”.

“This is not just a financial statement; it is a declaration of intent. We are reshaping this department to reflect the urgency that the environmental mandate demands,” Botha said.

The budget prioritises inclusive economic growth, climate action, waste innovation and the transformation of key heritage sites into drivers of sustainable tourism and job creation.

The R679.4 million allocation has been designed with focused intent.

The major components include R353.3 million for personnel and strengthening departmental capacity through the hiring and development of environmental specialists, compliance officers, and planners.

A total of R498.7 million will be allocated for inclusive economic growth and job creation, which is Gauteng’s top environmental priority. It covers infrastructure upgrades, eco-tourism and employment initiatives.

Around R9.3 million will be set aside through the Expanded Public Works Programme Integrated Grant, creating short-term green jobs for women and youth in recycling, greening and park maintenance, R78.3 million for flagship heritage sites including the Cradle of Humankind and Dinokeng Game Reserve to elevate tourism, R50 million to clean 18 central business districts under the G20 Green Cities Initiative.

Several targeted allocations were announced.

They include R10 million for a feasibility study into Gauteng’s first integrated Eco-Park Waste Facility, R3.5 million for Buy-Back Centre infrastructure supporting township recyclers, R2.9 million to implement waste minimisation regulations and promote separation at source, and R2.5 million to review the province’s Integrated Waste Management Plan.

A total of R8 million has been implemented for the Gauteng Climate Change Action Plan and the annual Climate Indaba, and R11.9 million to streamline environmental impact assessment approvals to cut red tape and turnaround times.

“These investments are not just visible projects, they’re long-term value creators. We must shift from constant cleaning to sustainable environmental infrastructure that serves generations,” Botha said.

The MEC highlighted the global significance of the Cradle of Humankind, which held 40% of the world’s hominid fossils, and the Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve, the only such reserve next to a major city.

“These are not just natural wonders, they are economic levers with the power to create jobs, attract global tourists and reinforce our identity as a smart, green province,” he said.

The EPWP continues to be a flagship vehicle for dignity and local development, with funding for jobs across recycling, park restoration and greening projects.

“Young people and women will be at the forefront of our green revolution. We’re not just giving them jobs, we’re equipping them with skills that transform their lives and communities,” Botha said.

For the first time, all municipalities in Gauteng have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the department, enabling a more unified environmental governance framework.

The agreements cover joint clean-up operations, shared data on compliance and enforcement, and public education and recycling messaging.

“This marks the end of siloed operations and the beginning of a system that finally works together,” Botha declared.

The department collected R9.3 million in environmental fines last year.

Under his predecessor, Shyla Peters, major strides were made in reducing appeal backlogs. Botha has now pledged to fast-track remaining cases.

“You cannot pollute your way to profit and expect to out-wait the system. The system will move. And it will move with consequences,” he said.

Calling on businesses to play an active role, Botha emphasised the importance of co-creating sustainable infrastructure, not just complying with regulations.

“We urge mining companies to restore land and water. We invite the private sector to invest in boreholes, fire-fighting infrastructure and mentorship for EPWP youth. Corporate clean-up drives are not just PR, they’re catalysts for jobs, safety and pride.”

Botha paid tribute to Peters and former HOD Mosley Lefatola before underlining his department’s new direction under a restructured mandate.

He concluded with a rallying call to residents, urging them to report illegal dumping, take out bins on time and participate in greening projects.

He highlighted the budget as a roadmap not just for environmental management, but for inclusive green growth, dignity and resilience in Africa’s most densely populated and economically critical region.

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Environmentally friendly traveling, eco-tourism and sustainable building practices are some of the topics that will dominate Africa’s inaugural Glamping Expo in Johannesburg on Friday and Saturday.

Glamping, which is luxury camping that combines outdoor experiences in upscale accommodation, is fast becoming popular in South Africa.

Instead of pitching your own tent, you can stay in stylish, fully furnished tents and other unique structures equipped with amenities like a comfortable bed, private bathrooms and kitchens.

Organiser Gugu Sithole told Inside Traveler that the aim of the expo was to showcase how glamping was transforming the tourism industry and exchange ideas on how to grow the sector and popularise it.

Sithole said the exhibition would be attended by tourism leaders, sustainable travel brands and glamping innovators.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille was meant to open the exhibition, but due to a Cabinet meeting, she has delegated an official from her department to read her speech.

Sithole is the founder and CEO Glamping Adventure. Her dream is to see the sector grow as it has internationally, with more people opting to have new travel experiences instead of staying in hotels.

She said the event presented an opportunity for role players and the movement as whole to take glamping to another level.

Glamping was also an opportunity for people from rural areas, who had acres of land to build accommodation structures for travellers who preferred stay away from cities and be close to nature.

Sithole said land owners would gain knowledge from experts during panel discussions on how to navigate barriers that stood between them and getting funding to build unique structures for guests. They would also learn how to be compliant and attract investors.

“This is a first for Africa and a proud moment for our tourism industry. This groundbreaking event will spotlight glamping—the fusion of glamour and camping—as a fast-growing, eco-conscious travel trend that aligns with the G20’s key priorities: climate action, innovation and inclusive economic growth.

“Glamping is really gaining traction. Travelers… want eco-friendly stays, they want sustainable accommodation, so it is definitely in an upward trajectory,” said Sithole.

She added that because South Africa has placed solidarity, equality and sustainability at the centre of its G20 Presidency, the Glamping Expo offered a powerful platform to showcase sustainable tourism that benefited the industry, people and the planet.

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In an effort to uplift the youth and vulnerable community members in Limpopo, contracts worth over R446 million have been handed to eight Labour Activation Programme (LAP) partners by Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth.

The partners are tasked with providing training and job opportunities to over 13,600 beneficiaries in the province.

The department, in partnership with the Matsila Foundation, launched the programme in Matsila Village on Thursday.

The LAP focuses on high-impact sectors such as agriculture, mining-related trades, tourism and hospitality.

Meth said the LAP was designed to build long-term resilience and provide income-generating opportunities for young people in rural areas. 

The partners include Edu-House South Africa, Green Development Foundation, K Boneng Consulting Services, Kaylord (Pty) Ltd, Mahube Training & Development, Ponontle Consulting, Regen Technical Institute and Tsogo-Tlhago Trading Enterprise.

“Each company has been mandated to recruit at least 70% of beneficiaries from the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system — a government job-matching platform,” the minister said during the launch. 

She said that the government had been registering job seekers this week to ensure equitable access.

“We are not merely providing short-term relief; we are building long-term resilience,” Meth said. 

The department chose Limpopo for the launch due to the province’s high unemployment rate and potential for economic growth.

“Rural South Africa is not a periphery to development – it is central to it.

“We are declaring that the Labour Activation Programme is not just a technical intervention; it is a moral commitment to reinvest, reindustrialise and revitalise rural communities,” the minister said.

She encouraged young people to use this opportunity wisely. 

Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba emphasised the importance of skills development in addressing unemployment and economic growth.

“Skills development is not a side programme of economic growth; it is the foundation,” she told the launch.

“It is the bridge between poverty and prosperity, between hopelessness and opportunity, between surviving and thriving.”

The premier said the collaboration between the government, private sector and civil society aimed to address the structural barriers to employment and economic inclusion in Limpopo. 

With its focus on practical skills training and job placement, Ramathuba said the programme has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in the province.

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