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Hon. Solly Malatsi, gives his Ministral Address at Topco Media’s annual Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025

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18 | Tourism in Africa

The continent’s turn to rise and attract major investments

22 | Tourism in South Africa

Highlighting an attractive investment climate and bankable opportunities

26 | 5 places everyone should visit in South Africa

Daisies, canyons, and panoramic views

28 | A place in history

South Africa’s 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

32 | SAHRA focus

Heritage Month: Five must-visit sites for South Africans

42 | Home Affairs partners with Capitec and FNB

Bringing smart IDs and passports closer to home

44 | Demerits for traffic fines

New demerit system for traffic fines set to transform South Africa’s roads

36 | In Other News

Facilitating tourism growth through digital visas

The UN is humanity‘s best chance at peace and development

38 | G20 update

G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting -

A landmark declaration paving the way for sustainable development

46 | Sporting Action

They are here and they belongthe Springbok Women’s awakening

50 | Regional FocusEastern Cape

Future-ready classrooms: Isuzu’s AI and Robotics Centre boosts STEM learning in the Eastern Cape

52 | Financial Fitness

How South Africans are navigating spending

54 | Legal Matters

Social media in the workplace –what does the law say?

56 | Health and Wellness

Burnout is on the decline - How to to keep it that way

58 | Upcoming Events September calendar

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BY FIONA WAKELIN

Letter from the Editor

Welcome to the September edition of Public Sector Leaders (PSL)

In his letter to the nation, penned on 22 September, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa focussed on the United Nations, as it is during this week that South Africa will be attending the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“As the UN General Assembly convenes this week under the theme “Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration” the stakes have

never been higher. The UN is struggling to meet its mandate as contained in the UN Charter. It continues to be hampered by competing national interests that impede collective action. There is a lack of political will among member states to address many challenges, including the chronic underfunding of peacekeeping operations.” – H. E Ramaphosa.

On the front cover, and inside, we celebrate both Heritage Month and Tourism Month - and all that our country has to offer. Our articles include: 5 places everyone should visit in South Africa; a deep dive into the amazing work being done by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA); UNESCO world heritage sights in SA; – and then we take you further afield, looking at tourism on the continent. Closer to home we bring you an update on the demerit system for traffic fines – and what it means that the Department of Home Affairs is partnering with Capitec and FNB. Plus, everything you need to know about what has been going on at the G20 is right here in this edition.

The Women in Leadership for September is the Hon. Pinky Kekana, Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister, and, fittingly, the Trailblazer is Neville Matjie, CEO of

Brand SA. Our regular stalwarts bring the usual feast of information and updates. In Other News takes a look at the expansion of the tourist fast-track visa, while Financial Fitness zooms in on the Discovery Spend Trend 2025 Report. In Legal Matters we train a spotlight on social media in the workplace, asking what the law says about it – and the all-important issue of burnout is addressed in Health and Wellness. I’m ending the letter in the same vein as I started, with a celebratory take on our amazing country and our amazing achievements - Sporting Action brings you: They are here and they belong: The Springbok Women’s awakening.

From myself and the amazing team, we hope you enjoy the read. 

FIONA WAKELIN | GROUP EDITOR

ADDRESSING THE NATION

BY FIONA WAKELIN

The UN is humanity‘s best chance at peace and development

It has been eight decades since the UN Charter committed countries of the world to work together to advance peace, promote development and uphold the rules of international justice and protect human rights.

of political will among member states to address many challenges, including the chronic underfunding of peacekeeping operations.

His Excellency notes that we are in a fragile place globally - according to the UN’s own data, the number of global conflicts are at the highest levels since the end of the Second World War. Nearly half of the world’s 1.1 billion population who live in acute poverty are in countries beset by violent conflict. This is compounded by health and pandemic response and preparedness coming under serious threat following the withdrawal of global health financing and aid. Another global threat is climate change and global warming.

“As the UN General Assembly convenes this week under the theme “Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration” the stakes have never been higher. The UN is struggling to meet its mandate as contained in the UN Charter.

It continues to be hampered by competing national interests that impede collective action. There is a lack

“But by far the most serious hindrance to the UN fulfilling its mandate is the structure and operation of the UN Security Council. Despite changes in global power relations over more than half a century, the decision making architecture that has enabled the five permanent members to have veto powers has not changed since the end of the Second World War. These five permanent members effectively make decisions on behalf of more than 85% of the world’s population living in countries of the Global South. They continue to use their veto powers to effectively paralyse collective action and prevent timely responses to crises, even in the face of clear violations of international law,” H.E. Ramaphosa

President Ramaphosa is clear in his letter, that at a time of widespread poverty and underdevelopment, when human rights are under threat worldwide and where geopolitical tensions are creating instability across the globe, advancing multilateralism is more critical than ever.

“The message South Africa takes to this year’s General Assembly is that if the organisation is to remain relevant and if the global, rules-based system is to endure, the UN must demonstrate in both word and deed that multilateralism is alive. Despite its many challenges, the UN remains humanity’s best chance at peace, security and sustainable development for all,” – President Ramaphosa. 

Health Professions Council of South Africa

- Who we are and what we do in our regulatory mandate

Dr Magome Masike, Registrar of the Health Professions Council of South Africa

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a statutory health regulatory body mandated to protect the public and guide the professions by ensuring that healthcare practitioners are fit to practise their profession. Established by Section 2 of the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974, the HPCSA operates as a juristic person empowered to perform only those functions defined by legislation. Through this mandate, the Council regulates the scope of practice of health professions, ensures compliance with professional and ethical standards, and provides structured processes for oversight, accountability and disciplinary measures.

It conducts proactive and risk-based inspections, assists the Professional Boards with clinical and professional compliance matters, and monitors adherence to penalties imposed by the Professional Conduct Committee.

Together with the 12 Professional Boards under its ambit, the HPCSA is tasked with overseeing the education, training, and registration of health professionals. To protect the public and safeguard the integrity of the professions, Council ensures that practitioners maintain ethical conduct, that complaints are investigated thoroughly, and that disciplinary action is taken when necessary. In fulfilling this broad regulatory responsibility, the Council executes its work through several key divisions, each with a defined role in supporting the overall mandate.

The work of the Inspectorate Office

The Inspectorate Office is central to ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Act, its rules and regulations.

A significant focus of this office is the identification and prosecution of unregistered persons masquerading as healthcare professionals. In collaboration with law enforcement agencies, regulatory partners and the public, the Inspectorate exposes and acts against bogus practitioners who pose risks to public health. Strategies employed include proactive inspections, reactive investigations, and the preparation of court dockets for prosecution.

While progress has been made, challenges remain. The widespread presence of unregistered individuals makes detection and tracing difficult, and in some instances registered practitioners have unlawfully engaged unregistered persons as locums. To address this, the Inspectorate continues to emphasise awareness and education campaigns for both practitioners and the public, supported by strengthened collaboration with stakeholders. Members of the public are also encouraged to use the Council’s iRegister platform or contact the Call Centre to verify practitioner status.

Investigating complaints and maintaining ethical standards

A critical part of the HPCSA’s regulatory function is handling complaints against practitioners and ensuring adherence to professional and ethical standards. The Complaints Handling and Investigation Division is responsible for receiving, assessing, and investigating allegations of unprofessional conduct. Complaints undergo a structured process, beginning with verification of practitioner registration and the categorisation of allegations. Where appropriate, matters are resolved through mediation, provided both parties agree to the outcome. Where mediation is unsuccessful, cases proceed to preliminary investigation, during which practitioners are required to respond to allegations within prescribed timeframes. Matters are then considered by the Preliminary Committee of Inquiry, which determines whether there is evidence of unprofessional conduct. Depending on severity, the Committee may impose a minor penalty or refer the case to a formal inquiry. Where no evidence is found, the matter is closed. This process ensures accountability, protects the public, and preserves trust in the professions.

Ensuring effective practitioner registration

Registration with the HPCSA is both a professional prerequisite and a legal requirement, forming the cornerstone of professional regulation. Practitioners are required to keep their details updated and to maintain good standing through the payment of annual fees. Provisions exist for voluntary erasure from the register and restoration where lapses occur.

The Council manages multiple categories of registration, including student, intern, community service, independent practice, and specialised or temporary categories such as postgraduate, volunteer, and education-related registration. To improve efficiency, the HPCSA has implemented a hybrid registration system through the Enterprise Business System and Oracle Service Cloud. These improvements have reduced turnaround times significantly, with graduate registrations decreasing from three months to 3.5 days, and individual practitioner registrations reduced to an average of 3.5 working days. Since March 2017, annual registration renewals have been conducted online, further streamlining the process. Future enhancements aim to integrate all applications into the Oracle Service Cloud, which will also enable the collection of employment data to strengthen workforce planning.

Professional practice and ethical guidance

The Professional Practice Division plays an important role in guiding practitioners on ethical and professional standards. It develops policies, issues directives, and provides advisory support to practitioners and Professional Boards. Its work covers areas such as scope of practice, continuing professional development (CPD), and the curation and review of ethical guidelines. Recent achievements include attaining a 70% compliance rate in CPD across the professions, reviewing sixteen ethical guidelines, and introducing three new ones. The division has also engaged practitioners through workshops across the country, ensuring that professional and ethical issues remain a shared priority across the sector.

Education and training oversight

The Education and Training Division ensures that the education of healthcare professionals meets the highest standards by accrediting training programmes, conducting site visits, and evaluating clinical training facilities. The division also oversees the registration process for foreign-qualified practitioners, ensuring that only suitably trained professionals enter the system.

Working closely with the Professional Boards and the ETQA Committee of Council, the division supports the facilitation of Board examinations. During the reporting period, 183 Board examinations were conducted, with 1 806 candidates participating. Of these, 1 316 passed and 490 did not meet the required standard. While notable progress has been achieved, challenges remain, including delays in curriculum reviews and complexities in the administration of Board examinations.

Conclusion

Through its regulatory mandate, the HPCSA continues to play a critical role in safeguarding the public and guiding the health professions in South Africa. Each division, from inspections and registrations to complaints handling, professional practice, and education oversight, contributes to ensuring that practitioners meet the highest professional and ethical standards. While challenges persist, the Council remains committed to strengthening its systems, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and continuously improving regulatory processes in pursuit of a safer and more accountable health system. 

Conact Details

Address: 553 Madiba St, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0002

Tell: (+27) 12 338 9301

Self service

Follow the link: hpcsaonline.custhelp.com/

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

SHon. Pinky Kekana Driving transformation in South Africa’s public service

outh Africa’s public service plays a critical role in ensuring that the government delivers on its mandate to citizens. At the heart of this effort is the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), tasked with building a professional, ethical and accountable public sector that drives inclusive growth and development. Among the leaders driving this mission is Deputy

Minister Pinky Sharon Kekana, a dynamic woman whose career reflects resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to professionalising the public service.

A advoate for transformation

Born in Limpopo in 1966, Ms Kekana has built an impressive career spanning education, politics and administration. She began her

professional life as a teacher before stepping into public service, where she quickly established herself as a leader dedicated to transformation and empowerment.

Her political career took shape within the African National Congress (ANC), where she served in key leadership roles, including as a Member of

Parliament and later as the Deputy Minister of Communications. During her tenure in the communications portfolio, Ms Kekana was instrumental in advocating for digital transformation, data affordability, and the bridging of the digital divide, particularly for women and rural communities. These values continue to shape her work in the DPSA, where professionalisation and inclusivity are core priorities.

The DPSA is at the forefront of modernising South Africa’s public service. It provides leadership in human resource management, ethics, conditions of service, and capacity development across the public sector. The department also spearheads programmes to strengthen accountability and efficiency, ensuring that public service workers are equipped to deliver quality services that meet the needs of all citizens.

For Ms Kekana, professionalising the public service means more than efficiency - it is about instilling integrity, fairness and a citizenfirst ethos. The National Framework Towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service, which the DPSA leads, sets out to attract skilled professionals, ensure merit-based appointments, and build a capable, ethical workforce.

Ms Kekana has been an outspoken advocate for ensuring that recruitment and promotion in the public sector are based on merit and competency rather than patronage. She has emphasised that the future

of the South African state depends on a cadre of public servants who are not only technically skilled but also committed to ethical conduct.

Championing professionalisation

Ms Kekana has stressed the importance of aligning public service with the National Development Plan (NDP) and the ethos of Batho Pele, which is putting people first. She has consistently highlighted how corruption and inefficiency undermine trust and why professionalisation is central to rebuilding confidence in government institutions. As one of South Africa’s leading women in government, Ms Kekana has been an advocate for gender equality in leadership and public service. She has mentored women and encouraged young professionals to see the public sector as a viable and fulfilling career path.

Her leadership style reflects a balance of empathy and firmness, and she has often spoken about the importance of breaking barriers for women in governance. This aligns with South Africa’s broader goals of ensuring gender representation and equity in senior roles across both the public and private sectors.

Central to Ms Kekana’s work is ensuring that the DPSA drives ethical reforms. Through initiatives aimed at curbing corruption and promoting transparency, she has supported frameworks that demand accountability from public officials. These efforts include better systems for monitoring performance, enhancing compliance with

public finance regulations, and ensuring consequences for unethical behaviour. Kekana’s approach underlines that ethical leadership is not only about rooting out wrongdoing but also about building cultures of trust and responsibility. This is particularly important in a country where service delivery failures can deeply affect communities.

In addition to professionalisation, Ms Kekana has continued to champion digital innovation within the public service. She has argued that technology must be leveraged to modernise systems, reduce inefficiencies, and make services more accessible. Digitalisation of government services – such as e-governance platforms and electronic records management –are central to the DPSA’s agenda. For Kekana, ensuring that these tools are inclusive and accessible across urban and rural areas is a priority. In this sense, her work bridges her earlier communications portfolio with her current role, ensuring continuity in advancing South Africa’s digital readiness.

Ms Kekana has positioned herself as a champion of youth empowerment in the public service. She has emphasised the importance of internships, training and graduate placement programmes to bring fresh talent into the sector. Her vision is to create a generational shift in which young professionals see public service as a noble career, built on merit, skill and passion for change. 

BYJESSIE TAYLOR

Neville Matjie, CEO, Brand SA

Championing the national brand

Neville Matjie, the Chief Executive Officer of Brand South Africa, stands at the helm of the country’s official marketing agency and has a steadfast commitment to enhancing South Africa’s global reputation. As CEO, he has taken on a critical role: safeguarding and revitalising the national brand, advancing stakeholder engagement, and positioning South Africa as a globally competitive, admired nation.

Brand South Africa’s coordinated marketing, communications and reputationmanagement strategies contribute directly to economic growth, job creation, social cohesion and poverty alleviation by promoting South Africa as a preferred destination for tourism, investment and study.

Building South Africa’s global identity Established in August 2002, Brand South Africa was created in response

to the need for a coherent, powerful nation branding strategy. Its purpose is clear: to craft and promote a positive, consistent, and compelling global image of the country to bolster tourism, trade and investment.

Over the years, the agency has played a pivotal role in positioning South Africa as a competitive player in global markets, helping to dispel

outdated perceptions and highlight the country’s strengths in innovation, creativity, and resilience. Brand South Africa works to ensure that the nation’s story is told authentically and confidently, emphasising shared values of democracy, diversity, and progress. Its mission is to articulate a distinctive “nation brand identity” that strengthens South Africa’s reputation and competitiveness internationally,

while fostering national pride and unity. Its vision is bold: to inspire citizens and earn admiration globally. The agency encourages collaboration between civil society, business, government, and media to project a harmonised brand message.

It operates under a robust governance model: Brand South Africa reports to the Minister in the Presidency and is overseen by a Board of Trustees appointed by the President of the Republic, with Mr Matjie serving as an ex-officio executive trustee.

Before leading Brand South Africa, Mr Matjie built an impressive track record in economic strategy, trade and investment. He served as Acting CEO of the Freeport Saldanha Industrial Development Zone, seconded from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). His prior role as Special Advisor to the former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal focused on economic, trade and investment affairs.

Mr Matjie also headed the province’s official Trade and Investment Agency, championing initiatives such as the “One Stop Shop”, a pioneering investment facilitation centre. His skillset spans strategy development, international trade and marketing, deal-making, and business development. Throughout his career, he has led trade missions and secured over R400 billion in investment for the KwaZulu-Natal economy.

Success in global brand admiration

The reach of Brand South Africa’s work is evident in the country’s remarkable recognition on the continental stage. In the 2025 Brand Africa 100 rankings - the continent’s premier brand admiration survey - South Africa was named the most admired nation brand in Africa.

This accolade stems from a rigorous, independent survey conducted across 31 African countries, involving over 85 per cent of the continent’s population and GDP. The study highlighted a sobering trend: only 11 per cent of the Top 100 most admired brands are African—the lowest share since the initiative began in 2011—underscoring the challenge of translating continental optimism into loyalty to African products and services.

Brand South Africa itself was also inducted into the inaugural Brand Africa Hall of Fame for its consistent performance among Africa’s most admired brands over the past decade-plus. Mr Matjie has said that these rankings speak to the nation’s industrial strength, entrepreneurial spirit and ability to create resonant, authentic brands that build investor confidence, fuel tourism, and unite citizens in pride.

Mr Matjie’s stewardship of Brand South Africa shines as a beacon of public-sector leadership that marries brand strategy with national development. With deep experience in trade, economic promotion, and governance, he is well-placed to animate a brand that resonates with citizens and captivates global audiences.

The accolade of “Most admired nation brand in Africa” confirms the success of his efforts and those of the agency. But beyond accolades, the real value lies in shaping perceptions that lead to jobs, investment, tourism, and national pride. Mr Matjie exemplifies public-sector leadership in a modern era, where nation branding is not peripheral but central to growth, unity and global standing. 

BY THULANI DUBE

Leadership’s role in diversity and technology empowerment

by Thulani Dube, Head of Innovation and Advancement - Cornerstone Institute

As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month, leaders are reminded that the nation’s greatest strength lies in its diversity with 12 official languages, including South African Sign Language that was added to the original 11 recently. Through this tapestry of cultural traditions, and one of the world’s youngest populations, South Africa embodies both the challenges and opportunities of building inclusive, future-ready organisations.

Today, this situation intersects with another defining force, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies. Leadership in South Africa must not only embrace diversity but also empower employees with the digital skills that will determine competitiveness in the global economy. The task

requires vision, courage, and inclusive management practices that are acutely attuned to Africa’s socioeconomic realities.

South Africa’s unique heritage is both a challenge and an opportunity. Its diversity, if embraced and managed well, can be the foundation for innovation. Its young workforce, if empowered with AI and digital skills, can leapfrog traditional constraints and create new paths of growth.

However this will not happen without leadership that is bold, inclusive, and forward-looking. Diversity management is not merely a moral imperative, it is a business necessity. A diverse workforce sparks creativity, challenges entrenched thinking, and drives innovation. Studies have consistently

demonstrated that organisations with higher levels of inclusion outperform peers in revenue growth, adaptability, and resilience. For South Africa, the stakes are especially high.

Unemployment remains persistently high while inequality continues to reshape opportunities, and yet in all this the country stands at the frontier of digital adoption in Africa.

AI is frequently described as the new steam engine as well as a general purpose technology that will reshape industries as fundamentally as electricity or the internet did. For South Africa, AI holds promise in improving service delivery, optimising supply chains, and unlocking entirely new business models. Yet the adoption of AI is not simply a matter of technology but more a

leadership challenge. Global research shows that employees are often more ready for AI than their leaders assume. Workers experiment with AI tools at three times the rate leaders expect, but nearly half feel they lack adequate training to use them effectively. The biggest bottleneck is not employee willingness but leadership boldness. With that in mind, leaders who treat AI only as a cost saving measure may miss the broader opportunity to empower employees as creative problem solvers and innovators.

In this sense, AI should be viewed through the lens of enhancing human decision making, creativity, and problem solving, rather than merely automating tasks. This is particularly important in South Africa, where youth unemployment is high, and where the narrative of technology may be one of job displacement rather than empowerment and opportunity.

To unlock the potential of diversity and technology together, South African leaders must pursue a set of interlinked strategies that include building digital skills pipelines while addressing systemic barriers to technological inclusion and at the same time boldly embracing AI adoption. The data is clear, Africa produces a remarkable number of women STEM graduates, yet fewer than one in three make it into tech roles. Leaders must partner with universities, technical colleges, and community programmes to bridge the “school to work” transition. Initiatives such as Girlcode Hackathon, and Learn to code, to name but a few, already provide a foundation by equipping young Africans with coding and digital skills. Organisations should strive to amplify these efforts through scholarships, apprenticeships,

and structured mentorship that showcase diverse role models.

Incrementalism will not suffice. A McKinsey’s research on innovation in uncertain times shows that organisations that make bold innovation bets outperform their peers by creating sustainable revenue streams. South African leaders must set ambitious AI roadmaps linked to business value. This means investing in workforcewide AI literacy, creating incentives for adoption, and embedding responsible AI practices that address fairness, transparency, and safety. The South African Revenue Services is one such organisation where its leadership has taken the bold step to investigate the integration of AI capabilities to increase efficiency and streamline various services.

Leaders must always create other leaders and as such must Empower Managers as Catalysts of Change. Middle managers, particularly millennials who are already confident with AI, can be critical change agents. Leaders should empower them with resources, authority, and recognition to champion AI adoption within teams. This creates a culture where employees co-develop solutions, provide feedback on tools, and see technology as an enabler of their daily work.

Heritage Month provides a timely reminder that cultural recognition and modern innovation are not mutually exclusive. Leaders can honour diverse traditions while fostering an innovation mindset. Celebrating multiple languages, cultural practices, and histories in the workplace may build trust and psychological safety, the foundation upon which employees are willing to embrace

new skills and tools. In this way, diversity and technology together become sources of resilience.

Leaders must continue to stand tall in Times of Uncertainty. It is without a doubt that uncertainty has become the defining feature of global business, from supply chain disruptions to education revolutions. Leaders who cling to past models risk stagnation, while those who innovate inclusively stand to unlock growth and resilience.

This uncertainty requires “ambidextrous leadership” characterised by balancing defensive measures such as financial prudence with bold investments in innovation. For South Africa’s leaders, the defensive posture might involve protecting jobs and maintaining stability, but the offensive imperative is clear and must focus on reskilling employees, empowering teams in current and future technology, and positioning the organisation to thrive in a rapidly digitising continent.

The task before leaders is to close the proverbial loop to ensure that the abundance of talent in South Africa, especially among the youth, women and marginalised groups does not leak away through systemic barriers. To do so requires aligning diversity management with digital empowerment, ensuring that AI is not a threat but a tool for opportunity.

Through collaborative efforts, South African leaders may succeed, to not only honour the nation’s heritage but also shape its future as a hub of inclusive, tech-driven growth for Africa and the world. 

BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

The continent’s turn to rise and attract major investments

KEY TOURISM STATISTICS FOR AFRICA

• USD 7-billion - Greenfield investment projects 2019 - 2024

• 75 million - international tourist arrivals, 2024

• USD 43-billion - international tourism receipts , 2024

• USD 52.1-billion - international tourism exports, 2024

• 7.7% - tourism in total exports, 2024

• 3.5% - tourism contribution to regional GDP, 2023

Source: UN Tourism

“Africa stands at a transformative moment in its development journey, positioning itself as a dynamic frontier for longterm tourism investment. Comprised of 54 countries and an estimated population of 1.5 billion people, with 60% of it under the age of 25,2 the continent combines demographic strength, improving economic fundamentals and deepening regional integration. Its unparalleled cultural and natural diversity, coupled with growing demand for authentic

and sustainable travel experiences, makes Africa increasingly attractive to global investors.” - Investing in Africa guidelines, UN Tourism

Africa’s steady rise as an investment destination came into the spotlight at the Tourism Investment Summit held in Cape Town from 9 to 10 September in Cape Town. The summit, hosted by the South African Department of Tourism, brought together global leaders in the tourism sector to network and to explore emerging investment opportunities on the continent.

Opening the Summit, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said that investing in tourism is about more than infrastructure, it's about building a sustainable future through education and inclusion. “We are proud to be leading the conversation around tourism investments and building bridges between investors and projects right across Africa."

UN Tourism also unveiled the executive summary of the Investing in Africa guidebook. The report, which is the first of its kind, gives a comprehensive overview of Africa’s tourism investment landscape and emerging business opportunities.

According to the guideline summary, a growing range of investmentready niches are taking shape across the continent - from integrated destination zones and ecotourism to gastronomy, wellness, cultural and religious tourism, sports, diaspora travel, and maritime experiences. Strategic investments in digital, energy, transport and social infrastructure are enabling scalable, high-impact projects aligned with global trends. Supported by regulatory reforms, fiscal incentives, emerging Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and public–private-community partnerships, Africa is not only open for tourism investment but ready to co-create inclusive, future-ready tourism models.

In addition to important data and up-to-date information on tourism dynamics on the continent, the summary is also interspersed with insights from international public and private investors who offer critical reflections and strategies for advancing Africa's tourism potential.

Some insights from stakeholders “Tourism is not just a growth driver –it is a driver of change. It is how we include youth, create culture, and

build futures in Africa. People today want stories, not just structures. Local culture is the bridge to global understanding – and tourism is the gateway that connects them all.”

Hamza Farooqui, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Millat Group

“Investing in tourism in Africa is not just commercially sound, it is a powerful form of impact investing that protects ecosystems, creates jobs and strengthens communities.”

Lucía González Rodríguez-Sahagún, Investment Director, ThirdWay Partners

“The markets are not saturated. A lot of hotel markets in developed countries offer limited growth opportunities, whereas Africa presents enormous potential for expansion. If you are first to a market or enter a relatively unsaturated location, your market share can be extensive. Profitability in such cases is often very high.” Sandra Kneubuhler, Managing Director Sub-Saharan Africa, Radisson Hotel Group

“If governments want to boost tourism, they should focus on two things: reducing barriers to entry for tourists - such as providing easy visa-on-arrival options - and investing in infrastructure to improve accessibility.” Benjamin Peterson, CoFounder and Chief Executive Officer, Purple Elephant Ventures

Investing in Africa at a glance Executive Director of UN Tourism Natalia Bayona gave a presentation on “Investment Trends and Opportunities in Africa”.

“This is the time of emerging countries. When you see the globe, the emerging destinations are the ones that are growing the most. So this is the opportunity to focus on them. And when it comes to investing, investors are committed if they see

security, confidence, trust,” she said as she presented the statistics.

In Africa, the top performing destinations in terms of growth as of Q1 2025 were The Gambia (46%), Morocco (22%), Eswatini and Ethiopia (7%), South Africa (6%) and Kenya at 4%.

In terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the world in all sectors, not just tourism, Natalia indicated that the first tipping point of dropping investments was COVID-19, then they recovered, however the war started.

“So again when there are geopolitical tensions investors are not that open for investments. That's why it's key that our role is to maintain investments through tourism. To assure that from the most human economic sector that is tourism we are able to maintain stability as a driver of mutual understanding and openness.”

Currently the numbers are going up again with global FDI reaching $1.5 trillion in 2024. In Africa there were 104 announced projects representing a capital investment of USD 7-billion with some 15 000 direct jobs expected to be created from 2019 to 2024. In the last five years 90% of the projects focused on accommodation. So that's another key message.

So where are the projects? According to the Financial Times rankings South Africa leads when it comes to foreign direct investment in tourism with 17 greenfield projects. It is followed by Morocco (15), Tanzania (11), Kenya (7), Tunisia (7),Nigeria (5), Senegal (5), Tunisia (7), Cameroon (4), Ethiopia (4) and finally Mozambique (3).

“There are opportunities all around Africa and that's why this is the perfect moment to announce why to invest in Africa.”

BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

The top private investors in Africa (2018-2024)

Main reasons to invest in Africa’s tourism sector

According to the World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Index, Africa shows the strongest global improvement and 16 out of 19 countries improved their scores ince 2019.

Natalia reported one of the key reasons why African countries are performing well is that government policies are introducing innovative incentives to attract tourism investments.

For example, countries are creating tourism special economic zones such as Maio Island in Cabo Verde SEZ to promote tourism with tax benefits and other incentives for investors who settle there. Others include the Inhambane SEZ in Mozambique combining beach tourism and nature conservation; and the Masuwe SEZ in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe developed as part of a drive to develop a USD 5-billion tourism economy in the country.

“These incentives go beyond building a new hotel but it is about developing

the whole infrastructure creating mega cities or mega developments.”

- Natalia

Morocco has a long-term tourism vision with five years corporate income tax exemption. Ghana reduced corporate tax, introduced 5-year tax holidays for young entrepreneurs and diaspora-driven initiatives. Cameroon introduced a one-stop service with VAT/customs exemption and full foreign ownership allowed PPPs such as the Radisson Blu Douala; and Namibia has a community conservancy model granting land rights for tourism concessions.

Investment opportunities per niches

The guideline identified key niches that had strong investment potential.

Integrated tourism zones and destination clusters consisting of large scale master-planned destinations combining hospitality, leisure and infrastructure

Ecotourism and conservation finance - Africa’s rich biodiversity

creates strong ecotourism potential with opportunities in ecolodges, carbon offsets, and conservation bonds.

Urban tourism supported by rising Meetings, Congresses, Conventions and Incentives (MCCI) to hubs such as Addis Ababa, Abuja, Casablanca, Johannesburg and Kigali.

Cultural tourism - Africa’s rich heritage offers strong potential for cultural tourism. Creative travel is also thriving through festivals and art events in cities such as Abidjan, Cape Town and Dakar.

“I believe that we are on the right track to develop Africa’s tourism industry by investing in people, protecting the planet and fostering prosperity. This is just the opening of the hard work that we have to do. Count on us. Count on UN Tourism”, said Natalia as she concluded her presentation.

The Invest in Africa guideline can be downloaded from the UN Tourism website. 

Zimbabwe and Morocco have been ranked among the world’s best destinations by Kayak’s latest Travel Check-in report. Zimbabwe, taking the No. 1 spot, impresses with the grandeur of Victoria Falls, the mystique of Great Zimbabwe’s ancient ruins, and the serene trails of the Eastern Highlands. Interest in the country has grown, with flight searches to cities like Bulawayo surging by more than 80% this year. Morocco, ranked sixth, is enchanting with desert dunes, the Atlas Mountains, and vibrant cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Chefchaouen, alongside coastal gems such as Essaouira.

Source: Business Insider Africa

Source: UN Tourism | TourismRSA | Department of Tourism | Business Insider Africa

BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

Highlighting an attractive investment climate and bankable opportunities

SOUTH AFRICA AS A LEADING TOURISM DESTINATION

• It is the second largest destination in Africa by international tourism receipts. In 2024, South Africa generated $6-billion, nearly 15% of Africa’s total tourism earnings.

• It is the third destination in Africa. In 2024 SA received 9 billion visitors equivalent to 12% of the region’s total arrivals.

• It is the fifth fastest growing destination in Africa. In Q1 2025 international tourist arrivals in SA grew by 6% vs the same quarter in 2024.

• In 2024 the country recorded 47 million domestic tourism trips

Source: UN Tourism

“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.”Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille

Minister De Lille was giving the official opening address at the inaugural Tourism Investment Summit which was held in Cape Town from 9 to10 September.

A G20 legacy project, the event brought together global leaders, policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in South Africa’s tourism industry. According to UN Tourism the country welcomed nearly 9 million international visitors and 47 million domestic trips last year, contributing over 12% to national GDP.

“In July alone, South Africa welcomed over 880 000 visitors, which is a 26% increase compared to last year. Behind these numbers are livelihoods,

families, and communities,” said the Minister. “But we cannot stop there. The ground is fertile for shovel-ready infrastructure projects.

“We stand here not only to showcase projects, but to invite partnerships.

South Africa is a nation at work, and we are about action. Together, we can deliver a bold new chapter in tourism investment, for our country, for Africa, and for the world.”

A highlight at the Summit was the official launch of the Tourism

Doing Business – Investing in South Africa guideline. Developed as a collaboration between the Department of Tourism and UN Tourism, this comprehensive guide provides investors with a practical roadmap, detailing opportunities, incentives, and key projects to drive sustainable tourism growth. The guide also highlights South Africa's unique blend of natural and cultural attractions supported by world-class infrastructure and a welcoming investment climate.

Why South Africa?

Executive Director of UN Tourism Natalia Bayona gave a presentation touching on the reasons to look to South Africa for investment.

Exceptional natural and cultural diversity - The country offers globally renowned wildlife experiences such as safaris with the Big 5. There are over 20 national parks and 10 UNESCO world heritage sites.

Strong regional and global demand - In 2024 76% of international tourist arrivals came from the African continent, alongside rising interest from long-haul markets such the USA, UK and Germany.

World class infrastructure and accessibility - The country boasts the best connected air network in Africa, extensive roadways and modern cruise terminals, ensuring ease of access.

Support and pro-business investment environment - South Africa offers incentives like Special Economic Zones (SEZ), the Green Tourism Incentive programme, and co-investment models for tourism ventures.

Leadership in innovation and sustainable tourism - Leads the continent in tourism tech venture capital funding and is advancing green mobility, renewable integration and circular economy practices in its tourism offerings.

Economic outlook, investment climate and incentives

South Africa’s stable macroeconomic framework, improving investor climate, and strong financial sector position it as a leading tourism investment hub. Its special economic zones (SEZs) framework is a key component of South Africa’s industrial policy - with 15% corporate tax, VAT exemptions and infrastructure and institutional support. Natalia

TOURISM IN SOUTH AFRICA

highlighted that UN Tourism has been actively promoting and encouraging the development of SEZs around the world because these have been key to developing the different regions.

With regard to tourism investment, between 2014 and April 2025 South Africa’s tourism sector attracted 34 projects, reaching $348-million in foreign direct investment (FDI), with the top investors being France, Botswana, UK, USA, India and Germany. The investment focus areas were urban tourism, hospitality, air transport, eco tourism and cultural tourism, with 60% of the capital invested being focused on accommodation.

A core reason behind South Africa being a major tourism destination is that the sector is bolstered by government-driven initiatives to enhance infrastructure, connectivity, and investment opportunities.

During the 2015/16 financial year the Department of Tourism established the Tourist Incentive Programme (TIP) aimed at stimulating growth and development in the sector by providing financial assistance to privately owned tourism enterprises. The five programmes that are currently being funded by TIP are Green Tourism Incentive Programme ; Market Access Support Programme; Tourism Grading Support Programme; Tourism Transformation Fund and the Tourism Equity Fund.

Spotlighting current investment opportunities ready for take-off

During the Summit, eight bankable tourism projects were unveiled with an investment portfolio of $65-million (R1-billion) and the potential to create 1 500 jobs. These projects are tangible opportunities for investors in ecotourism, hospitality infrastructure, cultural heritage tourism, and

green innovation. Minister De Lille indicated that while public-private partnerships (PPPs) are one option, the amendments introduced by the treasury allow investors to innovate other financing models.

As of 1 June 2025, the Amended National Treasury Regulation 16 for Public-Private Partnerships came into effect, allowing for new models to be embraced - from Design-BuildOperate partnerships to blended finance and even crowdfunding.

She said that the eight projects are from both the public and private sectors, with strong return on investment and high community impact.

“And this is just a fraction of what lies in our national pipeline, which is rich, diverse, and growing. We stand here not only as a nation of immense tourism potential, but also as a gateway to Africa,”

The developments on offer are:

Hole in the Wall Resort, Coffee Bay (Eastern Cape)

Project owners: Incopho Coastal Developments

A greenfield development at the iconic Hole in the Wall just off the Wild Coast - a huge detached cliff that has a giant opening carved through its centre by the waves. The development will include a 4-star hotel with 100 rooms, day visitor facilities, which include indoor dining facilities, bar area, boma and swimming pool, and a 500-seater conference facility. Other facilities include a restaurant, lounge, health spa, and a fitness centre. Type of investment: Equity and debt partnership. Investment required 40% of the project cost which is R 141,5-million ($7.9-million)

Water World Fun Park, East London (Eastern Cape)

Project owners: Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency

A family amusement park with water slides, interactive water features and playgrounds.The investment will be for the refurbishment of existing structures, restoring incomplete works, upgrading infrastructure and ensuring the facility meets quality, safety, and operational standards. Investment type: Commercial publicprivate partnership (PPP), equity and debt partnership. Investment required: 41% of project cost equivalent to R 80-million ($ 4.2-million)

Tokai Manor Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town (Western Cape)

Project owners: South African National Parks (SANParks)

Built in 1796 the beautiful and historic Tokai Manor House is an important heritage site located just below Elephant’s Eye, in the Tokai Forest in Cape Town.,

This is a concession opportunity for the refurbishment and operation of this facility. It has the potential to serve as a multi-use eco-tourism facility with related tourism activities. Investment type: Commercial PPP, Equity and Debt Partnership. Investment required: R69-million ($ 3.9-million)

Groote Schuur Estate Tea Room and Restaurant, Cape Town (Western Cape)

Project owners: South African National Parks (SANParks)

A prominent feature in the history of Cape Town, this carefully preserved presidential residence was furnished and decorated by Cecil John Rhodes and is located within the northern

SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

section of Table Mountain National Park, A concession opportunity for the refurbishment, construction of new assets, and upgrading existing assets, and operation of this historical and cultural facility. The opportunity includes operating a restaurant, function venue, curio retail shop, and related tourism activities.

Investment type: Commercial PPP, Equity and Debt Partnership, and Equity Investment required: R20-million ($ 1.1-million)

Eye of Menlyn, Pretoria (Gauteng)

Project owners: SA Corp Group

The project owners intend to establish and operate an observation wheel at Menlyn Park. It will consist of 30 luxury and climate controlled cabins, each with a carrying capacity of 8-10 people.

The Wheel will offer experiences such as cabin trips, digital photo booths and special events booking, including conferences and meetings. A minimum of two cabins will be designated VIP, with exclusive amenities and luxury champagne experiences. Investment type: Debt/ Equity Partnership. Investment required: R25-million ($1.4-million)

God's Window Skywalk (Mpumalanga)

Project owners: Motsamayi Tourism Group

God’s Window, located along the Panorama Route in the eastern Mpumalanga province, has this name because of its breathtaking views of the Lowveld stretching across lush valleys, towering cliffs and distant horizons. The development will consist of a cantilevered glass suspended over the edge of a cliff, protruding about 12 metres outward. The skywalk will offer visitors a panoramic view of the Lowveld with a drop of more than 900m down into the local indigenous forest-clad ravine. Investment type: Commercial PPP, equity and debt partnership

Investment required: 40% of project cost - R 200 million ($ 10.4 million)

Orpen Kruger Lodge (Mpumalanga)

Project owners: MontDor Clarens

The lodge is a resort with chalets just outside the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park, next to Manyeleti Game Reserve. It is renowned for its good wildlife sightings and open-air bush boma dinners and uniquely offers classic Big 5 safaris. The project

involves expanding the resort to include 10 additional chalets and a 144-room hotel.

Investment type: Debt/Equity Partnership

Investment required: 40% of project cost – R 38 million ($ 2.1 million)

Skukuza Rest Camp, (Kruger National Park)

Project owners: SANParks

Skukuza Rest Camp is located in southern Kruger National Park on the banks of the Sabie River. It is the biggest camp and includes facilities such as a shop, deli, ATM, restaurant, swimming pools, car hire, car wash, fuel station, picnic area and other facilities. The project will consist of upgrading the camp’s 36 rondavels, 6 family cottages, and Nyathi Guest House.

Investment type: Commercial PPP, equity and debt partnership

Investment required: R90-million

The Tourism Doing Business –Investing in South Africa guideline which contains more information on these investment opportunities can be found the Department of Tourism’s website. 

BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO

Daisies, Canyons, And Panoramic Views

5 places everyone should visit in South Africa

The Wildflower Route in the Northern Cape

There’s no better time to visit the Northern Cape than at the start of spring when the Namaqualand daisies and the 3 500 other floral species call the usually arid landscape home. At the Namaqualand National Park the dry landscape changes to a kaleidoscope of the oranges and yellows, while Dwarskerbos boasts fascinating pink salt flats, stunning flamingoes and white daisies lining the road.

The Wildflower Route is part of the Succulent Karoo Biome, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and is home to what is known as the bulb capital of the world, just outside Niewoudtville at the Hantam National Botanical Garden.

Magoebaskloof in Limpopo

Named after the Lobedu chief Makgoba, Maogebaskloof is a family friendly destination with a host of outdoor activities from gecko-tubing and hiking to bird watching and horse riding. Spring time visitors are treated to the wonderful sight of azaleas, cherry blossoms and crab apples in the place fondly known as the ‘land of the silver mist’.

Situated between Tzaneen and Haenertsburg, the mountain pass features lush, green afro-montane forests which cover less than 1% of the country’s land mass. The valley was carved by the Politisi river which flows into the Letaba and leads to the Tzaneen dam.

The Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga

After Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, and America’s Grand River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world is found in the Mpumalanga province. The Blyde River Canyon forms part of the Panorama route, which begins at Graskop, the home of God’s Window - famous for its panoramic views which have inspired awe in artists and leisure travellers alike.

Covered in subtropical vegetation, making the canyon green unlike its counterparts, the Blyde River Canyon sits below the iconic peaks known as the Three Rondavels and offers a view of Marieskop. A must-see is the ‘weeping face of nature’ - the Kadish Tufa Waterfall and visitors could be lucky enough to spot hippos and crocodiles as they take in the wonderful landscape. lucky enough to spot hippos and crocodiles as they take in the wonderful landscape.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State

At the foot of the Maluti Mountains the light from the sunset hits the sandstone cliffs and outcrops, giving off the golden colour which gave the Golden Gate Highlands National Park its name. Spread across are caves featuring San rock paintings and while the place is known for the beauty of its landscape it also boasts over 100 bird species, eland, Burchell’s zebra, oribi, springbok and more.

Next door to the park is the town of Clarens where visitors can go shop for art, go game driving, trout fishing and indulge in the selection of restaurants. Visitors can also go back in time, around 200 million years to be exact, when Africa and South America where one continent and dinosaurs roamed the land by exploring fossils and a visit to the popular Basotho Cultural Village offers a fascinating learning experience.

The Magaliesberg in the North West and Gauteng

Formed over 2 billion years ago and stretching 120km across two provinces, the Magaliesberg starts near the Bronkhortspruit Dam and ends in Rustenburg, featuring a mix of bushveld savannah, grassland and forested kloofs which are home to hundreds of tree species. The Magaliesberg has been one of the 631 biospheres in UNESCO’s network since 2015.

Gone are the days when the giants of nature, elephants, giraffes, rhinos and buffaloes roamed the land. Visitors can see klipspringers, leopards, Vervet monkeys, porcupines and more. Things to do include canopy tours, aerial cableway rides, hot air balloon safaris, paragliding, abseiling and more.

BY FIONA WAKELIN & SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

A place in history South Africa’s 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

From the remnants of a time billions of years into the past, to colourful scenery and the legacy of one of the world’s most respected statesmen, South Africa is home to twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They consist of four natural sites, seven cultural sites and one mixed site. Here we look at four cultural sites which are symbols of South Africa’s storied past.

The Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites

Consisting of 14 component parts located around the country, each of these sites is related to a significant turning point of South Africa’s political history.

“These places reflect key events linked to the long struggle against the apartheid state; Mandela’s influence in promoting understanding and forgiveness; and belief systems based on philosophies of non-racialism, Pan-Africanism and ubuntu, a concept that implies humanity is not solely embedded in an individual.” - UNESCO

The legacy sites include:

• Liliesleaf (Johannesburg)

- a national heritage site which served as the secret headquarters and nerve centre of the ANC, SACP, Umkhonto we

Sizwe and the Congress Alliance between 1961 and 1963. On 11 July 1963, the police, acting on a tip-off, raided Liliesleaf and arrested the core leadership of the underground liberation movement. Following the raid, ten people were put on trial to face charges of 193 counts of sabotage against the state. Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Denis Goldberg, Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, Lionel ‘Rusty’ Bernstein, Raymond Mhlaba, James Kantor, Elias Motsoaledi and Andrew Mlangeni. Kantor and Bernstein were acquitted but

The Cradle of Humankind

the other eight were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

• Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication (Kliptown, Soweto)

- one of the most historically significant and vibrant places in Johannesburg, where the historic signing and adoption of the Freedom Charter took place on 26 June 1955. The square was officially opened by President Mbeki 50 years later, and it consists of a range of cultural attractions and historical monuments and it is a national heritage site.

• 16 June 1976: the Streets of Orlando West (Johannesburg)

- Now commemorated as Youth Day, this day honours the youth who were ambushed by the apartheid regime police in Soweto as thousands of black students protested against

an official order which made Afrikaans compulsory in black townships. Over 500 youths were killed, marking this day as a significant turning point in the history of the liberation struggle.

• University of Fort Hare and ZK Matthews House (Alice, Eastern Cape) - A key institution in higher education for black Africans from 1916 to 1959, the university offered Western-style academic education to students from across sub-Saharan Africa, creating a black African elite who later became leaders of their countries including Kenneth Kaunda, Seretse Khama, Yusuf Lule, Julius Nyerere, Robert Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo. Leading anti-Apartheid activists included Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki and Oliver Tambo of the ANC, Mangosuthu Buthelezi

of the IFP, Robert Sobukwe of the Pan Africanist Congress, and Desmond Tutu. Zachariah Keodirelang Matthews - Z.K. Matthews - was one of the first graduates of the University of Fort Hare (1924) and became the most influential black academic of his time. In the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, he worked as an academic at Fort Hare, where he created a culture of questioning that inspired students who became future African leaders.

• The Great Place at Mqhekezweni (Eastern Cape) - this is a site symbolic of traditional leadership where Nelson Mandela lived as a young man under the care of the Regent Jongintaba Dalindyebo after his father passed away. It is the location of the abaThembu traditional authority which

WORLD HERITAGE SITES

BY FIONA WAKELIN & SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

survived colonial and apartheid governments as the custodian of cultural rights, customs and the retention of traditional governance. This profoundly influenced Mandela’s notions and style of leadership as a prominent leader in the liberation struggle and as South Africa’s first democratically elected president.

Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and Kromdraai

“Around 40% of the world's known hominid fossils were unearthed in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, earning it UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1999.” –Maropeng

The fossil sites Swartkrans, Sterkfontein and Kromdraai are situated in close proximity, not more than three kilometres apart, in the Sterkfontein valley near Krugersdorp and have been the centre of exciting archaeological hominid fossil finds – not least of which is that the African continent is the undisputed Cradle of Humankind. They contain some of the most important Australopithecine specimens dating back more than 3.5 million years which provide a window to the origins and evolution of humankind. Think Mrs (Mr?) Ples. Think Little Foot. In the Sterkfontein Caves palaeontologists have unearthed some 500 hominids, making the dolomitic limestone site one of the richest fossil repositories in the world. Museums like the Maropeng Visitor Centre and the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History help us understand our origins.

“The serially nominated sites are situated in unique natural settings that have created a suitable environment for the capture and preservation of human and animal remains that have allowed scientists a window into the past. Thus, this site constitutes a vast reserve of scientific data of universal scope and considerable potential, linked to the history of the most ancient periods of humankind.” - UNESCO

Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape

The remains of one of Africa’s largest kingdoms – Mapungubwe - are right up in the northern border of South Africa. Over the course of 400 years it developed into the largest kingdom in the sub-continent before being abandoned in 1300 AD due to climate change. As a powerful state trading with Arabia and India via East African ports, the rise of Mapungubwe was a significant stage in the history of the continent.

The economy of the kingdom was based on agriculture, hunting and trade in ivory, hides and gold. The upper classes lived and were buried on Mapungubwe Hill which is where, in 1934, an archaeologist found the famous gold rhinoceros – a symbol of the wealth of the state and presettler history.

“In 1999 the gold rhinoceros was designated a National Treasure. In 2002 the ANC created the Order of Mapungubwe, the highest honour in South Africa, of which there are four classes: platinum, gold, silver and bronze. Nelson Mandela was the first to receive the highest of these awards, platinum. At the centre of

the award is a representation of the gold rhinoceros.” - Sian Tiley-Nel, chief curator, University of Pretoria Museums.

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape

The 160 000ha Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape in the north western part of South Africa was declared a World Heritage Site in 2007. A hybrid of cultural and botanical heritage, the cultural aspect is based on the uniqueness of the pastoralism practised there:

“This site sustains the semi-nomadic pastoral livelihood of the Nama people, reflecting seasonal patterns that may have persisted for as much as two millennia in southern Africa. It is the only area where the Nama still construct portable rushmat houses (haru om) and includes seasonal migrations and grazing grounds, together with stock posts. The pastoralists collect medicinal and other plants and have a strong oral tradition associated with different places and attributes of the landscape.” – UNESCO.

The botanical side of things is actually intrinsically linked with the land management processes by the Nama in this mountainous desert region, which have ensured the protection of the Karoo vegetation and ensured a balance between people and the environment. The seasonal, nomadic pastoralism is “ a practice that was once much more widespread over southern Africa, and which has persisted for at least two millennia; the Nama are now its last practitioners.” - UNESCO

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape

The

Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa

UNESCO indicated that these sites provide the most varied and bestpreserved record known of the development of modern human behaviour, reaching back as far as 162 000 years. “Symbolic thought and advanced technologies are exemplified by evidence of ochre processing, engraved patterns, decorative beads, decorated eggshells, advanced projectile weapons and techniques for toolmaking, and microliths.”

The three sites are:

• Diepkloof Rock Shelter close to Elands Bay, Western Cape - this site contains one of the most complete and continuous Middle Stone Age archaeological sequences in Southern Africa. This has allowed scientists to

reconstruct in detail the lives of our ancestors, the environment in which they thrived, and their adaptation over the course of the millennia to an evolving environment. The site also contains rock art dating back to San hunter-gatherers, Khoe pastoralists and the colonial period.

• Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay, Western Cape - these sites, which are at the centre of the archaeologically rich Cape south coast, form part of the Cradle of Human Culture which traces the origins and development of human culture over the past 160 000 years and, in the process, it also uncovers what it means to be human. The Pinnacle Point sites are of great significance as they changed the way scientists contemplated the origins of ‘modern’ humans

(homo sapiens) and they hold a unique record of the climate from about 400 000 to 30 000 years ago.

• Sibudu Cave in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal - this is considered to be one of South Africa’s most important archaeological sites, significant for understanding the behavioural origins of modern humans’ The area has evidence of some of the earliest examples of modern human technology, with a large collection of welldated and well-preserved middle Stone Age deposits. The cave has a long record of occupation between 77 000 and 35 000 years ago. One of its most renowned discoveries are 65 000-year old bone arrowheads, the earliest yet discovered, as well as sea-shell beads older than 70 000 years. 

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

Heritage Month: five mustvisit sites for South Africans

The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) safeguards the country’s national sites, many of which hold international recognition for their cultural, historical, or scientific significance. Among them are five destinations that every person should experience at least once in their lifetime – Robben Island, the Cradle of Humankind, Parliament in Cape Town, Mapungubwe, and the Union Buildings. Each site carries a piece of the national story and continues to inspire pride in South Africa’s place in the world.

Robben Island

Located just off the coast of Cape Town, Robben Island is one of South Africa’s most iconic heritage sites.

For centuries, it was a place of banishment – first for indigenous leaders during the colonial period, later for leprosy patients, and most famously, for political prisoners during apartheid. Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison here, alongside other leaders such as Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, and Robert Sobukwe.

Today, the island stands as a World Heritage Site and a museum. Visitors can walk through the prison blocks, see the stark cells, and listen to stories told by former inmates who guide many of the tours.

Beyond its political history, the island also has ecological significance. It is home to a variety of bird species, including a colony of African penguins. The combination of natural beauty and historical depth makes Robben Island a unique destination that speaks to both the soul and the senses.

SAHRA FOCUS

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind, located northwest of Johannesburg, is one of the world’s most important palaeontological sites. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is home to a network of limestone caves that have yielded fossils dating back millions of years. The discovery of Australopithecus Africanus in the 1920s and more recent finds such as Homo Naledi have provided invaluable insights into human evolution.

The Sterkfontein Caves, one of the Cradle’s most famous attractions, continue to draw scientists and tourists alike. Here, visitors can explore underground passages and learn about the meticulous work of palaeoanthropologists. At the

Maropeng Visitor Centre, exhibitions bring these discoveries to life, demonstrating how the journey of humankind connects us all. Educational programmes at the Cradle also make it a hub for inspiring future generations of scientists, conservationists, and leaders. Its message is clear: South Africa’s heritage is not just national, but universal. to the speeches that heralded freedom.

Parliament of South Africa

Situated in Cape Town, the Parliament of South Africa is both a working institution and a heritage landmark. Its historic buildings, dating back to the 19th century, reflect the country’s colonial architecture while housing the modern engine of democratic governance. The parliamentary precinct has witnessed defining moments in South Africa’s history – from debates that entrenched apartheid laws to the speeches that heralded freedom. Parliament is significant not only as the legislative hub of the country

but also as a space that embodies democratic values. Since 1994, it has been the stage where South Africa’s leaders shape policies, debate laws, and work towards social and economic transformation. Tours of Parliament offer visitors an opportunity to see democracy in action, while also learning about the institution’s history. Though the buildings were damaged by fire in 2022, extensive restoration work is under way to preserve their heritage and ensure Parliament continues to serve as a beacon of governance and accountability.

societies, challenging stereotypes that civilisation and complexity only arrived with colonialism.

Mapungubwe is also situated in a stunning natural landscape where the Limpopo and Shashe rivers meet. Visitors can explore the Mapungubwe National Park, which combines rich biodiversity

The Cradle of Humankind

Parliament of South Africa

with cultural heritage. The park is part of a transfrontier conservation area, promoting regional cooperation in environmental preservation.

Union Buildings

The Union Buildings in Pretoria stand as an enduring symbol of government, unity, and national pride. Designed by Sir Herbert

Baker and completed in 1913, the buildings represent one of the most recognisable landmarks in South Africa. They house the offices of the President and serve as the official seat of government. The gardens offer a peaceful space for reflection and provide panoramic views of Pretoria. The Union Buildings have been the site of many historic moments, most notably

the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s first democratic president in 1994. The amphitheatre and terraces continue to be gathering spaces for national celebrations, protests, and public ceremonies. The towering statue of Mandela unveiled in 2013 is a fitting tribute to the spirit of reconciliation and leadership that the buildings symbolise. 

Union Buildings

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

Facilitating tourism growth through digital visas

South Africa is poised to embark on a significant leap forward in tourism facilitation with the introduction of a fully digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Scheduled to go live by the end of September 2025, the ETA will allow shortstay tourists - those required to hold a visa for visits up to 90 days - to apply seamlessly from their smartphones.

This marks a milestone in digital transformation, delivering rapid visa issuance, reducing the risk of fraud, and vastly improving the visitor experience. The system was first announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address earlier in the year and demonstrated by Minister Leon Schreiber shortly thereafter.

A game changer for tourism Fast-track visa mechanisms such as the ETA streamline entry protocols, delivering reliability and convenience for travellers and reducing administrative burdens for immigration services. The ETA cuts queues and foot traffic at ports of entry, eliminating antiquated and time-consuming face-toface processes. The automation of background checks and document verification also strengthens the integrity of border security while facilitating smoother passenger flows.

In parallel, South Africa’s Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), a

fast-track visa initiative for tourists arriving via accredited operators, has already shown promising uptake. In the first six months of operation, the TTOS attracted over 25000 tourists, particularly from Indian and Chinese markets, reinforcing confidence that digital-first tools can swiftly boost arrivals and international appeal.

South Africa’s tourism sector is already on an encouraging trajectory. In 2024, the country welcomed 8.92 million international arrivals, a 5.1% increase on the previous year, with the majority of tourists originating from within Africa (76%) and solid growth from Europe. Moreover, tourism’s share of GDP climbed to

3.3% by mid-2025, compared to 2.3% in 2019, with 1.8 million people employed in the sector.

In January 2025 alone, South Africa processed over 1.3 million foreign arrivals, of which nearly 1.014 million were overnight tourists - the bulk of whom came for holiday purposes - indicating sustained demand for inbound leisure travel.

Home Affairs minister Leon Schrieber said: “By the end of September, we will begin the rollout of the digital ETA system for tourist visas, starting with travellers arriving by air at OR Tambo and Cape Town International airports. Over time, the ETA will be expanded to more visa categories and rolled out at more ports of entry. This scale-up will continue until no person can enter South Africa without obtaining a digital visa through the ETA. This system eliminates the space for interference, corruption or delays by using machine learning to automate the application, adjudication and communication of all visa processes.”

Aligning digital vision with tourism growth

With tourism already expanding and making a substantive contribution to both GDP and employment, digital facilitation systems like ETA are timely and transformative. They align with broader government objectives of modernising immigration services, enhancing efficiency, and supporting economic recovery. By providing fully online visa applications, realtime tracking, and secure digital authorisations—delivered via

smartphone wallets—the system also reinforces South Africa’s reputation as an accessible, forward-looking destination.

ETA is anticipated to work in concert with schemes like the TTOS. Together, they form a multifaceted approach: one focused on serving the general tourism population with self-service, fast-tracked digital entry; the other targeting higher-value markets via trusted operator partnerships. This twin-track strategy broadens South Africa’s appeal and provides flexible access points for inbound travellers.

The benefits of ETA extend beyond convenience. By reducing friction at borders, South Africa increases its competitiveness in international tourism markets. Quicker entry times and enhanced predictability raise the country’s scorecard among destination decisions, especially for business travellers and timesensitive holidaymakers.

A streamlined visa process also increases awareness of the destination’s reliability, encouraging repeat visits and higher-yield spending. ETA presents an opportunity to showcase South Africa’s responsiveness, modern governance, and readiness to cater to global industry standards.

With ETA’s September rollout on the horizon, South Africa stands ready to capture the upswing in global tourism and broaden its reach. The system’s impact is expected to be felt in airport processing times, traveller satisfaction, foreign exchange earnings, and inbound

By the end of September, we will begin the rollout of the digital ETA system for tourist visas, starting with travellers arriving by air at OR Tambo and Cape Town International airports.

volumes. Longer term, the ETA platform could be expanded to include visa-exempt nationalities, business travellers, or even digital nomads, further enhancing South Africa’s attractiveness. Together with collaborative schemes like TTOS, and backed by strong tourism performance and economic gains, the ETA cements the country’s position as a modern, efficient, and welcoming destination. 

Leon Schreiber Minister of Home Affairs of South Africa

BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

Tourism Ministers' meeting

The G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting

A landmark declaration paving the way for sustainable development

• It is the second largest destination G20 welcomed 74% of all international tourists (2022)

• This was 73% of tourism exports worldwide.

• G20 economies tourism direct GDP reached 3.7% (2019)

Source: G20 South Africa Tourism Working Group

Tourism ministers and senior representatives from the world’s largest economies came together on 12 September for the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting at Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga. This was to discuss and agree on priorities for the G20’s action plan to advance the tourism sector in the member states.

In his welcome address Mpumalanga province Premier Mandla Ndlovu said: “This

G20 platform reminds us that tourism is more than leisure, it is a driver of trade, infrastructure development, and international cooperation. We fully understand that it is out of such meetings that, as Mpumalanga, we will be assisted to safeguard the longterm prosperity of the tourism industry through sustainable development.”

A significant outcome of the meeting was the Mpumalanga

Declaration in which the ministers supported the four tourism priority areas identified by the tourism working group to develop a sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector.

Some excerpts from the Declaration

Priority one: Digital Innovation to enhance travel and tourism start-ups and MSMEs

Integrating digital innovation, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart platforms, and datadriven solutions, is no longer a future ambition but a present necessity to help address the challenges faced by the tourism sector, and in particular MSMEs and rural communities. Recognising that inclusive growth must be matched by preparedness for future challenges, we underscore the importance of improving crisis readiness and response in tourism through the use of AI and other digital tools for early warnings, effective communication, and rapid recovery from disruptions. This includes building the capacity of MSMEs through targeted training, facilitating affordable access to technology, and monitoring progress with clear and measurable indicators.

We encourage the G20 Members and invited countries to undertake the following actions on a voluntary basis, in accordance with their policies, regulations and priorities, to empower tourism start-ups and MSMEs through digital innovation:

a) Integrate AI innovation into national tourism strategies

b) Promote standardisation

c) Build institutional capacity and develop training programmes

d) Establish financial incentives for MSME digital transformation

e) Foster Inclusive entrepreneurship & innovation ecosystems and Incubators

f) Expand digital access and smart infrastructure

g) Promote ethical and responsible AI adoption, in line with national priorities

h) Strengthen security of and in the use of ICTs and digital trust

i) Apply digital tools to monitor and reduce environmental impacts

j) Monitor progress and foster adaptive policy frameworks

Priority two: Tourism financing and investment to enhance equality and promote sustainable development

We recognise the importance of working with international financial institutions and development banks to explore opportunities to scale up concessional financing and blended finance schemes, with tailored instruments for resilient tourism infrastructure. We further recognise the importance of Official Development Assistance (ODA), including concessional resources, and financing instruments in promoting inclusion, namely for women, youth and people with disabilities, while attracting private capital into MSMEs and community-based initiatives.

We emphasise the importance of integrating tourism into national development strategies and the need to unlock financing for sustainable tourism. To complement scarce resources, we call for the mobilisation of public-private capital through transparent, predictable, and sustainability-aligned investment environments. We underscore the importance of project preparation, blended and impact finance,

advocating for the creation of equity funding schemes and risksharing facilities to lower barriers for private participation, with emphasis on transparency and accountability.

Priority three: Air connectivity for seamless travel

We recognise that connectivity plays a crucial role in driving tourism development, with air travel accounting for 56% of all international arrivals and more than 70% for over half of G20 economies. We acknowledge that enhancing air connectivity for seamless travel promotes solidarity, coherence among peoples, equal opportunity and sustainable development. The development of air travel should align with sustainability in its economic, social and environmental dimensions. We acknowledge that an enhanced coordination between tourism and civil aviation administrations could help foster partnerships between the tourism and transport sectors, promote air connectivity for seamless travel and advance flagship projects in G20 economies such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

We encourage G20 members and invited countries to focus their efforts on the following areas of actions to enhance air connectivity for tourism at national, bilateral and multilateral level on a voluntary basis, in accordance with national policies, regulations and priorities:

a) Route development: enhance marketing, financial and/or economic levers

b) Market access: open the skies, competition

c) Policy coordination and alignment: Create a new governance between tourism and air transport

BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

d) Multimodal integration and create conditions for seamless travel.

Priority four: Enhanced resilience for inclusive sustainable tourism development

We recognise the need for G20 members and invited countries to promote inclusive tourism, recognising that sustainable and resilient development not only directly sustains and creates decent work, businesses and entrepreneurship, but also catalyses broader economic growth and expands opportunities for youth, women, people in vulnerable situations, local communities and Indigenous Peoples, as appropriate, with a

practical and evidence-based approach. We reaffirm that social inclusion is a cornerstone of sustainable and resilient tourism. In this regard, appropriate indicators should be employed to measure progress in improving quality of life, reducing inequalities, and preserving cultural heritage.

We encourage G20 members and invited countries to undertake the following actions on a voluntary basis, in accordance with their policies, regulations and priorities, to enhance resilience for inclusive and sustainable tourism development:

a) Embed sustainability and resilience as core pillars of tourism policy

b) Strengthen crisis preparedness and rapid response

c) Foster inclusive tourism that benefits and engages local populations and communities

d) Drive economic and product diversification

e) Unlock finance and support for tourism start-ups and MSMEs

f) Invest in smart, sustainable and resilient systems

g) Leverage data, technology and foresight

h) Strengthen public-private collaboration

i) Support the development of sustainable tourism in under-developed or lesserknown regions

Looking to the future - Hackathon and empowering the youth

Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille reported in the meeting that over the past few weeks, 48 talented students from 21 institutions came together at the University of the Western Cape for the G20 Tourism Hackathon. They tackled real-world challenges using AI, design thinking, and human-centred innovation. Their solutions ranged from immersive heritage platforms to offline learning kiosks and innovative safety tools.

The winning teams of the challenge - The Catalysts, Map My Biz, and Ubuntu Unlimited - had the opportunity to present their solutions at the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting.

“These young minds remind us: tourism is not just about travel - it’s about transformation. It’s about empowering the next generation to build a sector that is inclusive, sustainable, and tech-savvy. Let us celebrate their creativity and commit to nurturing it. Because when we invest in youth, we invest in the future of tourism.”

The full Mpumalanga Declaration can be found on the G20 South Africa website.

events

September

4th Digital Economy Working Group meeting

2nd Foreign Ministers’ meeting (New York, USA (on the margins of UNGA High-Level Week)

Digital Economy Working Group Ministerial meeting

Task Force 3 Ministerial Meeting: Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance And Innovation For Sustainable Development

October

11th G20 Parliamentary Speaker’ Summit (P20)

5th Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting

4th Trade and Investment Working Group Meeting

4th Energy Transitions Working Group Meeting

Energy Transitions Working Group Ministerial Meeting

4th Finance and Central Bank Ministerial Meeting

Stay updated on G20 South Africa activities, events, videos during the year:

Website: https://g20.org/

Social media: G20 South Africa on Facebook, Instagram, X, Tik Tok, Linkedin, YouTube and Flickr

Sources: G20 South Africa | Mpumalanga Provincial Government

HOME AFFAIRS PARTNERS WITH CAPITEC AND FNB

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

Bringing smart IDs and passports closer to home

In a landmark digital transformation, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has partnered with major banks to expand access to Smart ID cards and passport services dramatically. This innovative approach brings essential government services directly to the doorsteps of millions, bridging longstanding gaps in accessibility and service delivery.

For years, South Africans associated Home Affairs with long queues, system downtime, and overcrowded offices. While dedicated staff have worked tirelessly under difficult conditions, public frustration with slow document issuance has become widespread. The partnership with banks addresses these issues

head-on by redistributing demand across hundreds of decentralised points of service.

The original pilot project, which began in 2015 with only a handful of Standard Bank and FNB branches, proved the concept was both feasible and popular. The pilot also revealed

the critical role of strong digital back-end systems - lessons now carried forward into the national rollout.

A solution to long-standing challenges

FNB and Standard Bank launched services in August 2025. FNB immediately activated 15 branches and plans to extend to 240 within a year, with future rollout on its mobile app. Standard Bank mirrors this phased expansion, starting with 20 branches in 2025 and reaching 300 by 2026.

Shortly after, Capitec joined, introducing services at 10 branches and aiming for 100 by early 2026 and 300 beyond. This trio alone pushes the network to 840 branches within 12 months— over a 300 % increase from just 30 pilot sites previously available. Further widening the network, Absa and Discovery Bank were added, with Absa integrating services into its banking app and branch network. TymeBank, a digital-only institution, will deliver services via its extensive kiosk network in Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Foschini stores, with plans underway to expand to more locations after initial testing in Johannesburg.

One of the most inclusive elements of this model is that all South Africans, whether banking clients or not, can access Smart ID and passport services at participating branches. The process is user-friendly: visit a branch, undergo a photo capture and biometric verification that connects in real time to the National Population Register, then

collect your document in just a few weeks.

Technology at the heart of the transformation

The new system rests on major upgrades to Home Affairs’ technology infrastructure. The revamped Online Verification System delivers near-instant and highly accurate verifications, with failure rates dropping from 50 % to under 1 % and latency trimmed to under a second.

Biometric authenticationfingerprint and facial recognition - ensures applications are secure and linked correctly to the National Population Register. This reduces the risk of identity fraud, a growing concern in the digital economy, while also giving South Africans peace of mind that their personal data is safe. The collaboration has an added benefit for banks: access to robust, governmentbacked identity verification tools that support safer financial transactions.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber heralded this initiative as a pivotal step toward delivering on the “Home Affairs @ home” vision. He emphasised that the partnership is not just operational, it symbolises the power of technology and collaboration to resolve entrenched service delivery challenges.

This shift could be a gamechanger for underserved communities, including rural citizens, people with mobility challenges, or those without easy access to traditional Home Affairs offices. It reduces barriers, cuts

down on lengthy queues, and brings essential documentation closer to people’s homes.

The economic benefits are also notable. With faster access to IDs and passports, South Africans can seize opportunities previously delayed by administrative backlogs. Whether applying for a job, securing social grants, registering for studies, or travelling abroad, citizens are empowered to participate more fully in society.

Moreover, the rollout contributes to South Africa’s digital transformation agenda, aligning with broader goals of modernising government services, strengthening cyber resilience, and improving public trust in state institutions. The partnership illustrates how leveraging private-sector innovation can help the government achieve outcomes more quickly and efficiently. With promising momentum, the DHA and its partner banks are on track to further broaden services. Digital app integration, home delivery, and expanded branch coverage are next on the agenda—even for banks increasingly defined by digitalonly offerings.

The Home Affairs partnership with FNB, Standard Bank, Capitec, Absa, Discovery Bank, and TymeBank represents a modern, inclusive service-delivery model. The initiative rebuilds access to critical government services with speed, dignity, and efficiency by harnessing existing banking

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

New demerit system for traffic fines set to transform South Africa’s roads

South Africa is preparing for a major shift in road safety management by introducing the new driving licence demerit point system, scheduled for 1 September 2026. The initiative, anchored in the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act, is a significant step toward reducing traffic violations and curbing the high rates of road accidents that claim thousands of lives annually. The system aims to change driver behaviour through accountability. Instead of relying solely

on fines, the demerit system links traffic violations directly to a motorist’s driving licence, introducing a new level of personal responsibility on the road. The approach aligns South Africa with global best practices, as many countries successfully use demerit systems to improve road safety.

Driving cultural change

Under the new law, every driver will start with a zero-point record. Demerit points will be added to the

driver’s record for each traffic offence committed. The severity of the offence determines the number of points. For example, speeding or reckless driving could result in several points, while minor offences such as parking violations would carry fewer points. Once a driver accumulates 12 demerit points, their licence will be suspended for a period of three months. During this suspension, they are not legally permitted to drive. Repeat offences

and multiple suspensions could eventually lead to a licence being permanently cancelled. The system applies equally to individual drivers and companies that own vehicle fleets, ensuring that corporate accountability is also part of the strategy.

The ultimate goal of the demerit system is not punishment, but transformation. Authorities want to instill a culture of responsible driving and reduce the number of preventable road accidents. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), South Africa records over 12 000

road deaths annually, many linked to reckless driving, speeding, or drunk driving. The system encourages greater care and mindfulness on the roads by making traffic offences a direct threat to a driver’s licence. Motorists must weigh the long-term risk of losing their licences against the short-term convenience of flouting traffic laws.

Beyond safety, the demerit system has wider economic implications. Road accidents cost South Africa billions of rand annually through healthcare, law enforcement, insurance claims, and lost productivity. By reducing collisions, the system could free up critical resources and improve economic efficiency.

Moreover, safer roads contribute to building investor confidence. Companies moving goods across the country rely heavily on road networks, and reducing accidents improves supply chain reliability. For ordinary citizens, safer roads mean greater peace of mind, particularly for families who travel regularly during holidays when accident rates spike.

A balance between accountability and reward

The success of the demerit system depends on effective enforcement, which will be supported by technology. Traffic enforcement authorities will increasingly rely on electronic systems such as speed cameras, licence plate recognition technology, and digital databases that automatically record offences and update demerit points.

This digital integration will also reduce corruption by minimising the opportunity for drivers to avoid fines

through bribery. With offences logged in real time and linked directly to licences, accountability becomes harder to evade. While the system is designed to penalise reckless behaviour, it also creates space to reward compliance. Drivers who avoid offences will retain clean records, reducing administrative costs and avoiding the inconvenience of penalties. This balance between accountability and reward ensures that the system is perceived as fair rather than purely punitive.

Authorities are also considering public awareness campaigns to help drivers understand how the system works and how to protect their licences. These campaigns will be critical in ensuring compliance and avoiding confusion once the system takes effect.

With the implementation date still a year away, the government has time to prepare the infrastructure and conduct pilot projects in selected municipalities. These pilots will test the system’s efficiency and allow for adjustments before the nationwide rollout.

Employers, especially in the logistics and transport industries, are also encouraged to begin preparing their workforce. Training sessions, internal policies, and regular driver behaviour monitoring will help businesses avoid disruptions caused by suspended licences.

Ultimately, the driving licence demerit system is about saving lives. Every accident avoided represents families spared from tragedy and communities protected from loss. While the transition may initially face resistance, the long-term benefits of safer, more accountable driving will transform South Africa’s roads for generations to come. 

SPORTING ACTION

BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO

They are here and they belong The Springbok Women’s awakening

The Black Ferns have won as many World Cups as the Springbok Women have played in. When the teams lined up for the quarter-final, the South Africans had never recorded a win against that juggernaut of women’s rugby, the six-time World Cup winners. Just hours before, halfway across the world, the four-time men’s champions had humbled the Black Ferns’ countrymen, the All Blacks, with their biggest ever defeat. The stage was set.

With South Africa’s professor of attacking rugby – whose blueprints always seemed more of a tip of the hat to their flair from Down Under than the trademark physical

South African style he’d embraced as a caretaker coach for the women’s side – guiding things, many hoped the Springbok Women could pull off one of the greatest upsets in the sports history.

Coach Swys de Bruin had taken inspiration from the magician Rassie Erasmus before with a 6 - 2 split, like many other coaches around the world, but for this game he went even deeper into the great innovators bag of tricks with the even more controversial 7 - 1 split. Rassie first deployed it against New Zealand for that unforgettable World Cup warm-up match in 2023

which, coincidentally, was when the Springbok Men had recorded the previous record win over the All Blacks.

The name of the stadium, Sandy Park, seemed so apt when Swys de Bruin’s game plan became clear within minutes of kickoff. The Springbok Women set out to make the game a slow, hard slog, to suffocate the Black Ferns, with their 10-woman plus two style taken up a notch, to make it feel like running a marathon on the beach while getting pelted by waves. “Leave nothing on the field. We will carry you off if you are too tired to walk at the end of it,” said de Bruin to the team before the match. “This is the

biggest game of your life, go out and enjoy it.”

For the first half, the centre held, things did not fall apart. The ball looked like it would never go past the centres, it stayed among the heavy-hitters, the wrecking ball that is Babalwa Latsha, the rampaging Aseza Hele, the relentless Danelle Lochner, the imperious midfield pairing of Aphiwe Ngwevu and Zintle Mphupa.

Before the Italy game two weeks prior, flyhalf Libbie Janse van Rensburg had given the warning: “We [had] a job, we said we were going to be direct - this is what South Africa is about.”

BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO

And when the 14 and 15-player lineouts, with utility backs Nadine Roos and Byhandré Dolf doing their best impressions of Victor Matfield as lineout jumpers, and the mauls, engineered off the side of scrums, had stunned everyone at Sandy Park it seemed as though maybe the Black Ferns would fall apart, that the 10 - 10 deadlock would end in South Africa doing the unthinkable.

Hard-earned tries from Latsha and Ngwevu kept the dream alive.

The tale of two halves is one of the gifts of sport but can also be of great torment. Before Swys de Bruin and his trusty lieutenants had even returned to the coaches box the levy broke. Within a matter of minutes it seemed as though the Black Ferns had left the Springboks trudging in the sand and decided to run on water instead. In the end, the centre, and wings, and fullback, and everyone scrambling to defend, could not hold.

But after eighty minutes, after South Africa had given New Zealand arguably their first real test in the tournament, after one of the most physically demanding contests in sport, the two teams sang and danced together. Competitors from the first whistle, members of a burgeoning community, a family or whānau in Māori, after the final whistle.

Perhaps due to the growing rivalry between Ireland and South Africa it’s poignant that the great Irish poet William Butler Yeats’ poem does not fit neatly into this narrative. These Springbok Women are the best to have worn the jersey, conviction is something they do not lack, and the passionate intensity is on display in droves.

The arrival

“I’ve been blessed [with] 38 years in professional rugby. I've never worked with a team like this. It’s just a bunch of fighters. I cry every day [with pride]. It’s just unreal how they never moan, they just go, go, go,” said de Bruin at the post-match conference. This sentiment was echoed by former captain and legend of the local game, Mandisa

Williams, and Stanley Raubenheimer, who coached the women’s national side for four years.

They know all about the foundations that had to be laid, about the pioneers who came before, about the struggle for recognition and support through an amateur era, and what it took for this group of women in particular to get to where they are. Williams broke new ground as part of the side that went to South Africa’s first World Cup in 2006, led by first-ever captain of the Springbok Women, Nomsebenzi Tsotsobe. Raubenheimer gave many of the players in this squad their first international caps.

“There is something special about this group - we come from different backgrounds and all of us have different stories on how rugby shaped our lives,” said veteran captain Nolusindiso Booi, who played alongside current scrum coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt when the Springboks last met the Black Ferns at the 2010 tournament in a 55 - 5 drubbing.

It’s this collage of individual stories, and the willingness to fight and do it with pride, discipline and joy, along with a first time playoff spot and a top 10 world ranking, that make another loss to defending champs easier to swallow. There’s a sense of expectation, a growing respect for a group of women who wear the green and gold with pride.

“I think it’s all about the difference they made for the people back home. [They’re] role models and it's just unreal,” said de Bruin after the loss.

As sportswriter Lungani Zama noted, the women’s game does not have a talent pipeline that’s over a century old like the men’s game and its elite rugby schools. Instead coaches and selectors in South Africa have drawn from a broader pool of established sportswomen and undiscovered talents and this side is no exception.

“It is a motley crew of former athletes, cricketers, netballers, footballers, teachers and everyday humans who have an interest in the game,” writes Zama.

The team’s Swiss Army Knife and arguably the most talented player, Nadine Roos, was a hurdler who competed at the 15th Crossfit Games. Danelle Lochner played netball for the national team and became a Springbok after less than a year of playing rugby. Zintle Mphupa played cricket for the SA U19 side. Aseza Hele was working at a petrol station when her netball career stalled and started training with a local rugby team just to keep fit.

Just five years ago the now 31-year-old Babalwa Latsha, the intimidating but gentle soul of a tighthead prop who has captained the side on a few occasions, became the first African woman in Africa to turn professional.

Until recently the handful of overseas-based players who followed in Latsha’s footsteps were the only professionals in the setup, and the Bulls Daisies contingent, who form part of the country’s first professional women’s club, now dominate the composition of the team the same way they’ve dominated the domestic women’s league.

The work that former Irish international Lynne Cantwell put in as women’s high performance manager during Rassie Erasmus’ time as Director of Rugby is bearing fruit. She built the league the Daisies are dominating and the work of establishing structures

and engineering a talent pipeline is being pushed even further by Dave Wessels and Francois Davids, SA Rugby’s high performance manager and vice president respectively.

The number of licensed players almost doubled between 2021 and 2024 and plans for a new league that will take the domestic women’s game into a professional era are firmly under way.

Nolusindiso Booi leaves the game in a better place than when she found it. That marvelous servant of the game who has seen the highs and lows through four World Cup campaigns. Between sharing his worldly knowledge of the game and ‘dad’ jokes, Swys de Bruin apparently spends a lot of time talking about miracles.

Booi has seen miracles. She has guided the next generation who are already guiding the one to come. They’ve made their presence known. “We are here and we belong here.”

A little English boy brought ferocious ball-carrier Aseza Hele, from the Eastern Cape, to tears after asking her to sway jerseys with him. She couldn’t believe that she could touch the life of someone so far away from home. A giant on the field, even she couldn’t see what’s over the horizon, what Swys de Bruin thinks is happening: the beginning of a new age.  Source: News24 |

REGIONAL FOCUS - EASTERN CAPE

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

Future-ready classrooms

Isuzu’s AI and Robotics Centre boosts STEM learning in the Eastern Cape

In a significant stride toward nurturing young innovators, Isuzu Motors South Africa has inaugurated a state-of-the-art AI, Coding and Robotics Centre at Astra Primary School in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. This initiative signals a powerful fusion of industry, education, and social investment designed to align with the region’s future-focused development goals.

Launched in partnership with Sifiso EdTech, a division of the Sifiso Learning Group founded by Sizwe Nxasana and Dr Judy Dlamini, the centre transforms classroom learning with immersive technology. With an investment exceeding R1.2-million, the facility boasts robotics kits, laptops, tablets, advanced coding software, and a fully customised computer lab to introduce learners to futurefacing technologies.

Holistic educator and learner support

Recognising that success begins with teachers, the centre includes five-day training workshops, structured lesson plans, assessment tools, and 12 months of educator support. The centre also serves as a community hub, hosting robotics competitions and coding exhibitions that foster pupil engagement and pride.

This centre embodies Isuzu’s corporate social responsibility strategy, which positions education as a critical societal pillar.

STEM education in South Africa is increasingly recognised as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. However,

access to quality STEM education remains uneven and often limited by structural inequalities.

According to the Department of Basic Education, fewer than 30% of Grade 12 learners choose pure mathematics, a key gateway subject for STEM careers.

In 2023, only 48.6% of learners passed mathematics with 40% or more, a decline from previous years, while science performance also remained modest. Moreover, the National Advisory Council on Innovation reports that South Africa continues to lag behind many developing nations in producing science and engineering graduates, raising concerns about future talent pipeline.

Despite these challenges, there is growing emphasis on boosting STEM uptake at both school and tertiary levels. Programmes like the Department of Science and Innovation’s Youth into Science Strategy and initiatives such as Isuzu’s new AI and Robotics Centre in the Eastern Cape aim to inspire students, particularly in underresourced communities, to pursue STEM careers.

The Human Sciences Research Council underscores that students from rural and township schools often lack access to laboratories, qualified teachers, and digital learning tools—further reinforcing the importance of public-private partnerships in bridging these gaps.

The need for strong STEM education is underscored by South Africa’s broader goals - ranging from job creation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution to enhancing infrastructure, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

A catalyst for technology

This project reflects a deeper ambition: closing South Africa’s skills gap through early STEM education. By situating this centre in Gqeberha, a historically under-resourced area, the initiative aligns with national equity priorities and the Department of Basic Education’s Coding and Robotics CAPS curriculum.

“We want to see learners as creators, not just consumers of technology,” said Celestin

Ndhlovu, Vice President of Corporate Services at Isuzu Motors SA.

Isuzu Motors South Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan’s Isuzu Motors Ltd., has steadily entrenched itself in South Africa’s automotive sector. Isuzu employs staff focused on assembling commercial trucks and pickups at its Gqeberha manufacturing site. The facility spans over 16,602 m² and has an annual production capacity of around 5,000 commercial trucks and 23,000 bakkies.

Isuzu’s economic impact extends beyond manufacturing. Through its Isuzu Foundation, the company invests in community development and youth empowerment. Recent initiatives include a R278,250 donation to support childfocused organisations through the Ironman4theKidz fundraiser, and educational investments exceeding R1.2 million in primary school infrastructure and literacy programmes.

In the long term, the Isuzu centre promises to catalyse digital literacy, reduce education inequality, and bolster the Eastern Cape’s social and economic fabric.

As students move through high school, they may bring STEM capabilities into regional industries, from port logistics to vehicle manufacturing, aligning local talent to emerging opportunities.

Through investment in infrastructure, teacher development, and community engagement, the project offers students, educators, and the broader public sector a template for building a futureready learning ecosystem. 

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

How South Africans are navigating spending

South Africa’s consumer landscape is evolving rapidly, shaped by technology, economic shifts, and changing household priorities. According to the Spend Trend Report from Discovery, consumers make more intentional choices with their money, balancing lifestyle spending with longterm financial security.

The report highlights key patterns in how South Africans allocate their resources, from increased adoption of digital banking and healthier lifestyle purchases to growing confidence in planning for retirement and investing. These shifts reveal a more financially aware consumer base and signal opportunities for government, business, and communities to align strategies with the nation’s economic future. Spanning

data from 2019 to 2024, the report offers an insightful analysis of consumer spending patterns across South Africa.

Covering 2.6 billion transactions and over 12 million active credit cards, the report tracks shifts in behaviour during a financially challenging period marked by persistent inflation and high interest rates. By presenting an in-depth view of how South Africans earn, save, and spend, SpendTrend25 provides a mirror of current consumer habits and a roadmap for how businesses and policymakers can respond to changing dynamics.

Price pressures and a cautious rebound in spending

Although inflation dropped from 6% to 4.4% in 2024, South African spending per active card remained

flat, trailing inflation by around five percentage points. High interest rates, peaking at 11.75% in 2024, continued to strain household finances, making value-conscious decisions essential. Consumers are increasingly prioritising valuebased spending and rewards over discretionary purchases. Importantly, the data shows that spending levels are not collapsing but stabilising, which speaks to consumer resilience despite tough conditions.

Groceries, retail, travel (including eating out and takeaways), and fuel together account for over 70% of total consumer spend. While groceries remain essential, affluent South Africans are still allocating

more to travel and retail, reflecting their greater flexibility. This suggests that while lower and middle-income households focus more narrowly on survival spending, higher-income households are helping to sustain growth in leisure and lifestyle sectors.

Residents of Bloemfontein, East London and Gqeberha prioritise groceries and fuel, while consumers in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria spend more on dining out and retail. This variation underscores how urbanisation and lifestyle differences influence consumption patterns. With their concentration of restaurants, shopping centres, and service industries, metropolitan areas

Source: Discovery Bank SpendTrend25

continue to see higher discretionary expenditure. In contrast, smaller cities and towns more acutely reflect the strain of transport costs and food inflation.

With the return to office life accelerating, fuel spending grew by approximately 5% in 2024, after a dip in 2023, reflecting renewed commutes. Dining out and takeouts grew by 12%, exceeding the 6% growth in grocery spend - indicating a shift toward convenience. Meanwhile, online grocery purchases rose 15%, compared to a modest 6% for instore shopping. Online baskets also included a healthier ratio of items (30% healthy) versus in-person shopping (27%). This reveals that digital shopping saves time and helps consumers make more deliberate, wellness-conscious decisions.

Digital payments are increasingly dominant South Africans are rapidly abandoning cash. More than twothirds use cash only occasionally, increasingly opting for cards or digital payments. Virtual cards are gaining popularity, with 45% of respondents using them for security, convenience, and rewards. In this shift, younger consumers, especially those under 35, are proving to be the most eager adopters, a trend that is reshaping how financial institutions design products.

Beyond convenience, digital payments offer improved safety: digital wallets reduce fraud risk and foster trust. Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner emphasised that over 80% of consumers now favour digital payments and actively use credit card rewards to maximise value.

Omni-channel or phygital shoppingsuch as browsing online and buying in-store - is emerging strongly, with 21% of consumers embracing this hybrid model. Subscriptions are no longer just streaming. In 2024, categories now include AI services, sports bookings, groceries, and e-commerce. Notably, AI subscription spend tripled over the previous year,

reflecting how digital transformation touches everyday lives in new ways. A sobering trend shows that South Africans are increasingly dipping into long-term savings to cope with short-term costs, using the twopot retirement savings system for essentials like school fees, servicing debt, and everyday living. This signals the need for further financial education and support mechanisms to help consumers avoid eroding long-term security.

The report underscores growing consumer pragmatism, balancing financial pressure with a clear priority on safety, ease, and value. Key emerging themes to watch in 2025 include continued valuebased consumption, further decline of loyalty, and growing demand for affordability and flexibility. Businesses that can respond with agility—by offering better digital experiences, transparent value, and secure payment options—will be best positioned to thrive. 

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

Social media in the workplace – what does the law say?

In today’s hyperconnected world, social media has become a double-edged sword for the workplace. Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok allow employees to connect, share, and express themselves, but they also present risks when used in ways that impact employers, colleagues, or a company’s reputation. For South African employers and employees alike, it is increasingly important to understand what the law says about social media conduct in the workplace, as well as the boundaries between private life and professional obligations.

The blurred lines of online expression

Social media can also be a powerful tool for positive workplace engagement. Employees can be brand ambassadors, using platforms like LinkedIn to share their professional achievements, highlight the

organisation’s successes, and attract new talent. Many companies encourage employees to post about their work in a way that boosts morale and reputation.

However, one of the greatest challenges of social media in the workplace is that the lines between personal and professional life are increasingly blurred. While an employee may view a post as a private expression, employers may

see it as a reflection on their brand, especially when the individual can be linked to the company.

South African labour law acknowledges that employees do not give up their constitutional right to freedom of expression when they enter the workplace. However, rights are not absolute - they must be balanced with an employer’s right to protect its reputation, maintain productivity, and create a safe working environment. Courts have consistently held that when an employee’s online behaviour harms the employment relationship, disciplinary action may be justified.

Labour disputes have already illustrated how seriously misconduct on social media can be treated.

For example, the Labour Court and Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) have ruled that racist, discriminatory, or defamatory remarks online may justify dismissal. Even content posted outside of work hours, on personal devices, can be grounds for discipline if it damages the employer’s reputation or erodes trust.

A well-known CCMA ruling involved employees dismissed for making derogatory comments about their employer on Facebook. The CCMA upheld the dismissal, emphasising that freedom of expression does not include the right to damage the employer’s dignity or business interests. In other cases, offensive jokes or sharing confidential information online have led to successful dismissals being confirmed.

These rulings highlight that employees must act responsibly, even on their personal profiles. The employment relationship is built on trust, and behaviour that undermines that trust –whether online or offline – can result in serious consequences.

Source: SchoemanLaw Inc | LawForAll | Labour Guide

The Constitution protects the right to freedom of expression.

Social media and workplace policies Experts in labour law stress the importance of companies adopting clear, comprehensive social media policies. These policies create boundaries for employees and protect organisations from reputational and legal risks, and should outline acceptable use of social media, both during working hours and outside of them, and explain what constitutes misconduct.

Key elements of an effective policy include:

• Prohibiting discriminatory, harassing, or offensive online conduct.

• Banning the disclosure of confidential company information.

• Clarifying whether employees can use company devices for personal social media use.

• Outlining disciplinary steps for breaches.

• Reminding employees that online conduct, even in a “personal capacity”, may reflect on their employer.

By proactively creating these policies, employers foster a culture of accountability while giving employees the clarity they need. Employees, in turn, can avoid overstepping boundaries that might put their jobs at risk.

It is equally important to note that employees are entitled to fair treatment. Employers cannot dismiss or discipline staff without following due process. The Labour Relations

Act requires that dismissals be substantively and procedurally fair. This means an employee accused of misconduct online must be given a chance to state their case at a disciplinary hearing, and the employer must prove that the misconduct was serious enough to justify dismissal.

The Constitution protects the right to freedom of expression, but this right is limited by other rights, including dignity and equality. This balance is central to the legal position on social media in the workplace. Employees should feel empowered to engage in constructive debate and express personal views, but they must avoid speech that is unlawful, discriminatory, or harmful to the employer’s brand.

For example, the Employment Equity Act prohibits harassment and hate speech in the workplace. If an employee uses social media to spread racist, sexist, or otherwise discriminatory views, this can amount to harassment of colleagues, even if the content was not posted on a company platform.

Beyond overt misconduct, employees must also exercise caution when posting work-related information. Sharing confidential company strategies, client data, or internal disputes can cause reputational harm or even financial losses. In some industries, such breaches could also contravene laws governing confidentiality and data protection, exposing both employee and employer to liability.

Employers are therefore within their rights to discipline staff who disclose sensitive information online, even inadvertently. Training employees about the importance of confidentiality in the digital age is as crucial as enforcing policies. 

BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO

Burnout is on the decline

How to to keep it that way

One of the key findings from the State of Workplace Burnout Report 2025 is an encouraging one: Burnout is decreasing for the first time in five years, while overall wellbeing increased by a staggering 25%. How does one recognise the signs of burnout? And how can you deal with it? How can we stay on the upward trajectory?

What is burnout?

In the World Health Organisation’s 2019 International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), burnout was defined as, “a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”

They identify three dimensions:

Exhaustion or lack of energy

Feeling mentally disconnected from your role

A decrease in efficiency/productivity

The State of Workplace Burnout Report suggests that the decrease, albeit a slight one at 3%, is likely due to

organisations continuing the support efforts started during the COVID-19 pandemic. There seems to be a strong correlation between burnout and a lack of support from the organisation one finds themselves in. Organisations with peoplefirst policies tend to have an edge in the jobs market but the move away from hybrid and work-from-home setups risks reversing the gains as work-life balance once again becomes difficult to manage as a result of inflexible office hours, long commutes and more traditional work weeks.

“When organisations retreat from investing in their people and solely focus on increasing productivity, it sends a clear message to the workforce that people come second,” reads the report. “This erodes trust, engagement, and, ultimately, performance. It is a strategic mistake to scale back, rather than double down on prioritising wellbeing as the foundation for long-term sustainable performance.”

What causes burnout?

There are five main indicators: An overwhelming workload, little to no organisational support, values not aligning, being treated unfairly and ‘toxic’ behaviour from leaders.

The first, an unmanageable workload, is perhaps the aspect people think of most. This can happen for many reasons including understaffing, inconsiderate leaders and deadline pressure. Massive piles of work can make even the most high-performing people go from being engaged to feeling hopeless, something which can happen over time or all of a sudden.

Signs that you’re doing too much

While burnout has both a physical and mental impact (which are intertwined in many ways), there are a few obvious signs that you’re working too hard and not resting enough. The physical signs include:

Insomnia

Muscle pain

Weight gain

Frequent illness

Headaches

Stomach aches

The mental and behavioural signs can be less obvious with those around you, such as colleagues and family. These can take different forms, including a pessimistic and cynical outlook, feelings of isolation, self-doubt, a lack of motivation and satisfaction, poor performance, procrastination, emotional outbursts, irritability and using coping mechanisms such as food, drugs and alcohol.

How to recover from burnout

Recovering from burnout can take anywhere from weeks to years, depending on the severity, but recognising that you have it is an important first step. Seeing a therapist can help with mental and behavioural problems. A therapist can point you towards healthy coping mechanisms and afford you the opportunity to clear your mind and identify underlying issues that may be contributing to feelings of isolation, self-doubt etc. It’s also important to sit and gauge your priorities, seeing what you can add or subtract from your daily routine to allow you more breathing room. It’s easy to get trapped in an endless cycle of deadlines with too much energy spent on the urgent and unimportant tasks. If you’re a leader in your organisation, consider delegating some tasks (keeping in mind the workload others may have). If you’re a member of a team, check to see if any of your teammates can help you complete the tasks that are taking the most out of you.

Finding a work-life balance is also key. Working overtime, taking work home with you and working on the weekend doesn’t give you time to detach and focus on your own personal life. You need to ‘protect your peace’ by setting boundaries. ‘Me time’ has never been more important. 

BY FIONA WAKELIN

September

01 - 30 SEPT

Public Service Month

September marks the Public Service Month in South Africa. The Public Service Month (PSM) is an integrated strategic national event in the calendar of the Public Service and Administration, as such all the national and provincial departments are required to participate and thereby put in place activities and campaigns to take service delivery to a higher productivity.

This year’s programme is organised under the theme “Professionalising the Public Service to Build Trust and Restore Confidence in Government” underscoring the urgent need to strengthen the capacity, integrity, and performance of the public service as a critical lever for improving service delivery and rebuilding citizen confidence in state capacity.

The public service month serves as a reminder of what it means to serve communities and to also look at the type of impact the government has more especially around issues of service delivery.

- 30 SEPT

Tourism Month

Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September, and provides a heightened monthlong focus on the importance of the sector to the South African economy. It features themed activities that are aligned to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Day celebrations.

This global observance day by The United Nations World Tourism Organisation aims to foster awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Tourism Month encourage South Africans to travel domestically to sustain jobs and support the recovery of tourism in line with the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan. The Department Tourism developed the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan with the tourism sector and it contains a set of interventions to protect and rejuvenate supply, reignite demand and strengthen enabling capability to support the sector’s recovery.

- 30 SEPT

Heart Awareness Month

September is Heart Awareness Month – an entire month dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease in South Africa, culminating with World Heart Day on 29 September.

Much has changed in the world of health in the last few decades, from a time when doctors would recommend smoking certain brands of cigarettes, to today when preventative care is fast becoming a way of life for many people. Yet despite this, the rate of cardiovascular disease in South Africa continues to rise and is a leading cause of death in the country.

You can do much to keep your heart healthy. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and be aware of the risk factors such as smoking, drinking, taking drugs, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and stress.

Calendar

12 SEPT

G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Patricia de Lille, hosted the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Mpumalanga, bringing tourism ministers together to finalise the action plan that is poised to drive sustainable tourism development among the G20 member countries.

At the first virtual G20 TWG meeting in March 2025, the member countries agreed on four priorities to inform the G20 action plan on tourism development, namely: A People-Centred Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation to enhance Travel and Tourism StartUps and SMMEs; Tourism Financing and Investment to Enhance Equality and Promote Sustainable Development; Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel, and an Enhanced Resilience for Inclusive, Sustainable Tourism Development.

Throughout the year, the Tourism Working Group explored and facilitated the development of a G20 Tourism Action Plan that was deliberated by tourism leaders at the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting.

21 SEPT

International Day of Peace

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The United Nations Member States adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 because they understood that it would not be possible to build a peaceful world if steps were not taken to achieve economic and social development for all people everywhere, and ensure that their rights were protected.

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by resolution 36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with its opening session, which was held annually on the third Tuesday of September. The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982.

The United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day.

24 SEPT

Heritage Day

Heritage Day on 24 September recognises and celebrates the cultural wealth of our nation. South Africans celebrate the day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the population of South Africa. Various events are staged throughout the country to commemorate this day.

Living heritage is the foundation of all communities and an essential source of identity and continuity. Aspects of living heritage include: cultural tradition, oral history, performance, ritual, popular memory, skills and techniques, indigenous knowledge system and the holistic approach to nature, society and social relationships. In South Africa the term “intangible cultural heritage” is used interchangeably with the term “living heritage”.

It is therefore important for South Africans to reclaim, restore and preserve these various aspects of living heritage to accelerate the use of living heritage to address challenges communities are facing today.

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