TNA Magazine - Issue 1

TourismNews Africa Issue 001

September 2023

Empowerment Beyond Borders

Rediscovering Nature’s Oasis at Riverhorse Lodge Travel Quiz Africa

THE CRADLE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

PRESERVING THE CRADLE

Content

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Editors Letter Preserving the Cradle: Unveiling the Past, Nurturing the Future

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Rediscovering Nature’s Oasis at Riverhorse Lodge BRICS Expansion and Its Potential Impact on African Tourism Empowerment Beyond Borders

INFORM. EDUCATE. INSPIRE www.tourismnewsafrica.com Tourism News Africa Magazine

Editor’s Letter

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elcome to the launch of the new captivating issue of Tourism News Africa Magazine! In this issue, we will be exploring the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve, nestled within the Cradle of

how that affects tourism in Africa.

From hidden gems to emerging trends, our pages are brimming with insights. We are committed to presenting you with exceptional narratives, whether it’s through our immersive “Journey Chronicles” or our thought-provoking “Industry Insider” sections, that remains unwavering.

But, first and foremost, natural wonders and landmarks aren’t the only qualities that make a destination unique. Its essence also lies in the heartbeat and charm reflected in the local flavours that the people bring to the table.

As we continue to foster a community of intrepid adventurers and passionate explorers, we invite you to join the conversation. Connect with us, share your experiences, and let your voice amplify the vibrant stories of Africa.

From professional insights to immersive features on accommodations our theme for this edition embodies ‘Empowerment, Exploration, and Preservation’. We wanted to delve into this intricate dance by highlighting stories that uplift and empower women in townships, while also shedding light on vital conservation efforts, as featured in our Cradle Reserve piece.

Thank you for joining us on a journey that starts by unveiling the past and nurturing the future. Your support fuels our dedication to bringing you the essence of African travel and hospitality. Wishing you inspired reading and unforgettable adventures ahead!

Humankind.

Warm regards,

In our commitment to empowering travellers and industry professionals with knowledge, we also touch on the crucial topic of the “BRICS Engagement” and

Jamie Du Plessis Editor - Tourism News Africa Magazine

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“You can tell that just having conversations has such a significant impact – not only on adults but also on young minds.”

Wendy Maduwa - Social Environmental Scientist

Tourism News Africa Magazine

Preserving the Cradle

Preserving the Cradle:

Unveiling the Past, Nurturing the Future “You can tell that just having conversations has such a significant impact – not only on adults but also on young minds.”

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estled within the embrace of the Cradle of Humankind, the pulse of ancient history still reverberates. The Greater Cradle Nature Reserve is under the ownership of The Cradle Foundation and the Cradle Boutique Hotel is a gem within the reserve’s landscape that goes beyond luxury and hospitality.

She delves into the underlying themes and notes, “You can tell that just having conversations has such a significant impact – not only on adults but also on young minds, you know. It gets them thinking, and it’s almost like planting a seed the more we engage in these initiatives, the more we nurture the overarching goal and objective of what we’re striving to achieve here at the cradle. The community faces numerous social issues, and I appreciate that even the small efforts we make here at the cradle can have a meaningful impact.”

In the heart of it all they serve as an oasis for social responsibility, conservation, and sustainability with the assistance of the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve (GCNR) board.

Transforming an Ecological Menace into Sustainable Energy

This is the Cradle of humankind, a sanctuary that aims to inspire and protect. The story of the Malapa Motsetse Foundation and its rich programs unfold amongst these titans to bridge the chasm between complex science and community engagement, with Wendy Maduwa, a Social Environmental Scientist, leading the way. As a passionate and dedicated steward, she spearheads not one, but two vital programs that have captivated the attention of locals, staff, and visitors alike through transformation and collaboration.

The Alien Invasive Plant (AIP) program is one of the targets, aiming to remove plants that are detrimental to the environment as a whole. AIPs are like uninvited guests who not only disrupt the harmony of indigenous plants but overrun the area.

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Programs like these are implemented to control the impact on water security, agricultural productivity, and on natural ecosystems. Alongside the board, and the role of NEMPA (Norms and Standards for Protected Areas in South Africa) as a guiding thread, Maduwa orchestrates her team to meticulously remove invasive alien plants within the Cradle reserve, particularly black wattle.

UMSUKA Program Pillars: Engaging, Connecting, and Collaborating for Change

Black wattle, a category 2 invasive species that originates from Australia, is transformed from an ecological menace into repurposed resources. They have what they call a “manufacturing process” using the materials from the black wattle which, in turn, warms the Cradle Boutique Hotels hearth. The program turns the materials into various products, including firewood, wood chips for compost, and charcoal to create a sustainable source of energy.

The previous leader departed after nurturing and refining the program with previous funding from National Geographic in the past. This allowed its reach to extend to a vast array of individuals and stakeholders. Funding put evolutionary concepts, alongside cultural and indigenous knowledge, in the spotlight.

The Cradle Boutique Hotel: Beyond Luxury As a part of the Malapa Motsetse Foundation, the Cradle Boutique Hotel joins the orchestrated symphony of conservation and sustainability. With a subtle yet impactful stance that is unobtrusive, one of the

The fervour shown is equally mirrored in the newly revived UMSUKA program. It translates to “root” and is a beacon that illuminates palaeoanthropology educational awareness.

However, the UMSUKA program’s ambitions were put on hold and experienced a gradual decline in the absence of a leader.

The program’s revival can be attributed to the appointment and leadership of Maduwa who brings in the energy and ingenuity of a new generation of leaders.

In its early phases, driven by a commitment to conserving the Cradle of Humankind, her objective is to continue expanding the comprehension of human evolutionary concepts.

With a knack for conveying her content in a captivating and simplified manner that

“The hotel plays their part through active roles that ensure guests can enjoy luxury experiences with the knowledge that a self-sustaining circular framework is in action.” hotel’s initiatives include food efficiency with a #Cradle2Table ethos, aquaponics, wildlife harvesting that is only used in their restaurant, and self produced or locally sourced food cultivation.

Scan the QR Code for more information.

The hotel plays their part through active roles that ensure guests can enjoy luxury experiences with the knowledge that a self-sustaining circular framework is in action.

Likewise, visitors are able to delve deeper into the region’s unique heritage and the perils of alien invasive species through informative booklets and interactive QR Codes.

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conveys the epitome of digestible simplicity.

She plans to achieve this within the UMSUKA program through three core pillars: 1.

2.

3.

School outreach Community engagement The Cradle Ambassadors program

Engagement, connection, collaboration, and awareness form the lifeblood of every initiative. The innovative concept of taking the essence of the cradle to the people through

interactive engagements and purpose-driven initiatives was captivatingly and warmly introduced by Wendy Maduwa as #TheCradleInMotion. This embodies the tapestry of the cradle’s story being deftly woven into the lives it touches.

Through unwavering dedication and commitment, Maduwa and her team have embraced the core pillars of each of their programs with a consistency that continuously unites communities and cultures that have a rippling impact. Their efforts encompass collaborating with Miss South Africa for community-driven events, corporate initiatives, organising soup kitchen events with local schools like St Ansgar’s High School, and tailoring content that engages different departments amongst the staff within the NIROX Arts framework, a valued venue that allows for workshops to intertwine education, art, history, and culture.

Importance of Positive Role Models: Building Personal Growth The impact of #TheCradleInMotion was demonstrated within a group of local boys through the event, “Liberating the Boy Child”. Where the lessons of masculinity, citizenship, and environmental responsibility merged as they explored the cradle reserve and sat in a shared experience of a bushveld roundtable.

“We were able to just touch on the difficulties that the boys’ face in the townships. What they would like to see changed within the townships and well, informal settlements, and going forward, how they will be better members of the community.”

Maduwa added, “it means something to the boys and because there’s so many unemployment issues or social issues within that community, keeping the boys active in that regard is very good.”

The impact initiatives like this have on young men and women’s lives at such a young age can have a lasting effect as previously addressed by Maduwa. If the absence of positive role models or the development of a negative frame of mind is allowed to pulsate through children a range of societal issues that stems from individuals and communities alike can arise.

A sense of personal growth stems from these initiatives through a holistic and multi-dimensional understanding that faces challenges head on. The exposure to role models, mentors, and meaningful discussions allows a stronger sense of identity, purpose and responsibility to shine through.

Extending Reach to Educational Institutions By leading participants through a mindset filled with empowerment programs like these may have an impact beyond the day itself if a consistent hand is reached out.

It is a supportive environment that provides an alternative to negative influences .

With these cards at play, small steps to action with an impact from every hand joined together has a ripple effect as everyone’s energy is channelled into productive endeavours. Educational institutions, such as the Department of Education which Maduwa had begun collaborating with, allows her and her team to extend their reach to eager young minds. This partnership unlocks doors to fields like paleoanthropology, broadening the horizons of children.

Vision for the Future: Securing Support for Sustained Outreach Challenges are not absent from this tale. There was a recognition of the need for comprehensive information and consultation with colleagues.

to redefine the cradle’s experience.

Rendering it a path where heritage meets progress, and knowledge meets action.

Each program’s ambitions have encountered financial constraints. In the past, National Geographic’s support illuminated the path forward and helped put everything in place today.

Additional support is the linchpin that will enable continued outreach and the effective management of invasive species. Managing invasive species and extending a hand in the community demands more than determination; it requires resources.

Wendy’s vision for the future is vivid. The programs’, resilient and undeterred, plan to orchestrate diverse initiatives that embrace various stakeholders. From illuminating walks to captivating discussions on human evolution, the program seeks to continue

Tourism News Africa Magazine

Rediscovering

Nature’ats Oasis Riverhorse Lodge

Close your eyes and picture this

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n a world that never seems to slow down, where urban chaos often overshadows the whispers of nature, there exists an exclusive oasis that takes you back to a time when simplicity and nature reigned supreme.

distinctive calls from the common, to the elusive, and yes, even endangered birdlife.

Spot their silhouettes in the trees that are starting to bloom in the springtime air.

With the wrap-around terrace and gorgeous lounge area at your disposal, you enjoy tranquil days at the lodge. Wine in hand, you have the opportunity to unwind within the wood burning “KolKol” hot tub, situated at the lakes edge.

Riverhorse Lodge is a new private luxury eco-retreat tucked away in the heart of the 9 000-hectare Greater Cradle Nature Reserve and will open its doors in September, ready to welcome its first honoured guests.

Taking in the serene setting, your senses are drawn to the rustle of the leaves, their repose interrupted, as you watch the dance of two or three elegant sable antelope fighting across the placid lake. At this moment, you temporarily call this scene your home. And if luck be a lady, the regal and ghostly presence of the leopard may delight you with its company from the depths of the thicket of trees.

Here’s a little secret, Riverhorse Lodge derives its name not only from the formidable and highly territorial hippo but also from the popular 1984 South African tv series, River Horse Lake, starring Clive Scott, which was shot in this very location.

Now, let’s delve into what makes this oasis truly remarkable.

Close your eyes and picture this: Long hikes and exclusive game drives await you. There’s a possibility that you may hear the distant echoes of

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It’s not a dream; here, this vivid tableau is your reality, sitting just beyond your doorstep. The lodge hosts luxury amenities and features five uniquely designed en suite rooms.

Each characterized by displays of earthy tones and an artistic flow that melts seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

If you decide to embark on a bucket list journey into our shared past your mind will surely be at ease knowing that all profits contribute to the perpetual sustainability of the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve.

For more information visit:

Dining here takes on an immersive narrative that further lures you into the retreat’s story, celebrating life’s simple pleasures. Your personal chef, Executive Chef Sam Ramokoka and his team, skillfully lead you into the vibrant cultural heritage of the land, uniting taste with the ethical principles they stand by.

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The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, is a geological wonder that will lead you to the grounds of Gladysvale and Malapa. Here, passionate guides transport you back through time with an easy understanding, providing insights that reflect their deep knowledge of the area.

This is where the likes of Mrs. Ples and Little Foot left their mark, a fascinating trek you can learn about in the Human Origins Tour. This experience is what others have described as a must-do adventure that takes you into the realms of evolution and anthropology.

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Website: https://cradleriverhorse.co.za/ Telephone: +27 87 096 0988 Email: info@cradleriverhorse.co.za

BRICS Expansion and its Potential Impact on African Tourism

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n a world marked with discord and division, the heads of state within the BRICS economies convened in what can only be described as a historic culmination of events that brought unity.

The acronym BRICS was coined by the British Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill.

He believed that Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa were fast growing economies that could significantly impact the global playing field by 2050. Currently the world is Historic announcements reverberated through examining whether the outcomes, guiding principles, and the upcoming G20 Summit the halls within the heart of Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, with the main focus will be a bridge leading these nations to strong economic positions in the future. being the expansion to include six new developing countries: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Beyond politics and economics, this alliance is poised to make a significant impact on a sector that does The declarations made could be said to reshape alliances, redraw political maps, and occasionally get overlooked: tourism. redefine the essence of collaboration during the 15th BRICS Summit held between 22 - 24 August 2023.

“As the five BRICS countries, we have reached an agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process, which has been under discussion for quite a while. We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process, and further phases will follow,” - President Ramaphosa, who is also Chair of BRICS. The cooperation opens up new avenues, encompassing economic prospects and infrastructure development projects.

Economic cooperation is one side of the coin, the other side is the emphasis on people-to-people exchanges.

Increased business-related visits and increased tourism from BRICS bloc countries are aspects that African nations can look forward to in the future. One of the most tangible outcomes is the potential for improved infrastructure and transportation networks. This will enhance the overall tourism experience as better connectivity encourages the exploration of more destinations and cross-border travel.

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Empowerment Beyond Borders as Women Seize Economic Opportunities

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n a world where finance reigns, an unexpected revolution emerged in the late 1990s from an unlikely source: Japanese housewives.

The African Association of Exhibition Organisers (AAXO) has taken a significant step by empowering women in the township economy through their informative and inspiring Sunrise Sessions during the “Unleashing the Power of Women in the Township Economy” events.

These women, affectionately known as the Mrs. Watanabes, would pave the way for others in this male dominated industry, challenging the established norms of Wall Street and global financial markets. The story not only speaks to the power of resilience, adaptability in the face of hardships and setbacks, and collaboration, but also sheds light on the remarkable impact women have had in the world of finance.

Through the collaborative efforts of AAXO, empowered women, and Mr. Bheki Twala, President of the Township Economic Commission of South Africa (TECSA), the event achieved success. Tami Qwatikazi Mase, affectionately given the title Chief Queen, Founder, and Chief Visionary Officer, shared notable insights and a perspective as an entrepreneur who founded Women in Power (WIP) Invest, an accelerator program, Mandrolli, the first electric vehicle brand in the world so far to be founded by a black female from South Africa, and more.

Similarly, the journey of the Mrs Watanabes’ feels like a prelude to how women in South African townships can unlock the potential of an untapped economy.

The South African Township economy, currently home to nearly 12 million people, could help build empires if we not only know how to access it but also include it.

“I believe all women are queens, and we need to embrace this belief because there is so much that women are capable of of doing.”

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“I believe all women are queens, and we need to embrace this belief because there is so much that women are capable of doing. The world is a mess today because we haven’t built anything. We are watching a blank screen, but the movie is playing.

The global world is shifting, and we can feel it in the air.” - Chief Queen, Tami Qwatikazi Mase, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer.

Harnessing the power of digitalization provides access to new markets to fuel spending and income, identifying potential market gaps, and finding lucrative avenues for growth. In terms of tourism, this has the ability to allow for more exhibitions and events, community based tourism initiatives, and for facilitating cultural exchanges that promote mutual understanding and appreciation, breaking down barriers.

Mr. Bheki Twala also brought attention to the potential impact and vital role that townships play in economic transformation by bringing the BRICS engagement to townships.

From the shores of Japan to South African landscapes, the adaptability and resilience of women not only transcends borders but it knows no bounds. It reminds us that through the power of collaboration and technology, resources like the Sunday Times’ “The Township Economy,” and the lessons learned from shared knowledge, the South African economy can tap into the potential of townships to build brighter futures.

This sheds light on how township tourism holds hidden treasures that are more than just a trend. In the weathered and bright contours of the streets, where time and experience have etched resilient lines, there exists a unique revelation. These lines, like a protective armour, tell a story of trials endured and battles fought. Like warriors that can leave others weary but hold the respect of the people.

Yet, through this stoic facade, a radiant warmth shines through with a beacon of compassion and lightheartedness that has the ability to beckon others closer in their daily lives. It’s a beautiful paradox, a testament to the hardness forged through life’s challenges, contrasting with the nurturing spirits that dwell within. Individuals within townships emit the strength of community and upliftment.

The BRICS collaboration for township economies in turn highlighted the need for enabling policies that support small businesses with the help of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Township Economy Development Act of 2022. Addressed during the “Township Economy in BRICS Dialogue 2023” by Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation.These policies, plans, associations, and people like the Chief Queen and the president of TECSA are guides that help in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities presented for more serial entrepreneurs.

Women are resourceful, and who understands township shopper insights better than the residents themselves? They can bring in the art of kasinomics, coined by GG Alcock, which illustrates the inner workings of township economies. By leveraging local resources while collaborating through shared knowledge and expertise, they can effectively navigate economic challenges, implement the right strategies, and diversify their investments. my can tap into th e potential of townships to build brighter futures.

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