Tourism

22 October 2023

Western Cape prepares for record-breaking summer tourism season

Location: News

Western Cape prepares for record-breaking summer tourism season

With preparations for the summer tourism season underway, the Western Cape province will - for the first time ever - have more than one million in-bound international seats, breaking the record for travellers during the festive season.

“Looking ahead, Cape Town International Airport’s seat capacity for summer 2023/24 is estimated to increase by an impressive 25%, compared to the same period last year. This means that inbound international seats this summer will exceed 1 million, for the first time ever,” the MEC for Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said on Sunday.

She said the province is pleased with the significant progress made over the past year in bringing the private and public sectors together to implement practical solutions to combat and pre-empt safety risks for visitors.

"Over the 2023/24 season, 250 tourism monitors will be deployed across the Western Cape to identified hotspots, and will be trained and equipped with mobile apps to link them to critical security services,” she said.

In addition, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Cape Town Tourism will implement tourist-in-distress programmes, which ensure that visitors have professional support available when they most need it.

“I am also pleased that the Department of Tourism has secured a commitment from South African Police Service (SAPS) that police reservists will be available during the summer season to assist with tourism safety,” she said.

The MEC said work is being prioritised to ensure a successful upcoming season, as well as future seasons.

“At the top of my list is making it as easy as possible for international visitors to holiday in the Western Cape and South Africa. I am determined to work with our national government partners to fix the inefficiencies. I therefore welcome the commitment from the Department of Home Affairs that the long overdue Remote or Digital Nomad Visa will be live by the end of March 2024,” Wenger said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 10:38

714 views

20 October 2023

N West appeals for unruffled after reports of alleged poisonous food from spazas

Location: News

N West appeals for calm after reports of alleged poisonous food from spazas

The North West Provincial Legislature is appealing to communities to remain calm after receiving messages from the public “panicking about the death of children after allegedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops”.

The North West Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development, chaired by Bitsa Lenkopane, has also called on communities to remain vigilant.

The committee urged the provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism and other relevant stakeholders to investigate these disturbing allegations. It urged the department to join hands with municipalities and activists to create awareness to ensure that communities understand the State’s mandate in such matters.

“We are calling on the department to do inspections and furnish the portfolio committee with a detailed report, which should indicate trader categories and their respective consumable products, which are further extended to school learners.

“These must include trader status, whether licensed or not, compliant with the business regulation act or not -- which must indicate compliance with the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 about foreign-owned business,” Lenkopane said.

The committee said it has been inundated with calls from members of the community following media reports on children's deaths after reportedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops.

Earlier this month, the Gauteng Health Department confirmed the deaths of at least five children due to suspected food poisoning. This after the children allegedly consumed poisonous food from local shops and vendors.

“While no formal and or authenticated information and evidence has been received, the portfolio committee has been receiving calls from panicking parents and community members seeking remedies to protect communities from alleged traders who sell them products containing deadly poison,” said Lenkopane.

The committee further urged officials to regularly communicate with communities through different platforms to ensure that they are accountable and responsible for all the operating businesses across the province to reduce the amount of panic.

“The portfolio committee will rely on the report from the department that should be submitted within seven days and further engage communities on the work done and/or systems in place, including communication of the database of all businesses, regulated or not.”

In addition, the committee appealed to communities to refrain from causing unnecessary unrest, and rather report incidents and provide proof to the nearest police service.

“They should also provide accurate information to any government officials who might be dealing with the situation,” said Lenkopane. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 11:02

682 views

20 October 2023

N West appeals for calm after children die from alleged poisonous food

Location: News

N West appeals for calm after children die from alleged poisonous food

The North West Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development, chaired by Bitsa Lenkopane, has also called on communities to remain vigilant.

The committee said it has been inundated with calls from members of the community following media reports on children's deaths after reportedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops.

In addition, the committee appealed to communities to refrain from causing unnecessary unrest, and rather report incidents and provide proof to the nearest police service.

“They should also provide accurate information to any government officials who might be dealing with the situation,” said Lenkopane. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 11:02

227 views

19 October 2023

KZN Executive commits to continued improved audit outcomes

Location: News

KZN Executive commits to continued improved audit outcomes

The KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council says provincial departments will continue to improve their audit outcomes in future administrative terms.

“In keeping up with the improved audit outcomes for the 2022/23 financial year where, among others, 86% of the auditees submitted financial statements free from material misstatements, compared to 50% in the previous administration, the Executive Council declared that there will be more positive outcomes in the future,” said KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

She said while the Executive Council had laid a solid foundation for future clean audits, there was a need to provide guidance to those departments that were struggling to realise positive outcomes.

“This is about service delivery to our people and a government that is responsive to the needs of the people, anchored on compliance, accountability and transparency, among other pillars,” Dube-Ncube said.

The KwaZulu-Natal Business Unit Leader for the Auditor-General Nomalungelo Mkhize presented awards to the departments and entities that received clean audit outcomes during a ceremony on Wednesday.

The awards recognise good performance and good governance in the financial management.

Six departments, including the Office of the Premier; Provincial Treasury; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism; Community Safety; and Agriculture and Rural Development, received clean audit outcomes for the 2022/23 audit cycle.

The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature also received a clean audit.

Twelve provincial public entities - including 10 which are under the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, one in Human Settlements and one in Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs - also received awards from the Auditor General for attaining clean audits.

The Auditor General lauded the provincial coordinating departments, including the Office of the Premier and the Provincial Treasury, for maintaining clean audit status thus setting a commendable example for the province.

The Auditor General said by coordinating departments the leadership had assisted other departments to improve undesirable or sustain positive audit outcomes though the various initiatives deployed.

The Premier commended the Director-General of the Province, Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, for providing seamless interaction between the Executive Council and government.

“Dr Mkhize is a diligent public servant and a strong bridge that not only connects government, through Heads of Department and Cabinet, but ensures that there is implementation of resolutions of the Executive Council. Clean governance is one of the core resolutions of Cabinet,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier said government’s full migration to digitisation will eliminate human errors and assist the Auditor General perform its duties with ease, speed and diligence. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 11:55

314 views

19 October 2023

Durban ICC scoops major accolades at World Travel Awards

Location: News

Durban ICC scoops major accolades at World Travel Awards

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has congratulated Durban and Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) for scooping major awards at the World Travel Awards held in Dubai.

The ICC walked away with Africa's Leading Meetings and Conference Centre and Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination Awards, beating the likes of Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), Marrakech (Morocco), Nairobi (Kenya), Zanzibar (Tanzania), Kigali (Rwanda), Cape Town and Johannesburg in both awards.

The glittering 30th World Travel Awards, held on Sunday, marked seven years on the trot since Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, has been winning this award back-to-back from 2017.

The World Travel Awards are regarded as the most prestigious event in the global travel calendar, attended by the industry's key decision-makers, influencers and media. They serve to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

Dube-Ncube said the awards are a great vote of confidence by the global travel and tourism sector in KZN province, the City of Durban, and the Durban International Convention Centre facility.

“We appreciate this honour but importantly value the sterling and untiring work put in by our entity, KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau for continuously attracting business events to our province. Such achievements are not a given nor come to us for free, we have to work hard to achieve them” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier also noted with excitement that in the 23-year history of Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre Award category, the Durban ICC has won this title for the 18th time.

“This vote of confidence by the World Travel Awards organisation in the Durban ICC is as bold and significant as the establishment of the Durban International Convention Centre itself. During the formative years of our democracy the city’s fathers took a daring and futuristic view of making the Convention Centre one of the single largest investments in the future growth and development of the city.

“Today we are reaping the rewards of such decisions. Naming it after Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, Inkosi Albert Luthuli is indicative of the global stature of this facility. Hosting these awards in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC will be a befitting tribute to the vision of our forebears,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:36

136 views

18 October 2023

New route announced for the 2023 Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon!

Location: MyPR

The stage is set for yet another epic Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon which will see runners enjoying a new route on Sunday, 29 October 2023, in this early qualifier for the Comrades Marathon. Organised by the Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, the new route will give runners and walkers a chance to experience the incredible …

17 October 2023

Samsung Expands Wildlife Watch Programme to Encourage Protect Against Animal Poaching in the South African Bush

Location: MyPR

Committed to using technology for good, Samsung partners with Africam and The Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit to expand its Wildlife Watch pilot. Harnessing the technology in its Galaxy S21 Ultra and new S23 Ultra devices to broadcast live, 24/7 streams of wild animals in the Balule Nature Reserve, part of Kruger National Park. Coinciding with …

17 October 2023

Cabinet’s concurrence of the Tourism Sector Masterplan welcomed

Location: News

Cabinet’s concurrence of the Tourism Sector Masterplan welcomed

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has welcomed Cabinet’s concurrence of the Tourism Sector Masterplan, which was gazetted on Friday.

“Implementing the masterplan will create opportunities for inclusive participation of all sectors of society, including women, youth and people with disabilities. This plan also gives impetus to the recovery and sustained growth of the sector,” said de Lille.

Due to its multiplier effect, labour intensity and value chain that creates significant employment opportunities, tourism is recognised as a priority sector of the South African economy.

The sector’s interlinkages with other economic sectors provides business opportunities for Small, Micro to Medium Enterprises, which is why it was identified as one of seven key sectors in South Africa's Re-Imagining Industrial Strategy, approved by Cabinet in 2019.

This is the basis upon which the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP) was converted into a comprehensive Tourism Sector Masterplan.

The conversion of the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan into the Tourism Sector Masterplan was one of the key priorities given to Minister de Lille by President Cyril Ramaphosa as part of her performance agreement. This priority has now been achieved, said the department.

“The masterplan aims to galvanise industry, labour and government to collectively act on a shared vision, identify priorities, and deliver economic activity and jobs for all South Africans,” de Lille said.

As the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan has a lifespan of three years, from 2021/22 to 2023/24.

The department had embarked on a process to convert the TSRP into the Tourism Sector Masterplan. “This entailed the integration of all TSRP interventions into the Tourism Sector Masterplan, with the extension of the timeframe for implementation up to the 2025/26 financial year,” the Minister said.

Additionally, the vision, mission, guiding principles and values of the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) 2016 – 2026 were adopted.

Institutional and governance responsibilities for developing and implementing the masterplan were added in accordance with the masterplan guidelines to prepare, develop and implementation of the masterplan.

The TSRP was a three-year, highly focussed intervention and product of collaboration with key stakeholders from the government, the private sector and other social partners aimed at mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism economy and charting a roadmap for recovery.

It proposed various measures to protect and rejuvenate supply, reignite demand and strengthen enabling capability for tourism recovery.

Overall, the plan proposed seven strategic interventions underpinned by specific actions aimed at helping the sector recover to pre-pandemic levels and positioning the sector for long-term sustainable growth.

The plan is aligned to the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP), in particular to the ERRP's priorities in the areas of employment creation, infrastructure investment, green economy or sustainability interventions inclusion of women and youth as well as skills development.

The Tourism Sector Masterplan is available on the department’s website at: www.tourism.gov.za and a copy of the gazette can also be viewed on: https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Government%20Gazette%20Number%2049503%20-%20Tourism%20Sector%20Masterplan.pdf. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 10:54

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16 October 2023

KZN Premier welcomes provincial 4IR commission

Location: News

KZN Premier welcomes provincial 4IR commission

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube says the Provincial Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Commission is a game-changer in the march towards positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a smart province.

Speaking at the 4IR Commission inaugural meeting at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville, Durban, on Friday, Dube-Ncube said the establishment of the commission is a "good progression from the approval of the Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy by the Executive Council in May 2020", whose main objectives is to guide the province towards government automation, integration and digitisation of services.

All this, Dube-Ncube said, is aimed at making service delivery efficient, and seizing economic opportunities and innovation to drive the digital transformation strategy of the province.

The 4IR Commission was appointed by the Premier after endorsement by the Executive Council in May 2023.The main target is to develop an integrated provincial 4IR strategy to achieve competitiveness in the key economic sectors, including agriculture, the oceans economy, finance, mining, manufacturing, information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics, tourism and business with science, technology and innovation, as a cross-cutting enabler.

Dube-Ncube said the commission will also accelerate the implementation of the Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy, and gain insight from professionals within the ICT sector.

The Premier said the commission represents a significant step forward in the province's journey towards embracing the transformative power of technology and innovation in a rapidly changing world and bridging the digital divide.

In establishing the 4IR Commission, Dube-Ncube said the province is demonstrating its commitment to harnessing the vast potential of this new era.

“We have assembled a distinguished group of experts, including innovators and thought-leaders, who will serve as the guiding force in navigating this uncharted territory. Their collective knowledge and wisdom will be instrumental in shaping our nation's approach to the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Dube-Ncube said.

The 4IR Commission comprises the following members:
•   Dr Leon Rolls: Chairperson of the 4IR Commission.
•   Professor Chris Adendorff: Deputy Chairperson of the Commission.
•   Langelihle Zulu: Commissioner.
•   Dr Stella Bvuma: Commissioner.
•   Dr Sibongiseni Thosetjane: Commissioner.

Rolls underscored the need for the 4IR Commission to build hope for a better and smarter future for KZN.

“We must be a connected smart province with a thriving digital economy. The time for talking and unending learning from other countries is over. We are going to vigorously implement this strategy now,” Rolls said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 11:19

325 views

13 October 2023

President Ramaphosa on working visit to Namibia

Location: News

President Ramaphosa on working visit to Namibia

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead a delegation of ministers on a working visit to Namibia today.

While there, the President will co-chair the 3rd Session of the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia Bi-National Commission (SA - Namibia BNC) with his Namibian counterpart, President Hage Geingob.

According to the Presidency, the BNC was inaugurated some 10 years ago at Windhoek with the second session of the BNC held in 2016.

“South Africa and Namibia share a common vision on issues of political and economic integration of the African continent. Both countries pursue Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation, and the promotion of a rules-based, equitable international system of governance.

“The scope of cooperation between the two countries is expansive, anchored by 74 Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements. The geographical proximity of our countries and the sharing of common borders has over the years presented many opportunities for cooperation and thus benefitted the economies of the two countries,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The Presidency said this third session of the BNC has the following objectives:

Evaluate progress on the implementation of commitments made during the 2nd session of the BNC;
Consolidate the existing bilateral political, economic and social relations between the two countries and people;
Promote cooperation in energy, particularly focusing on electricity and green hydrogen;
Deepen existing cooperation and coordination at regional, continental and global levels to advance common positions.

“President Ramaphosa will lead a government delegation comprising of Ministers Naledi Pandor of International Relations and Cooperation; Thoko Didiza of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Blade Nzimande of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; and Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“The delegation is also expected to include Ministers Lindiwe Zulu of Social Development; Gwede Mantashe of Mineral Resources and Energy; Barbara Creecy of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries; Senzo Mchunu of Water and Sanitation; Sandisiwe Chikunga of Transport; Patricia de Lille of Tourism; and Ministers in The Presidency, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni,” the statement read.

Committees that make up the BNC include the Diplomatic, Economic, Social and Defence and Security committees. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 09:44

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10 October 2023

Local government called to drive tourism investment

Location: News

Local government called to drive tourism investment

KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Siboniso Duma, has challenged local government to drive tourism through investment in socio-economic infrastructure.

“Our view is that local government is where tourism happens, and this is why local government is best placed to create a memorable experience for tourists,” Duma said.

Duma was speaking at the Provincial Tourism and Investment Committee (PTIC) meeting, held at Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre on Tuesday.

The PTIC, which includes representatives of KZN metropolitan, district and local municipalities; CEOs of public entities and private sector organisations, seeks to deliberate on radical industry transformation matters.

The meeting aimed to assess progress in relation to investments in socio-economic infrastructure in various municipalities across the province.

In his opening remarks, Duma said local government aims to ensure that KZN is amongst the top tourist destinations.

“Each one of us here has a special role to play in making this a reality-in one way or another, we have a direct impact on the future of tourism," Duma said.

Duma said the province is lobbying and bidding to host the national and international events, as part of the stimulation of tourism.

“We hosted, successfully, the MTN 8 Finals over the weekend. We will be hosting the South African Music Awards around 17 to 18 November at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

“KZN will be put firmly on the map as we host the jewel of the creative industry. We will be doing destination marketing and activations in various parts of the province,” Duma said.

To achieve this, he said all municipalities must play a role and maximise the considerable job creating potential of the tourism sector.

“The tourism sector is a national priority sector with enormous potential to promote economic development, thus requiring of municipalities to promote it and support it. We must pride ourselves on a responsible, sustainable and transforming sector,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 10/10/2023 - 15:22

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8 October 2023

Kzn Mec Celebrates With Futurelife® At Factory Opening

Location: MyPR

Leading food company, wholly-owned by PepsiCo South Africa, FUTURELIFE®, today celebrated the grand opening of its new cutting-edge manufacturing facility at Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ), in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This event brought together key government officials, business leaders, and FUTURELIFE® employees. The opening of the facility showcases FUTURELIFE®’s resilience, innovation, and steadfast commitment to …

6 October 2023

Futurelife invests R75m in Dube Trade Port SEZ facility

Location: News

Futurelife invests R75m in Dube Trade Port SEZ facility

KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Siboniso Duma, says the investment in a new Futurelife manufacturing facility at the Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has created hope for a better future for the province.

Duma made the remarks during the launch of a R75 million investment by South African health foods manufacturer, Futurelife, which took occupation in a new manufacturing facility in Dube TradePort, located near the King Shaka International Airport.

The modern factory is set to streamline Futurelife's production processes, enhancing the organisation's efficiency through the purchase of advanced machinery and equipment that will enable the factory to operate at international standards.

Cutting the ribbon to officially mark the factory opening for business, Duma emphasised the important role that the factory will play in sustainable economic development in KwaZulu-Natal.

Duma said locating the business within the Dube Trade Port SEZ will ensure efficiencies in the operations while reducing the logistics costs.

Ahead of the COVID-19 lockdown, about 315 000 people were employed in manufacturing, representing just of 12% of total formal and informal employment.

He said the plant is an integral part of the provincial industrial strategy which aims to stimulate the manufacturing industry in order to increase employment.

“This launch is a result of your ability to work together to master new state-of-the-art technologies and to do this all on schedule. If we are to realise the province’s full potential and discharge our shared commitment to create a better life for all South Africans, then increased investment in the province is of critical importance.

“The fact that Futurelife already sources 87% of its raw materials locally, gives local producers an advantage of future upstream integration as Futurelife continues to pursue growth into regional and international markets," Duma said

Futurelife, which previously had its operations in Pinetown for 14 years, was fully acquired by food and beverage company, PepsiCo South Africa in 2023.

Former Futurelife Managing Director and now PepsiCo South Africa’s Commercial Vice President Mark Bunn said the exceptional facility is a testament to the company’s commitment to transforming and improving South Africans' health and well-being.

“The new factory embodies our dedication to contributing positively to the local community and ultimately the broader economy. The company has its origins in KwaZulu-Natal and has experienced significant growth and success within this region and, over time, in South Africa at large.

“We are, therefore, unwavering in our commitment to giving back to the very community and economy that has played a pivotal role in our journey. Our dedication extends beyond business as usual; it's a pledge to support and enrich the local community and economy through our endeavours, ensuring a lasting positive impact for years to come,” Bunn said.

Bunn said the company currently has a staff complement of 186 and anticipates creating an additional 24 direct jobs in the next five years of its operations within the new facility.

He added that the company anticipates growing 30% of its business into export markets in Asia, Middle East, Europe, North America and the rest of the African continent.

Dube Trade Port SEZ CEO, Hamish Erskine said the investment is significant for FutureLife, and serves as a notable endorsement for the SEZ, as an investment destination in South Africa.

“As the Special Economic Zone operator, we welcome this investment and look forward to working with and supporting FutureLife in their development journey, as we also continue to build a highly secure and functional industrial precinct,” Erskine said.

Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone is home to 46 operational business enterprises, which have collectively created 10 803 jobs, as at March 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 14:20

390 views

6 October 2023

Futurelife invests R75m to Dube TradePort SEZ facility

Location: News

Futurelife invests R75m to Dube TradePort SEZ facility

He said the plant is an integral part of the provincial industrial strategy which aims to stimulate the manufacturing industry in order to increase employment.

GabiK
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 14:20

96 views

5 October 2023

Tourism Equity Fund welcomed

Location: News

Tourism Equity Fund welcomed

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has welcomed Cabinet’s concurrence for the implementation of the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF).

Following a protracted court case, earlier this year, an out-of-court TEF settlement was reached with the applicants and the court application was subsequently withdrawn.

The Department of Tourism has been given the green light to implement the amended Tourism Equity Fund in line with existing legislation.

The R1.2 billion fund is managed by the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa) on behalf of the department and was tailored to provide a combination of debt and grant finance to facilitate equity acquisition and entrepreneurship.

“The Department of Tourism and sefa are currently finalising the amended Tourism Equity Fund. We will announce the call for TEF applications by end of October 2023 and will also provide clarity on previous Tourism Equity Fund applications,” Minister De Lille said.

“The Department of Tourism remains committed to advancing the transformation agenda through creating equitable opportunities to realise an inclusive and revived tourism economy,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 10/05/2023 - 13:59

126 views

5 October 2023

Cricket South Africa’s Cricket Led Tourism Initiative

Location: Sport

ALICE: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to announce cricket-led tourism initiative which is aimed at fostering talent and promotion of...

3 October 2023

Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Award for Samara Karoo Reserve

Location: MyPR

October 3, 2023: Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region and home to the Big Five, over 60 mammal species and 225 bird species, was recognised in the Top 15 Resorts in South Africa. The Readers’ Choice …

3 October 2023

Unmatched Asia: Top destinations for South Africans to visit in 2023.

Location: MyPR

Unmatched Asia: Top destinations for South Africans to visit in 2023: South Africans in need of a break or holiday should look no further than alluring Asia, offering striking scenery, a smorgasbord of unique culinary experiences, and some of the most wonderful travel experiences. South Africans may be spoiled for choice when it comes to …

2 October 2023

RAPT Creative: Adland newcomer proves its mettle, again

Location: MyPR

RAPT Creative, the agency that opened its doors with three employees just months before the global Covid-19 lockdowns yet emerged from the pandemic years having added international brands like Sol, Miller, Fox, Strongbow, Ballentine’s and Windhoek to its stable and over 100 people to its staff complement, has proven its mettle – again. This achievement, …

1 October 2023

The Mother City Radiates in a Sea of Pink at the Totalsports Women’s Race

Location: MyPR

On Sunday, 01 October 2023 the streets of the Mother City were immersed in a sea of pink as runners and walkers from all walks of life toed the line at the much-anticipated Totalsports Women’s Race in support of PinkDrive and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What made the day even more special this year was …

28 September 2023

Cabinet approves revised game meat strategy for South Africa

Location: News

Cabinet approves revised game meat strategy for South Africa

Cabinet has approved the implementation of the Revised Game Meat Strategy for South Africa, which seeks to formalise and transform the game meat industry.

Briefing the media in Pretoria on the outcomes of Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the strategy is also designed to contribute towards food security for the country.

“It aims to strengthen the game meat sector as both provider of food security and an economic growth sector that can help create job opportunities,” Ntshavheni said.

South Africa is ranked number one on the African continent for game meat production and therefore, said the Minister, needs to take full advantage of the economic opportunities that the sector provides.

“Ultimately, the strategy seeks to ensure the creation of 202 666 sustainable jobs in the game meat industry by 2030.”

The strategy will be published on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment website at www.dffe.gov.za.

Tourism Master Plan

Cabinet has also given the go ahead for the Department of Tourism to align the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan to a new Tourism Master Plan.

An important component of the Master Plan is to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector and provides a road map for full recovery of tourism in the country.

The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan was developed to facilitate the recovery of the sector, preserve jobs and protect livelihoods.

Ntshavheni said the Master Plan will take this work to another level and facilitate new opportunities in the sector.

“The plan proposes seven intervention strategies to ensure the tourism sector returns to its glory days and that the sector becomes the centre of job creation and entrepreneurship. These interventions include stimulating demand through rigorous campaigns, promoting South Africa internationally and cutting red tape in the processing of visas and tour operator licences.

“The tourism industry is a vital contributor to the economy and supported 725 000 jobs before COVID 19. Cabinet believes that the interventions will go a long way in restoring the role of tourism in the economy and job creation,” Ntshavheni said.

Competition Commission’s work commended

Meanwhile, Cabinet commended the work of the Competition Commission in addressing monopoly concerns in digital intermediation platforms, including ecommerce, online travel agencies, food delivery, app stores, classifieds providers and search engines.

This comes after Cabinet received a report from the Commission outlining the findings and remedial actions on the Online Intermediation Platform Market Inquiry.

Ntshavheni said Cabinet has directed Ministers of the Economic Cluster to interrogate the policy implications and recommend required policy reforms.

“Cabinet encouraged the Commission to continue its good work in enabling SME’s and previously disadvantaged people, especially Black people to actively participate in the economy of their country,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 11:30

222 views

28 September 2023

South Africa’s Tourism Renaissance: A Journey of Growth and Innovation

Location: MyPR

By Jaco Minnaar, CEO of The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness and Golf For hotel operators in South Africa, Tourism Month represents a unique business opportunity with the potential for substantial growth and sustainability. Jaco Minnaar, CEO of The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness and Golf in Johannesburg, shares a heartening perspective on the state of tourism …

28 September 2023

South Africa’s booming tourism industry is poised for long term success

Location: MyPR

South Africa’s booming tourism industry is poised for long term success South Africa’s tourism industry has emerged strongly from the effects of the pandemic. Within the next 10 years, the sector is expected to contribute 800,000 jobs and R287 billion to the national economy. Furthermore, according to the Department of Tourism, the country hosted more …

27 September 2023

Ministry of Foreign Affairs co-hosts “the Colours of Africa 2023” events

Location: News

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the African Embassies in Bangkok, namely, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa, as well as Khon Kaen Province, Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, Khon Kaen University and Young Ambassador of Virtue Foundation organised the Colours of Africa 2023 events during 13 - 14 September on 21 September 2023. The events sought to promote public awareness, including the private sector and the academia, on the African continent, as well as the potential of trade, investment and tourism opportunities in Africa.

The activities included:

1. The Seminar on Trade and Investment Opportunities in Africa on 13 September 2023 at Avani Hotel Khon Kaen, with speakers including African ambassadors to Thailand and successful Thai entrepreneurs. The session observed the exchange of knowledge on trade and investment opportunities in Africa, as well as first-hand experience on conducting business in the region to the audience comprising of entrepreneurs from Khon Kaen and nearby provinces.

2. Academic Lecture on Africa on 14 September 2023 at Khon Kaen University, under the topic “The African Union Agenda 2063” and “Nelson Mandela: The Epitome of Ethical Leadership in Africa and the World: Learning from his Legacy for a better Africa and a Humane World Order,” was given by the African Ambassadors to Thailand, with more than 300 students and lecturers from Khon Kaen University participated. On this occasion, the African Ambassadors also visited the university's Faculty of Agriculture, which already had academic cooperation with various universities in Africa.

3. The Student Quiz Competition, Games and Exhibitions to enhance knowledge on Africa on 21 September 2023 at Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with more than 200 participants, including students and teachers from 23 Thai schools around Thailand affiliated with the Young Ambassador of Virtue Foundation. During the quiz's final round, Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, and African Ambassadors to Thailand were invited to ask questions and present scholarships to the winning teams, as well as tokens of appreciation and certificates to all participating students.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.