Business Events Africa - Vol 44 No 09 - September 2024
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www.businesseventsafrica.com
Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa
Vol 44 No 9 SEPTEMBER 2024
Electra Mining Africa: Putting innovation
in the spotlight and setting new records
Business Events Africa: Serving the business events industry for 38 years
CONTENTS
VOL
38 NO 12
DECEMBER 2018
10
About the cover
Avianto: A village made in
heaven
For over 21 years Avianto, in
Muldersdrift, has been a beacon
of excellence for conferencing,
weddings, team building, exhibitions and
events. Starting as a wedding venue, it
has evolved to become one of the top
events destinations in Johannesburg.
Special Features
10 REPORT BACK | RECORD-BREAKING ICCA CONGRESS CONCLUDES IN
DUBAI
The 57th ICCA Congress, one of the most prestigious events in the
international association meetings industry calendar, recently took place in
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with more than 1 150 senior meetings industry
professionals and association meeting planners from over 75 countries in
attendance.
12 2019 PREDICTIONS
Business events industry leaders take a look into the crystal ball to see what
2019 may bring…
26
10
Business Events Africa: serving the business events industry for 44 years
CONTENTS
VOL 44 NO 9
SEPTEMBER 2024
The authority on meetings,
exhibitions, special events and
incentives management
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Voice of the Business Events Industry in Africa
Cover Feature
COVER STORY
06 Electra Mining Africa: Putting innovation
in the spotlight and setting new records.
On the pages
Vol 44 No 9 SEPTEMBER 2024
Electra Mining Africa: Putting innovation
in the spotlight and setting new records
EDITOR’S COMMENT
04 In-person events are here to stay.
NEWS
05 AIPC brings its Academy to Africa.
PCO ALLIANCE SPRING FLING
09 PCO Alliance Network hosts first ‘Spring Fling’.
SANCB BIDDING IMPACT REPORT
10 The Bidding Impact Report.
ATLF REPORT BACK
20 ATLF 2024 — ‘Charting a new path forward
for intra-Africa travel, tourism, and investment’.
EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER
22 Lead with love — Ansie Turner,
executive housekeeper.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
23 What do business travellers want from a hotel?
PERSONALITY PROFILE
24 Lerisha Mudaliar — strives to be a catalyst
in the sector.
CHEF PROFILE
26 Stefan Bekker — is passionate
about the art of gastronomy.
VENUE NEWS
27 Premier Hotels opens four-star hotel in Limpopo.
28 Chefs Warehouse launches Room 91.
29 A Johannesburg gem celebrates its 75-year legacy.
30 Aha Hotels & Lodges broadens its portfolio.
About the cover
Electra Mining Africa set new records
this year, as it celebrated being the
biggest-ever show in its history!
MARKET NEWS
31 Register now for the inaugural
SA Chef Conference & Expo.
32 WTM Africa 2025 to ‘Ignite Africa’
with fresh focus and strategic content.
33 IAAPA to host first summit in South Africa
in collaboration with AAVEA.
34 Tintswalo Safari appoints general
management couple.
34 Ambition in Action: Global African Hydrogen
Summit delivers on pledge.
Association news
SAACI
35 The key to boosting event engagement.
EVENT GREENING FORUM
36 Talk is cheap — It’s time to implement Net Zero
Carbon Events, reveals EGF Workshop.
AAXO
37 The power of membership:
why industry associations matter.
EXSA
38 Celebrating EXSA’s EXSA-ptional women.
SITE
40 Leading or being led? Client relations for
incentive travel professionals today.
Regulars
DIRECTORY
42 Directory of associations.
MARKET NEWS
44 Joburg Tourism welcomes Belu Mabandla.
INDEX
44 Index of advertisers and contributors.
THE LAST WORD
45 As one of the country’s ‘Big 5’ sectors,
tourism must address the elephant in the room.
20
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EDITOR:
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PUBLICATION DETAILS:
Business Events Africa
September 2024 — Volume 44 No 9
Business Events Africa has 12 issues a year
and is published monthly. This magazine
is only available in digital format.
publishers of Business Events Africa, is a member of:
Official media partner
Official Journal of the Southern Africa
Chapter of the Society for Incentive
Travel Excellence
Official journal of the
Exhibition & Event Association
of Southern Africa
www.businesseventsafrica.com
EDITOR’S COMMENT
In-person events are here to stay
Over the years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved, with advancements in machine
learning algorithms, expert systems, computer vision, natural language processing, and
robotics. Today, AI has applications in various industries, including business events, and is
considered one of the most transformative technologies of the 21 st century.
Credit: Hein Liebetrau
As much as various AI applications can contribute to the
business events sector, one thing that they cannot do is
create and maintain in-person human connections.
This is where the exhibitions, events, conferences, meetings,
and incentives still thrive! It connects people in a way that
technology can never do. Meeting someone for the first time,
looking them in the eye, greeting them with a handshake or a
hug, and having a physical connection is generally the
foundation of any relationship — work or personal.
Our continent, Africa, still works very much on this principle
of personal connection. People on our continent prefer to do
business with people they have met in person.
I recently attended the 7 th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum
(ATLF) & Awards 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana. It was wonderful
to feel part of the bigger African community again. As an African,
I felt the unity, the warmth, and the community spirit. This
reminded me of what our past president, Thabo Mbeki envisaged
when he spoke about the African Renaissance. Unfortunately, not
everyone saw the potential at the time. However, I still see the
potential, and when I chat with fellow Africans, we are all so
passionate about our continent and growing its tourism and
business events industries.
ATLF 2024 was themed ‘Charting a new path forward for
Intra-Africa Travel, Tourism & Investments’. The forum focused on
innovation, collaboration, and driving sustainable growth in
Africa’s tourism sector. Over four days, key discussions and
networking sessions helped set the stage for the future of African
tourism. This forum reiterated once more, that Africa should look
to Africa to grow the tourism and business events sectors.
This month is Heritage Month in South Africa, and our continent
has the most incredible culture and heritage. Something that we
often overlook. This is something that presented itself at the Forum.
We should be doing more to promote our culture and heritage.
A quick mention, Gaborone remains one of the cleanest
African cities I have ever visited. The locals are so welcoming, and
they are so patriotic. The city is growing, and new hotels have
been established since I last visited. Business events are definitely
part of their tourism agenda. I look forward to seeing what they
achieve over the next few years.
The business events sector is powerful, as its reach is far
greater than most realise. It doesn’t just touch one sector but
touches most, if not all sectors that you can imagine.
In this edition, Business Events Africa features the latest SANCB
Bidding Impact Report. In this Bidding Impact Report, we focus on
the SANCB’s Bidding Programme, from why bidding is important,
to historical bidding data, to how associations have made use of
the bidding programmes, ensuring the success of their events.
There are also two association case studies that reiterate the
importance of business events and the SANCB’s bid support.
Furthermore, this report unpacks the bidding programme criteria,
and an overview of the events secured, currently to 2029.
The Bidding Impact Report offers an overview of the current
status of the SANCB Bidding Programme.
In conclusion, as much as the world changes and AI
technologies advance, one thing remains certain: in-person
events are here to stay.
Irene
Email: gomesi@iafrica.com
Hospitality Junxtion Alliance
is a full-services Sales &
Marketing Representation
company.
Image courtesy of Blueberry Hill Hotel,
Johannesburg
We dedicate ourselves to
promotiong Venues, Hotels,
Lodges and Event services
through dynamic sales,
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endeavours.
info@hospitalityjunxtion.co.za
4 Business Events Africa September 2024
Passionately Promoting,
Hotels, Lodges &
Event Services
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NEWS
AIPC brings its Academy to Africa
The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) has brought its flagship
educational programme for the first time to the African continent. Touching on all aspects of
convention centre management, it elevated a diverse group of 25 participants.
The AIPC Academy is a five-day
bootcamp that introduced participants
to all aspects of convention centre
management, from operations to finance. It
combined lectures, workshops, and team
building, allowing the participants to connect
and learn. The event targeted upcoming
talent from all departments within a
convention centre. Bringing this programme
to the African continent is part of the overall
AIPC strategy to increase its engagement
with the global community.
“Africa is clearly the continent of the future.
It is expected that African economies will
grow substantially due to the African
Continental Free Trade Agreement allowing
the participation of member countries to
interact with each other, resulting in an
increased need for meetings and meeting
facilities. That is why it is so important to
bring educational activities, such as the AIPC
Academy, to Africa using the opportunity to
share the history and heritage of Africa,” said
Abigail Thulare, chief executive officer of the
Robben Island Museum.
Hosted by the Cape Town International
Convention Centre (CTICC), the first-ever AIPC
Africa Academy took place from 19 August to
23 August 2024. The 25 participants had
diverse backgrounds – from sales to finance,
human capital, and operations – allowing for
an exchange of knowledge, covering the full
convention centre value chain.
Lectures were given by global and local
industry leaders, including Julianne Jammers
(Managing Director, SwissTech Convention
Center), Sandy Kennedy (Strategic Director,
Intelligent Growth Solutions), Projeni Pather
(Managing Director, Exposure Marketing) and
many more, on topics such as leadership in
times of uncertainty, artificial intelligence,
finance, and sustainability.
“Having such an amazing group of
speakers willing to share their insights
provided a unique opportunity for the
participants to engage directly with industry
leaders and ask them questions on topics
they may struggle with. Throughout the
week, I have seen many of the participants
undergo professional growth at a speed I’ve
not seen before,” said Taubie Motlhabane,
CEO of the CTICC and Board Member of AIPC.
Apart from the lectures and debates, the
participants also engaged in workshops and
role-play and delivered a pitch presentation
that dealt with an industry challenge.
“Besides the knowledge and best practices
I gained from the Academy, I now have a
network of colleagues to whom I can reach
out. Actually, it feels like I have been given a
new group of friends in less than a week,” said
Zanda van Rooyen, Supply Chain Manager at
the CTICC.
Given the success of this first event, the
AIPC team is already planning its second,
which will take place in August 2025. We are
very pleased to announce that the CTICC –
whose team did an amazing job hosting the
event – kindly agreed to welcome us again.
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Business Events Africa September 2024 5
COVER STORY
Electra Mining Africa
Putting innovation in the spotlight and
setting new records
Electra Mining Africa set new records this year, as it celebrated being the biggest-ever show in its
history! 950 exhibitors occupied 40,000m² of net exhibition space, spanning six exhibition halls
and four extensive outside exhibit areas, with just under 40,000 visitors.
Taking place at the Expo Centre
in Nasrec, Johannesburg, from
2-6 September, visitors were able to
explore thousands of new products,
ground-breaking machinery, the latest
innovations, and world-class technologies. The
many live demonstrations allowed visitors to
see products and machinery in action during
the five days of the exhibition, as well as
allowing them to speak to the technical
experts on the stands, and compare products
and brands.
“We have had excellent feedback from our
exhibitors,” said Gary Corin, managing director
of Specialised Exhibitions, a division of
Montgomery Group, and the show’s organiser.
“Many of our exhibitors have been exhibiting
with us consistently for many years, while
others were previous exhibitors who came back
this year after a short break, or exhibiting at
Electra Mining Africa for the first time. Those we
have spoken to have met their exhibiting
objectives, whether that’s brand awareness, or
generating sales leads, or both.”
Speaking about the record numbers, Mr
Corin said that “they were thrilled” with the
increase over the 2022 show, and that
“exhibition space increased by 42 per cent,
exhibitor numbers were up by 46 per cent, and
the number of visitors grew by 32 per cent.”
“But it’s not just about the numbers,”
Mr Corin explained. “It’s about the quality of
the visitors that come through. And it’s been
impressive. Visitors from across the industry
sectors represented at the show – mining,
electrical, automation, manufacturing, power,
and transport – were looking for the latest
products, innovations, and technologies. And
they weren’t disappointed by what they saw.”
“Electra Mining Africa has built its reputation
as a platform for trade; the place where buyers
and sellers meet to do business, contributing
to the stimulation of trade in the industrial,
manufacturing, and mining industries. In the
months following the show, sales will be
concluded and products exported globally.”
New Products and Innovation Awards
One of the highlights of this year’s event was
the New Products and Innovation Awards
competition, which was organised together
with the South African Capital Equipment
Export Council (SACEEC). This saw numerous
entries from local and international exhibitors.
“We were excited to have so many entries
this year and to know that this exceptional
level of innovation was showcased at Electra
Mining Africa,” said Charlene Hefer, portfolio
director of Specialised Exhibitions. “The awards
were definitely a celebration of ingenuity and
outstanding levels of innovation.”
The Forklift Driver Competition, organised
by Lifting Africa and the Lifting Equipment
Engineering Association of SA, was back this
year on a much bigger scale with many more
6 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
COVER STORY
entries. Promoting safety and efficiency, the
judges were looking for exceptional forklift
driver skills. The Forklift operators competing in
the competition had their eyes on winning the
coveted title of Forklift Driver Champion 2024!
Every day a theme day
“Our overall theme for the show was ‘Connect
with Your Future’,” Ms Hefer said. “Electra
Mining is all about connecting. It’s where you
connect with new and existing suppliers, talk
to technical experts, meet professionals from
your industry, and grow your network of
contacts.”
There were also themes for each day of the
show: Sustainability Day, Women’s Day/Skills
Day, Safety and Lifting Day, and Innovation
Day, and, on the last day of the show, South
African Day. The SAIMechE free-to-attend
seminar topics were aligned with the theme
days and many exhibitors embraced the
theme days on their stands.
Attributes of a successful 2024
Asked what made Electra Mining Africa the
success it was this year, Ms Hefer said that it
was all about collaboration. “We have a great
team, who have worked really hard to ensure
the success of the show, but it’s also the
collaboration we have with the industry
associations, our sponsors, the trade media,
suppliers, and of course, our exhibitors. We
launched a brand new exhibitor training
programme this year and spent three days
training just over 350 of our exhibitors, and we
could see the difference at the show, how
they had implemented what they learned.
From how they approached build-up and the
effort they put into their stands, to the way
that they were interacting with visitors, and
how they embraced our theme days. It made
a real difference. They took their exhibiting to
the next level!”
Mr Corin spoke about the collective, when it
came to the marketing of the show. “To
achieve the number of visitors this year, yes,
the marketing was good. But not just ours, as
organisers. It is the collective effort that makes
a show successful. The industry has really
bought into this and I think that’s what makes
the difference. No individual, no one
organisation, can put an event like this
together on their own. It was the collective
effort of all stakeholders that ensured the
success of this year’s show.”
The success of the 2024 show was also
reflected in the 75 per cent of exhibitors who
signed during the 2024 show, to exhibit at
Electra Mining Africa 2026!
Fresh marketing approach
Head of marketing at Specialised Exhibitions,
Natasha Heiberg, described this year’s
marketing campaign for Electra Mining Africa
as one of ‘adopting fresh thinking’, with new
initiatives implemented and more
opportunities for exhibitors to align with the
show’s marketing campaign.
“We connect with our audiences through an
omnichannel marketing approach, utilising
both traditional and digital marketing, which
works well across all our shows,” Ms Heiberg
explained. “Data analytics are used extensively
to support our campaign decision-making and
the adoption of AI and other advanced
technologies has continued to shape our
campaigns.”
“We used a more light-hearted messaging
style for this year’s show, across our digital
platforms, which worked well for us, and we
also created specific messaging to suit the
identified visitor personas.”
“We also found that, following the exhibitor
training, there was a much higher uptake from
exhibitors to align with our visitor marketing
campaign, which had a positive impact on
visitor attendance.”
The new, live WhatsApp channel was also
a successful initiative introduced at this
year’s show. “Visitors were able to opt in to
the WhatsApp channel which provided both
AI and human support to help visitors find
the information they needed. We were
delighted by the positive uptake of this
initiative, which had a less than one percent
visitor opt-out rate.”
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 7
COVER STORY
Sustainability
Montgomery Group is a signatory to the Net
Zero Carbon Pledge which was launched at
the COP 26 conference in Glasgow in
November 2021 and further developed at the
COP 27 conference in Sharm El-Sheikh in
November 2022. It includes a pledge to
reduce GHG emissions to achieve
improvements year on year. As a division of
Montgomery Group, Specialised Exhibitions
aligns with this Pledge. Mr Corin said: “We
make sure we do business on a sustainable
basis, wherever we can.”
To support the Sustainability theme day,
the first 300 visitors received a
complementary Spekboom, an indigenous
plant that has the amazing ability to absorb
carbon. The Spekboom was purchased from
the Owl Rescue Centre, a registered nonprofit
company and permitted rehabilitation
facility concerned with the well-being of all
owl species and wildlife in Southern Africa.
“Our chosen charity for all our shows is
Shoose Life,” Ms Hefer said. “Exhibitors and
visitors are encouraged to donate towards
children’s durable school shoes made from
100 per cent recyclable materials — used,
non-hazardous, uncontaminated PVC drip
bags, oxygen masks, and associated tubes.
These shoes make a direct difference in the
lives of underprivileged students and we are
thrilled that over 600 pairs of shoes will be
going to the six schools who reached out to
Shoose Life just prior to the show!”
Looking ahead to
Electra Mining Africa 2026
When asked where Electra Mining Africa
goes from here, and what it will look like in
2026, Ms Hefer said that the good news is
that they had already started planning for
2026 a couple of months ago. “There are
many new initiatives in the pipeline, and
some areas that we want to improve for the
next show. We will engage with our
exhibitors, visitors, sponsors, associations,
and media partners to get their input too.
There’s a lot in our planning mix already, but
their input is also crucial for us.”
Mr Corin also reflected on what the
industry might look like in 2026. “In two
years’ time, new technologies will be out
there, new solutions, and our exhibitors will
be showcasing and demonstrating these
new innovations and technologies,
whatever they will be. Artificial intelligence
is having a major impact, even in our
business. How we communicate, how
people register to attend, and tools that
help both exhibitors and visitors on site. We
don’t even know yet what will be available
in 2026. It will be an exciting couple of years
as the unknown becomes known,” Mr Corin
concluded.
For further information
Natasha Heiberg
Head of Marketing | Specialised Exhibitions
Tel: +27 (0)11 835 1565
Cell: +27 (0)76 168 0762
Email:
natasha.heiberg@montgomerygroup.com
Website: www.electramining.co.za
8 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
PCO ALLIANCE SPRING COVER STORY FLING
PCO Alliance Network
hosts first ‘Spring Fling’
The PCO Alliance Network kicked off Tourism Month with their first-ever ‘Spring Fling’ on
5 September. This event, the brainchild of the chairperson, Melody Barber, took the form of a
supplier exhibition and social exchange. The event was hosted at the Inspire Rentals
Warehouse in Wynberg.
By Cheryl Norwood-Young, PCO Alliance Network
There were 15 venue collections and
groups exhibiting. They all had very
colourful stands, using the Inspire Rental
furniture and props. The exhibitors were:
• Radisson Hotels
• Southern Sun Hotels and Resorts
• Fine Collection
• Legacy Hotels and Resorts
• Newmark Hotels
• Hyatt House
• Touchdown Travel Tech
• Capital Hotel Group
• AHA Hotels and Lodges
• Indaba Hotel and Spa
• Fancourt Hotel and Spa
• Kievits Kroon Country Lodge and Spa
• Pepperclub Cape Town
• Marriott International
• Hotel Sky Sandton
The fabulous vendors imparted their
knowledge and updated all the members on
new venues and venue upgrades, by way of
speed dating in a round-robin format. They
also all offered amazing prizes for our lucky
draw and category prizes.
The members unanimously voted that the
Indaba Hotel in Fourways was the winner for
the best stand. The vibrant staff was adorned
with spring flowers, and their stand was
covered in colourful flowers and cupcakes.
They served their signature gin cocktails
from their onsite gin school and Mowana
Spa did wonderful face painting on the
members.
Gorgeous eats and treats were provided to
everyone on arrival and throughout the
morning. The day ended with a delicious
lunch, wine and bubbles. The atmosphere
during the event was energetic and very
happy — much like Spring itself. We have
already had an interest in booking stands by
our suppliers for 2025!
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Business Events Africa September 2024 9
#MeetInSouthAfrica
southafrica.net
The Bidding Impact
Report
10 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
SANCB BIDDING IMPACT REPORT
Welcome Message
South Africa has a well-established
professional and trade association
industry spanning across various sectors.
The South Africa National Convention
Bureau (SANCB) focuses on attracting
conferences in economic sectors that the
government has identified as priorities
for future development. Hosting major
events in these sectors can significantly
accelerate macro-economic benefits for
the country.
South Africa is a developing country, and
we learn from the knowledge these
association meetings bring into the
country.
However, the bidding process has many
daunting, admin-intensive steps.
Therefore, it is important to have a
bidding partner who can support you
through the process to enable you to
host a successful business event.
The SANCB is here to partner with you
by making the bidding process simpler
and easier so that business events can be
hosted seamlessly right here in South
Africa. The SANCB offer bidding,
convention planning, and delegate
boosting support services to win worldclass
business events.
In this Bidding Impact Report, we focus on
the SANCB’s Bid Support Programme,
from why bidding is important, to
historical bidding data, to how
associations have made use of the Bid
Support Programme, ensuring the success
of their events. Furthermore, this report
unpacks the Bid Support Programme
criteria, and an overview of the events
secured from now until 2029.
The SANCB
Why is Bidding important?
delegates but also residents, leaving a lasting
positive legacy for the many city and regional
destinations in South Africa.
The South Africa National Convention
Bureau’s Bid Support Programme continues
to serve as a gateway for destination South
Africa to attract high-profile international
business events, which has brought
significant economic, social, and reputational
benefits since its inception. Many of these
successful bids have resulted in an influx of
visitors, boosting local economies through
increased spending on accommodation,
transportation, dining, and tourism activities
in South Africa.
The SANCB is a strategic business unit of
South African Tourism, the Destination
Marketing Organisation for the country.
The SANCB is mandated to market
South Africa as a premier business events
destination and to secure international
and regional meetings, incentives,
conventions, and exhibitions.
The SANCB is a ‘one-stop solution’ for
independent information and assistance,
providing neutral advice on all aspects of
hosting and organising any business
event in South Africa.
Winning bids for prestigious events has
positioned South Africa as a leader in
specific industries such as medical, mining,
pharmaceutical and, most recently,
astronautical sectors, attracting further
investment and fostering knowledge
exchange. The competitive nature of bidding
has driven innovation and collaboration
among local stakeholders, uniting them
towards a common goal within the meetings
industry.
This process has, over the years of delivering
memorable meetings and events, catalysed
improvements in facilities, services, and
policies that benefit not only visiting
Moreover, hosting these international events
continues to enhance South Africa’s global
visibility, which has led to long-term growth
in tourism and business opportunities.
The future needs and enhancement of the
bidding process in the coming years will
continue to encourage event professionals
to refine their offerings, improve
infrastructure, and develop expertise in
meeting management, contributing to overall
destination development for South Africa to
lead the continent sustainably.
Glenton De Kock, Chief Executive Officer of
the Southern Africa Association for the
Conference Industry (SAACI)
Bidding can play a critical role in
destination selection, particularly in
contexts like tourism, event planning, and
business relocation. Here are some key
points, highlighting its importance:
1. Evaluation of Options
Bidding allows organisations or stakeholders
to evaluate multiple destinations based on
specific criteria such as cost, facilities,
accessibility, and attractions. This helps in
making informed decisions about the best
location to meet their needs.
2. Competitive Offers
Destinations can compete to attract
business events by submitting bids that
showcase their unique offerings, incentives,
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 11
SANCB BIDDING IMPACT REPORT
and amenities. This competition can lead to
better deals and improved services for the
key decision makers.
3. Tailored Packages
Through the bidding process, destinations
can provide custom packages tailored to the
specific requirements of the business event
or group, which may include
accommodation, transportation, and
activities. This allows for a more personalised
experience.
4. Cost Efficiency
By allowing multiple destinations to bid,
organisations can negotiate better pricing
and value for their budget. This is
particularly important for large events or
conferences where costs can quickly
escalate.
5. Quality Assurance
Bidding can aid in assessing the quality of
facilities and services offered by different
destinations. Evaluating proposals helps
ensure that the chosen destination meets
high standards for safety, comfort, and
experience.
6. Stakeholder Input
The bidding process often involves input
from various stakeholders, allowing them
to voice their preferences and priorities.
This collaboration can lead to a more
satisfactory final decision regarding the
chosen destination.
7. Long-term Relationships
Engaging in bidding can help build longterm
partnerships between event planners
and destinations. Positive experiences can
lead to repeat business and stronger
collaborations in the future.
8. Promoting Local Economies
Competitive bidding can foster economic
growth by promoting local businesses and
attractions within the selected destination.
Events bring in visitors, which can enhance
the local economy through increased
spending.
9. Sustainability Considerations
Bids can include options for sustainable
practices and eco-friendly initiatives, which
are increasingly important in destination
selection. This emphasises the importance
of responsible tourism and environmental
stewardship.
Bidding is very important, as it raises the
profile of the bidding destinations at
international level. It puts you at the centre
stage of the key decision-makers. Whether
you are bidding for an international scientific
conference or a major sporting event, the
process you go through allows you to
showcase your destination at the highest
level.
Bidding is also a catalyst for the
transformation of destinations. Typically, the
bidding process takes a long lead time, and
this allows destinations to prepare the
infrastructure that is needed to host global
conferences and events, and these
infrastructures remain for the local
communities; hence enhancing city
development.
Lastly, bidding drives legacy and has a positive
impact on destinations. Bidding for global
events and conferences allows destinations to
build cases for the legacy projects they want
to establish in their host cities and the longterm
impact attached to these projects.
Frank Murangwa | Regional Director: Africa,
ICCA — International Congress and
Convention Association
Bidding is key to me as an event
planner in assessing the best a destination
can offer for my event. It helps me learn
more about a destination and its
capabilities in terms of infrastructure,
accessibility, cost-effectiveness, local
support, financial incentives and a
compelling attendee experience, ensuring
my event meets its goals.
It’s through bidding that destinations can
also present their value propositions
clearly, demonstrating their various
uniqueness and ability to meet different
requirements that are essential to your
event. This could lead to better decisionmaking
for your team.
I believe that a good bidding process
should highlight the socio-economic
benefits that the event will take to the
host destination, ensuring that the
selected location can maximise these
opportunities.
Jeffers Miruka, Managing Director —
African Associations Management Co.
(AFAMCO GROUP) and Executive
Director & Founding President — African
Society of Association Executives (AfSAE)
In summary, bidding in destination selection
is essential for fostering competition,
ensuring quality, customising experiences,
and promoting transparency and fairness, all
of which contribute to successful outcomes
for events and tourism initiatives.
Tes Proos, President of Site Africa
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SANCB BIDDING IMPACT REPORT
Historical Bidding
In 2016, the National Treasury of South
Africa invited National Government
Departments to present projects that could
help the country achieve its economic
development goals. One of the initiatives
presented was the Bid Support Programme
(BSP) by the South Africa National
Convention Bureau (SANCB). The BSP aimed
to attract business events in key economic
sectors. South Africa has hosted several
international and regional business events
thanks to the BSP. These events have helped
attract trade and foreign investment and
have raised the country’s profile as a leading
business events destination.
What is Bid Support?
Bid support is a financial or non-financial
programme to attract international
business events to a destination.
What does Bid Support include?
The support programme generally
includes the provision of subsidies to
organisations/corporates/associations for
the execution of projects aligned to
government policies and priorities.
How can Bid Support be used?
Furthermore, the support can be utilised
for insurance against possible financial
risks, civic receptions, direct subsidies,
and marketing support.
Bidding Performance
Since the start (April-August 2024) of the
2024/2025 financial year, the SANCB in
conjunction with the SA business events
industry has sourced and submitted 48 bids
for international business events to be hosted
in South Africa between 2024 and 2029. The
48 bid submissions have a combined
estimated economic impact of R586,464,000
and can potentially attract 22,795
international and regional delegates to South
Africa between 2024 and 2029.
Thus far, South Africa has won 25 of the bids
submitted for the 2024/25 financial year.
These secured business pieces will contribute
R241,024,000 to South Africa’s economy
between 2024 and 2029, and attract 10,290
international and regional delegates.
The SANCB invested R5m in bid submissions
through its bid support programme to attract
business events linked with the National
Government’s development priorities.
The secured conferences will also contribute
to the regional spread of business events and
will be hosted in Johannesburg, Tshwane,
Ekurhuleni, Cape Town, Port Alfred,
Gqeberha, Polokwane, Muldersdrift and
Stellenbosch.
Bid Support Compared to ROI
Estimated Economic Value: R586 464 000.00
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Business Events Africa September 2024 13
SANCB BIDDING IMPACT REPORT
Bid Submissions
Since the start of the 2024/25 Financial Year, the SANCB sourced and submitted 48 bids for international business events to be hosted in
South Africa between 2024 and 2029. The following graphs are an analysis of the 48 bid submissions based on the delegate numbers, sectors
and business events segments.
14 Business Events Africa September 2024
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SANCB BIDDING IMPACT REPORT
The Bidding Process
A step-by-step guide to the bidding process for international business events.
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 15
SANCB BIDDING IMPACT REPORT
Image by Ahmad Ardity from Pixabay.
18 th International
Child Neurology
Congress
06 to 10 May 2024, Cape Town International
Convention Centre, South Africa
The International Child Neurology Congress, was
held for the first time in sub-Saharan Africa. The
local committee member of the International
Child Neurology Congress 2024, Prof. Kirsty
Donald, shared her insights into the 18 th
International Child Neurology Congress.
What is the International
Child Neurology Association?
The International Child Neurology Association
(ICNA) was founded to provide a global forum
for neurologists dedicated to the care of
children with neurological conditions. ICNA’s
mission is to improve the quality of care for
children with neurological disorders by
promoting clinical and scientific research,
encouraging high training standards for child
neurologists, and facilitating international
communication among professionals in the field.
The Sector which the ICNA
operates in
The International Child Neurology Association
operates in the Medical and Life
Sciences sector. South Africa has
always actively contributed to the
growth of sciences and technology.
Ever since the country’s monumental
contribution to the surgical industry
in 1967 with the world’s first humanto-human
heart transplant performed
by South African Dr. Christiaan
Barnard, the country hasn’t stopped
innovating in this space.
The ICNA is focused on child
neurology, that is a rapidly evolving
field with an emerging but severely
under-resourced base of expertise.
This is especially true across the
African continent, a region which is
projected to have 40 per cent of the
world’s children by 2050. The growing
burden of neurological and
developmental risk in our populations
is an ongoing challenge for the
practicing clinicians in the region, but
also an opportunity to find solutions
with global impact.
• Estimated Micro Economic Impact of the
Congress — R21,568,000
• Breakdown of numbers (attendees) — 674
from 71 countries
• 576 international and 98 South African
delegates (14% of the attendees)
The ICNA Congress
ICNA’s primary activity is organising
international congresses, providing a
platform for sharing knowledge and
advancing the practice of child neurology,
globally. The ICNA presents an International
Child Neurology Congress every 2-4 years
(since 1975). Previous congresses have
recently been hosted in Antalya (2022),
Mumbai (2020), Amsterdam (2016), Iguazu
(2014) and Brisbane (2012). It was first held
on African soil, with the 11 th International
Conference in North Africa in Egypt in 2010.
The ICNA Congress 2024 was held in Cape
Town, South Africa, from 06 to 10 May
2024, for the first time in sub-Saharan
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SANCB BIDDING IMPACT REPORT
Africa, with a renewed focus on growing
capacity in the paediatric neurological
disciplines in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
This was indeed a developmental milestone
for child neurology and child development in
Africa. This event offered a unique regionwide
and global platform for dialogue,
knowledge exchange, capacity development,
strategic action, and cooperation.
Value to the South African
economy
The ICNA Congress 2024 provides a global
forum for neurologists dedicated to the care
of children with neurological conditions.
The 2024 event drew 674 neurologists from
71 countries; 98 delegates were from South
Africa.
The International Child Neurology Congress
was held for the first time in sub-Saharan
Africa. It boasted a rich scientific
programme, comprising three workshops, 79
sessions, an exhibition with two sponsored
barista bars, an opening ceremony and
networking event, an ICNA General
Meeting, a Joint Presidents Closed Meeting,
a Congress Awards Dinner, and a Closing
Ceremony.
In alignment with the theme of the
Congress, ‘Footprints to the Future’, a
legacy project, was initiated in collaboration
with Smart Steps and Gift of the Givers. The
project was administered and coordinated
by Sue McGuiness. Delegates were
encouraged to contribute to this initiative
by making donations during registration or
directly at the congress venue. The project
aimed to provide school shoes for
underprivileged children. The R125,000
raised from this project was translated to
nearly 2,000 pairs of shoes that were
distributed to children affected by the
severe flooding in the Western Cape in July.
From an educational perspective, ICNA
managed to raise enough money to support
79 junior delegates who were from LMIC
(Low- and Middle-Income Countries)
settings from across the world. Over half of
these were from Africa.
Local craft seller Kwazinto exhibited
in the exhibition area, for
international delegates wishing to
explore and purchase local crafts,
supporting local communities.
The SANCB focuses on attracting
conferences in economic sectors
that the government has
identified as priorities for future
development. Hosting major
events in these sectors can
significantly accelerate macroeconomic
benefits for the country.
Medical and Life Sciences events
such as these aid in fulfilling the
mandate of increasing arrivals to
South Africa, bolstering the economy,
and positioning the country as a
world-class events destination. The
impact cannot be underestimated.
In 2023, South Africa hosted 98
international and regional association
meetings and conferences that met
the International Congress and
Conventions Association (ICCA)
criteria. These meetings contributed
significantly to the South African
economy, with an estimated
economic impact of just over R2
billion.
For the 2023/24 financial year, the
South Africa National Convention
Bureau sourced and submitted 95
bids for international business events,
to be hosted in South Africa between
2024 and 2032. So far, South Africa
has won 19 of the bids submitted,
with a combined economic
contribution of R84,1 million between
2024 and 2025 and attracting over
3,000 international and regional
delegates.
According to Allied Market Research
(AMR), South Africa’s business events
industry was valued at an estimated
R72 billion in 2022 and R122 billion in
2023 — a 69% increase.
Partnering with the South
Africa National Convention
Bureau
The SANCB supported the 18 th International
Child Neurology Congress and made a significant
contribution to the event’s success.
The value of the ICNA Congress 2024 bid was
recognised by the South African National
Convention Bureau — which was supported by
the bid support programme. The programme was
set up to provide financial and non-financial
support to qualifying organisations, to attract
international meetings to South Africa.
SANCB’s bid support strengthened the bid and
showed South Africa’s commitment to this
congress. Having the support of the SANCB from
the outset made it easier to proceed with
confidence.
The SANCB’s contribution to
the 18 th ICNA Congress:
• Bid support
Assisted in compiling the bid document with
the local organising committee.
• Delegate boosting
Assisted the local and international association
with marketing and promotional initiatives, and
assist in promoting the event to potential
delegates.
• On-site event support
Assisted with elements of the on-site logistics,
such as an airport welcome desk, welcome
entertainment, branding.
• Site inspection flight support
Assisted in funding flights for site inspections.
Outcomes
The 18 th International Child Neurology Congress
recognised enhancements in the neurological
community within South Africa, and the continent
at large. This event elevated South Africa as a
representative of the Continental African
Association of Neurosurgeons. Furthermore, this
event offered extensive knowledge sharing
between all attendees, fostering debate and
intellectual collaboration in respect of
neurosurgery. The event also featured cuttingedge
innovations, training the next generation,
career sustainability, global initiatives and diverse
perspectives.
For more information on the Bid Support
programme, please click here.
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SANCB BIDDING IMPACT REPORT
41 st Roundtable
Conference of the African
Association for Public
Administration and
Management (AAPAM)
06th – 09th December 2022, The University of
the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
Prof. John Molepo, local committee member and
executive director of the South African
Association of Public Administration and
Management (SAAPAM), shared his insights into
the 41 st Roundtable Conference of the African
Association for Public Administration and
Management (AAPAM) held in Cape Town.
What is the African Association
for Public Administration and
Management (AAPAM)?
The African Association for Public Administration
and Management (AAPAM) is a premier
international professional organisation that
promotes best practices and excellence in public
administration and management in Africa
through research, publications, training, seminars,
consultancy, conferences, and awards. AAPAM
membership includes African governments, the
private sector, civil society, international
organisations, practitioners, academicians, and
young professionals. AAPAM operates mainly,
but not exclusively, in Africa.
Founded nearly fifty years ago,
AAPAM has led efforts to strengthen
African public administration’s
administrative and management
capacities. These efforts date back to
1962, when a group of Permanent
Secretaries in charge of Public Services
from several African countries, met to
discuss two main problems, among
others, facing the African Public
Services then.
Similar meetings came to be held
every year, in rotation, in various
capitals of independent Africa, and by
1965 every Head of Civil Service
looked forward to attending the Inter-
African Public Administration Seminar,
as the meetings came to be known.
The Sector that AAPAM
operates in
AAPAM operates in the government
sector. AAPAM is a premier
international professional organisation
that promotes best practices and
excellence in public administration and
management in Africa.
Public service is a pillar of governance. Without
strong public services and committed public
servants, there will be no efficient delivery of
expected public goods and services, nor
implementation of any political commitment,
however strongly voiced.
The task of building a better South Africa is
enabled by the diligence, care, ethical conduct,
and innovation of the country’s 1.2 million public
servants.
AAPAM, is dedicated to improving public policy
and management by fostering excellence in
research, analysis, and education.
The 41st Roundtable
Conference of the African
Association for Public
Administration and
Management (AAPAM)
The 41 st Roundtable Conference of the
African Association for Public Administration
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SANCB BIDDING IMPACT REPORT
and Management (AAPAM) was attended by
various stakeholders and provided an
opportunity for networking and
deliberations on important issues. The
conference was held over four days, with 564
delegates in attendance, and 123 virtual
attendees, with plenary sessions in-between.
The conference delegate breakdown
comprised ambassadors, academics, and
students.
• Estimated Micro Economic Impact of
the Congress — R14,438,400
• Breakdown of numbers (attendees) —
374 international and 190 local
delegates.
The conference was secured through various
negotiations between AAPAM, SAAPAM, and
DPSA (Department of Public Service and
Administration). The event has been held for
more than 41 years. The international body
was the African Association of Public
Administration and Management, and the
national body was the South African
Association of Public Administration and
Management. The roundtable theme was
‘Africa Renewal in the Era of Sustainable
Development Shared Responsibility for
Strengthening of Institutions’. The
conference was well-attended by various
stakeholders.
Macro Economic Impact
The value of business events extends to the
acceleration of a country’s economy. South
Africa has a well-established professional
and trade association industry spanning
across various sectors. The SANCB focuses
on attracting conferences in economic
sectors that the government has identified
as priorities for future development.
Hosting major events in these sectors can
significantly accelerate macro-economic
benefits for the country.
South Africa is a developing country, and we
learn from the knowledge that association
meetings such as AAPAM bring into the
country. When these meetings are
convened in SA, our local experts get an
opportunity to learn from international
experts, and international experts get to
learn from our local experts.
For the 2023/24 financial year,
through South African Tourism’s
National Convention Bureau,
SANCB sourced and submitted
95 bids for international business
events to be hosted in South
Africa between 2024 and 2032.
So far, South Africa has won 19 of
the bids submitted, which have a
combined economic contribution
of R84,1 million between 2024
and 2025 and attract over 3,000
international and regional
delegates.
Background
Preparations for the 41 st AAPAM
Annual Roundtable Conference took
place in the backdrop of a global
pandemic — COVID-19. AAPAM was
forced to suspend most of its training
programmes, together with the primetime
Roundtable Conference. The 41 st
AAPAM Annual Roundtable
Conference in Cape Town was the first
after the pandemic. The 40 th AAPAM
Annual Roundtable Conference, held in
Cairo, Egypt, took place in December
2019.
Partnering with the
South Africa National
Convention Bureau
The bidding process has many
daunting, admin-intensive steps.
Therefore, it is important to have a
bidding partner who can support you
through the process and ensure that
you are able to host a successful
business event.
The South Africa National
Convention Bureau (SANCB)
supported the 41 st AAPAM Annual
Roundtable Conference and made a
significant contribution to the
regional event’s success.
The SANCB also contributed to the
41st AAPAM Annual Roundtable
Conference, through delegate
boosting, on-site event support, and
site inspection flight support. This
support made this event possible.
Outcomes
The Roundtable conference witnessed the
thirteenth (13 th ) AAPAM Innovative
Management Award (IMA) Ceremony and the
AAPAM sixth (6 th ) Gold Medal Award.
The IMA promotes excellence and best
practice by recognising and celebrating
institutional creativity in enhancing service
delivery in the continent, while the gold medal
is awarded to an individual who has made an
outstanding contribution to Public
Administration and Management in the
continent.
The new Executive Committee and Council
were elected at a General Assembly by AAPAM
members.
High-level presentations from senior
government officials and academics were
presented during the event.
Masters and PHD students were invited to
various workshops. Practitioners had sessions
about their disciplines.
Legacy
As part of the legacy of this event, the DPSA
and AAPAM will continue to jointly host a
series of seminars. The annual seminars have
always created a platform for all to share and
exchange knowledge and discuss cross-cutting
areas. South Africa continues to host such
seminars and workshops to enhance regional
and continental integration and help realise
the achievement of the two global goals —
namely the SDGs and AU Agenda 2063.
Testimonial
“The bid support was a huge benefit to us. I
would recommend this support programme, and
the benefits are vast. Through the financial
contribution, it allowed for site visits and
delegate boosting, which wouldn’t have been
possible if it weren’t for the support. The bid
support afforded us the opportunity to host
the best conference, and set the bar high for
the next one. The SANCB steered us to improve
our processes. We have learnt a lot from the
process,” Prof. John Molepo, executive director
of the South African Association of Public
Administration and Management (SAAPAM).
For more information on the Bid Support
programme, please click here.
#MeetInSouthAfrica
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Business Events Africa September 2024 19
ATLF REPORT BACK
ATLF 2024 — ‘Charting a new path forward for
intra-Africa travel, tourism, and investment’
The 7 th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 2024, held in Gaborone, Botswana, brought together
Africa’s top leaders and stakeholders in travel, tourism, and investments. Themed ‘Charting a New
Path Forward for Intra-Africa Travel, Tourism & Investments’, the forum focused on innovation,
collaboration, and driving sustainable growth in Africa’s tourism sector. Over four days, key
discussions and networking sessions helped set the stage for the future of African tourism.
Hosted by the Government of
Botswana through the Botswana
Tourism Organisation in
collaboration with Africa Tourism
Partners, UNWTO and AfCFTA, the 7 th Africa
Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards
continued to forge new ground in intra-
Africa travel, a theme continued from last
year’s ATLF. Once again, the main challenges
that were highlighted included visa barriers,
which restricted movement, lack of direct air
routes within Africa, cost of travel, and
limited connectivity on the continent.
Held from 4-6 September 2024 at the
Grand Palm International Convention Centre
in Gaborone, Botswana, this year’s forum
emphasised the importance of travel within
Africa, focusing on reducing travel
restrictions across the continent to enhance
business growth and facilitate the seamless
movement of people.
In his opening remarks at the 7 th Annual
Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards, the
Vice President of Botswana, H.E. Slumber
Tsogwane, highlighted that ATLF is the only
platform of its kind that elevates tourism as
a critical economic pillar for diversifying
African economies.
“The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum is a
Pan-African dialogue platform that unites
key stakeholders from Africa’s travel, tourism,
hospitality, and aviation sectors to network,
share insights, and devise strategies for
growing Intra-Africa travel and tourism
while enhancing the brand equity of our
‘Destination Africa’,” Mr Tsogwane added.
He further emphasised: “Botswana is
strategically positioning itself as a premier
destination for hosting business events as
part of its deliberate economic
diversification drive. Tourism in Botswana is
a major contributor to the national
economy, with significant potential for
further growth.”
ATLF 2024 was preceded by Intra-Africa
Travel and Tourism Business-to-Business
Sessions, Exhibition, Destination Showcase
and Entrepreneurial MICE Masterclass. The
Forum was attended by over 800 physical
and over 2,000 virtual delegates,
cumulatively, over the four days, from over
95 countries. The forum is a melting pot of
ideas and opportunities. The event featured
industry-specific masterclasses, dynamic
panel discussions, and high-impact speed
networking sessions designed to spark new
collaborations and foster lasting
relationships among Africa’s leading service
providers.
Key issues highlighted at the forum
included:
• Sustainable and inclusive tourism.
• Boosting Intra-Africa travel.
• Driving economic growth.
Travel and Trading Day
The event commenced with dynamic B2B
and B2G networking sessions, where
participants explored business
opportunities, exchanged ideas, and
showcased Africa’s diverse tourism offerings.
The day’s focus was on building
partnerships and fostering collaboration to
accelerate Intra-African travel and tourism
growth.
The second day featured the official
opening ceremony, followed by keynote
speeches from AfCFTA and UN Tourism
representatives. The discussions centred
around leveraging the AfCFTA framework, to
boost tourism and cultural industries, with
panels exploring investment opportunities,
including the launch of the Pan African
Tourism Fund, to drive infrastructure
development.
On the third day, the spotlight was on
digital innovation and the Blue Economy.
Discussions emphasised the role of
technology in tourism growth and the need
for sustainable practices.
The final day celebrated excellence in
African tourism, with the Africa Tourism
Leadership Awards. The night honoured
innovators and leaders driving change in
the industry, marking a fitting conclusion to
a forum dedicated to advancing Africa’s
tourism potential through collaboration and
leadership.
The forum is organised by African Tourism
Partners with support from Botswana
Tourism. Notably, Botswana has hosted the
last three editions of this influential forum,
underscoring its commitment to advancing
the continent’s tourism agenda.
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ATLF REPORT BACK
ATLF 2024 Award
winners announced
The 2024 Africa Tourism Leadership
Awards, took place on the evening of
6th September. These awards celebrate
excellence in various categories,
recognising the groundbreaking
contributions of individuals and
organisations to the African tourism
industry. The winners were selected
based on their exceptional
achievements in sustainability,
innovation, entrepreneurship, and
community engagement.
Kwakye Donkor, chief executive officer
of Africa Tourism Partners, organisers of
the event, said the awards not only
recognise excellence but are a
testament to the passion, innovation,
and dedication that drives Africa’s
tourism industry forward.
The full list of award-winners:
Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation
Challenge
Joseph Owiredu, Fihankra ComTech Ltd,
Ghana
Leading in Progressive Policies Award
Rwanda Development Board
Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award
Kenneth Agyepong and Abdul Karim
Abdullah (Afro Future)
Outstanding Africa Tourism Media and
Marketing Award
CNBC Africa, South Africa
Women in Leadership Award
Taubie Motlhabane, Cape Town
International Convention Centre
Championing Sustainability Award
Qorokwe Camp, Botswana
Most Innovative Business Tourism
Destination Award
Cape Town International Convention
Centre, South Africa
Outstanding Accommodation Facility/
Group Award
Singita Pamushana Lodge, Zimbabwe
Outstanding Tourism Transportation
Award
Ethiopian Airlines.
Destination – Africa Lifetime Award
Rodger Foster, CEO and MD at Airlink,
South Africa
Contact details
For more information about the awards
partnerships, sponsorships, registration, and
enquiries, please contact Rejoice Chishamba
at: rejoice@africatourismpartners.com /
+27 (0) 11 318 1741 / +27 (0) 81 303 7030.
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 21
EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER
Lead with love — Ansie Turner,
executive housekeeper
Ansie Turner, executive housekeeper at City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport, is a
manager, mentor, mother figure, and friend to many. Described as one of the hardest working
members of the team, her superpower is leading with love, making people feel welcome, and
inspiring others to strive for success.
The hotel is the largest within the group,
with 365 rooms, and regularly runs at
100% occupancy. It is within walking
distance of the airport terminal buildings and
features a spacious #Café restaurant and
sundowner bar, three boardrooms with
conference facilities for up to 46 guests, a
fitness room, and an outdoor pool. Business
and leisure guests fly in from around the
world and check-in at all hours of the day and
night, often requiring food and beverage
services around the clock. It’s a mammoth
task, operating at optimum levels, and staff
are chosen for their ability to perform well
under pressure.
Ansie began her career in the linen room at
The Don Hotels under the guidance of
veteran housekeeper, Margaret Lamont. “I
knew I had a knack for it,” she recalls,
reflecting on her early days in the challenging
world of hotel housekeeping. Her talent and
dedication soon saw her promoted, allowing
her to work across different areas of the
property.
While specialising in housekeeping, Ansie
believes that understanding all aspects of
hotel operations is crucial: “It’s been a busy
journey. I’ve gained experience in all areas,
and it’s important that we’re willing and able
to help in other parts of the hotel when
needed.”
Ansie joined City Lodge Hotels 25 years
ago, on 1 September 1999, heading up
housekeeping at City Lodge Hotel
Johannesburg Airport, Barbara Road, and in
2010 joined the opening team at City Lodge
Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport.
The hotel opening was a significant
milestone, she explained: “We went through
construction, worked hard, and aimed high
— that’s how you get people to see how
things must be done and follow your
example.”
Ansie’s leadership was instrumental in
forming a housekeeping team that genuinely
cares about their work, and one another.
“I lead with love,” she said simply, believing
in the power of kindness to change attitudes
and unlock potential. “I take aggressive
individuals, and if I see potential in them, I
train them as supervisors. It’s incredible to
watch how their whole attitude changes.”
Mentorship is a big aspect of Ansie’s role.
She fondly remembers working with
colleague and friend, Angie Moroga, who was
also a mother figure to her: “Angie was
someone I looked up to, and a shoulder to
cry on. She taught me how to mentor and
motivate others.”
Ansie currently brings this nurturing
approach to her department and she said: “I
care a lot about the ladies I work with and
make sure everybody is okay.”
Ansie also understands that a person’s
background influences how they approach
their work, having overcome hardship in her
life. “You bring your personal experiences to
work, and you don’t even realise it,” she notes.
This empathy has transformed her team into
more than just coworkers — they are a family.
However, Ansie balances kindness with
discipline and sets clear expectations, noting,
“I put my foot down when I need to, because
it’s important to maintain high standards and
order. If you break the rules, you get one
more chance, but, by the third time, you
cannot work here anymore as you have
proven you don’t or won’t fit in.”
To Ansie, housekeeping is a metaphor for
life: “If everything is clean and back in place,
so too are your emotions,” she explains. “I
believe in routine, schedules, and selfdiscipline,
not just for maintaining a clean
hotel, but also for achieving emotional and
mental clarity.”
Her dedication is evident in her daily
routine. Wanting to ensure that she touches
base with staff on all shifts, she begins her
workday at 4am, so that by 8am, her team
knows exactly what needs to be done for the
day. Ansie said this isn’t a hardship, because
it’s her passion.
Throughout her career, she has mentored
many young mothers and people who lacked
formal qualifications, helping them to grow
into confident and skilled professionals who
can afford to put food on the table and take
care of their families.
“I don’t like the victim mentality. I tell my
ladies to get rid of that as soon as possible,”
she said. “We’re not going backward — get
back to work or take a walk in the sunshine if
you need a quick break to get on top of your
feelings, but let’s be proactive and positive
today.”
Ansie’s caregiving nature also benefits the
guests: “When you walk into a hotel room, it
can either feel like home or feel cold, and
guests can tell the difference. When you clean
with care and thought to create the best first
impression for the guests walking in the door,
it shows, and they’ll appreciate it. We go out
of our way to make our guests’ lives easy.”
Experienced and award-winning general
manager of the hotel, Ian Laughland, added:
“We are absolutely privileged to have Ansie
heading up the housekeeping team — she
leads in a kind, caring manner, getting the
tasks done by creating a loving environment
for our team and guests. Well done, Ansie!”
22 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
What do business travellers want from a hotel?
In today’s fast-paced business world, corporate travellers have increasingly specific needs and
preferences when on a business trip. Their expectations extend beyond mere convenience and
comfort; they seek a travel experience that enhances productivity, efficiency, and overall wellbeing.
Understanding these preferences is essential for us to cater effectively to this demographic.
By Sigal Nassimov-Geva, operating officer of Premier Hotels & Resorts
Operating officer of Premier Hotels &
Resorts, Sigal Nassimov-Geva shared just
what business travellers are looking for on
their corporate trips:
Convenience and efficiency
Business travellers prioritise convenience above
all. Their schedules are often tight, and they
need solutions that minimise downtime and
streamline their travel experience. This includes:
• Seamless booking systems: Integrated
platforms that allow for easy booking of
flights, accommodation, and transportation.
• Efficient transportation: Direct flights, quick
airport transfers, and reliable car services are
crucial.
• Location proximity: Hotels and meeting
venues that are close to airports or central
business districts help save time and reduce
stress.
Comfort and quality
Despite the demanding nature of their trips,
comfort remains a significant factor. Business
travellers expect a high standard of quality in
their accommodation and services:
• Comfortable accommodation: High-quality
bedding, quiet rooms, and ample workspace
are essential.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, quality in-room dining
options, and fitness facilities are often top
priorities.
• Room design: Functional and stylish rooms
with plenty of natural light and ergonomic
furniture can make a big difference. “Our
hotels also offer business centres and
meeting rooms,” Ms Nassimov-Geva said.
Connectivity and technology
In the digital age, business travellers rely heavily
on technology. They need to stay connected
and productive, regardless of their location:
• Reliable internet access: High-speed Wi-Fi
and ample charging options are nonnegotiable.
• Tech-friendly environments: Access to
printing services, video conferencing tools,
and ample power outlets are important.
• Mobile apps and tools: Apps that streamline
check-ins, manage travel itineraries, and
provide real-time updates are highly valued.
Personalisation and flexibility
Corporate travellers appreciate services tailored
to their individual needs and preferences:
• Personalised services: Recognising frequent
travellers and offering customised rewards or
accommodation can greatly enhance their
experience.
• Flexible booking policies: The ability to
make changes to reservations without
significant penalties is crucial, given the
unpredictable nature of business travel.
Wellness and work-life balance
Maintaining well-being on the road is
increasingly important to business travellers.
They look for:
• Wellness facilities: Access to gyms,
swimming pools, or even spa services helps
them stay healthy and relaxed.
• Healthy dining options: Hotels and
restaurants offering nutritious meal choices
are a big plus.
Safety and security
In today’s world, safety is paramount. Business
travellers seek reassurance through:
• Security measures: Enhanced safety
protocols in hotels and transportation options
help ensure peace of mind.
• Health precautions: Cleanliness and health
safety measures, such as sanitised rooms and
touchless check-ins, are highly appreciated.
Customer support and assistance
Exceptional customer service can significantly
impact a business traveller’s experience. They
value:
• Responsive service: Access to 24/7
customer support can resolve issues quickly
and efficiently.
• Concierge services: Help with local
arrangements, such as dining reservations or
entertainment options, can enhance their trip.
Cost efficiency
While business travellers are not always paying
out-of-pocket, cost efficiency remains important
for their employers. They often look for:
• Value for money: High-quality services that
justify their costs are preferred.
Understanding what business travellers seek
can significantly enhance their overall travel
experience. By focusing on convenience,
comfort, connectivity, personalisation, wellness,
safety, support, and cost efficiency, Premier
Hotels caters to this demanding demographic.
“As corporate travel continues to evolve,
staying attuned to these needs is crucial for
delivering an exceptional travel experience that
supports productivity and satisfaction,” Ms
Nassimov-Geva concluded.
Who is Sigal Nassimov-Geva?
Sigal Nassimov-Geva has played an integral role in
Premier Hotels and Resorts, spanning more than two
decades. She has been pivotal in transforming the
company from a traditionally family-run business into a
contemporary corporate environment, in keeping with
the company’s vision for growth and future expansion
plans. During her tenure, and whilst overseeing the
Human Capital Department, she set herself the personal
objective of getting to grips with every discipline within
the business. She undoubtedly has an in-depth
knowledge and understanding of the most important
aspects. Sigal’s immediate role is to enforce the
collaborative spirit across all departments; sales,
marketing, revenue, operations, human capital, finance
and IT, and ensure cohesion and direction, by enhancing
the flow of communication. Immigrating to South Africa
as an inexperienced yet qualified foreign national, Sigal
Nassimov-Geva has, through hard work and passion,
established herself as a well-known and recognised
businesswoman within the hospitality industry. She was
awarded Regional Business Woman of the Year —
Corporate Category in 2012.
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 23
PERSONALITY PROFILE
Image by Aldk from Pixabay.
Lerisha Mudaliar — strives to
be a catalyst in the sector
Lerisha Mudaliar, 40, managing director of Isenzo Consultancy believes her role is to be a catalyst
in transforming how conferences and congresses are marketed within the business events sector.
Having witnessed the frequent
oversight of marketing as a crucial
element, I founded Isenzo
Consultancy to fill this gap by
offering specialised marketing strategies
tailored to the unique needs of each event
and destination.”
“My extensive experience in the industry
has shown me that successful events are
those that not only deliver on content but
also connect deeply with their audience
through effective marketing. This is where
Isenzo Consultancy stands out — we are
not merely service providers; we are
partners who are invested in the success of
every event we touch,” Lerisha said.
Where do you see the business events
industry in South Africa at present,
and where do you see it heading in
the future?
The business events industry in South
Africa is currently stable, with considerable
potential for growth. While the sector has
demonstrated resilience, there are
opportunities to elevate it further, through
enhanced stakeholder collaboration,
innovative solutions, and a deep
commitment to sustainability. With
government support in improving
infrastructure and easing visa regulations,
South Africa can position itself as a premier
global business events destination.
Where did you grow up?
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and I attended the
Durban University of Technology.
Where did your career path begin?
At The Conference Company, as an intern,
and my first permanent job was with
Nationwide Airlines.
How long have you been in the
sector?
I have been in the business events sector
for 20 years. Throughout my career, I’ve
witnessed, firsthand, the profound impact
that tourism and events have on every
citizen. My journey has been fuelled by a
passion for showcasing South Africa as a
premier destination.
24 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
PERSONALITY PROFILE
What has been the biggest change
you’ve seen in this sector?
The biggest change I’ve observed in the
business events sector has been the
increasing impact of South Africa’s stringent
visa regime. This has significantly affected the
industry, creating barriers to entry for
international delegates, speakers, and
exhibitors. The complexities and delays in
obtaining visas have led to reduced
attendance at conferences and events,
which, in turn, impacts the overall success
and global reach of these events.
What role does your family play in your
life?
I am married and have two fur babies. My
family is the centre of my being, and they
play an essential role in my life. They ground
me, providing a solid foundation of love and
support that keeps me balanced, no matter
my challenges.
What would you change in your life, if
you could, when looking back?
Looking back, I would have chosen to further
my education beyond my tourism diploma.
While I have had a fulfilling and successful
career, I recognise that additional academic
qualifications could have provided me with
broader perspectives and enhanced
opportunities.
Do you have any hobbies?
Running is one of my cherished hobbies, and
I’m proud to be an Adidas crew runner. It’s
not just about the physical activity for me —
it’s my escape from the craziness of life, a way
to clear my mind and find balance.
What is your favourite sport?
My favourite sport is rugby. I deeply respect
all athletes.
What do you do for leisure?
For leisure, I love hanging out at home, where
we cook, drink wine, and spend quality time
with our fur babies. It’s a perfect way to relax
and enjoy the simple pleasures of life,
surrounded by the warmth and comfort of
home.
What is your secret to success?
I believe the secret to success lies in being
brave, taking the time to review every
opportunity, and committing to hard work
and perseverance. Success in this field isn’t
just about executing great events; it’s about
contributing to the growth and development
of the industry, and making a lasting
difference.
What has been your biggest challenge
in this sector?
My biggest challenge in this sector has been
changing the perception that age and
having the highest degree is what matters
most. The industry can be somewhat cliquey
and, while there’s often talk of collaboration,
it doesn’t always materialise.
What is your pet hate?
My pet hate is people who keep me waiting.
I believe that being kept waiting shows a
lack of respect for my time.
What is the most memorable place you
have ever been to, and why?
The most memorable place I have ever
been to is Batu Caves. During my visit, I had
the incredible honour of being selected out
of a group of individuals to join a prayer for
the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is revered
as the mother of the household in
Hinduism.
What type of holiday would you avoid
at all costs?
I wouldn’t avoid any type of holiday, as I
believe each one brings its own unique
experience.
If you could be anyone for the day who
would you be and why?
I would love to be any president. I think
there is so much that happens behind the
scenes, and so many decisions that need to
be made with a depth of knowledge that
the public rarely sees.
What is your favourite city?
My favourite city is New York. I’m drawn to
its hustle and bustle, the endless shopping
opportunities, the incredible restaurants,
and the sheer variety of things to see and
do.
What is your favourite book, film, TV
programme?
Book: No specific one as I read a fair amount.
Film: My Best Friend’s Wedding.
TV Programme: Two Broke Girls.
How do you relax?
I relax by running, reading, watching TV, and
spending quality time with my family,
friends, and fur babies. I also enjoy winding
down with a good glass of wine. These
activities help me recharge and find balance
amidst a busy life.
What is your favourite food?
Thai.
Who is your favourite movie star?
Julia Roberts.
What is the most impulsive thing you
have ever done?
The most impulsive thing I’ve ever done was
moving to Cape Town, after meeting my
now-husband. A year after meeting him, I
decided to move in with him, even though I
had only been to Cape Town once before, for
a job interview, and it was just for a day. It
was a huge leap of faith that turned out to be
one of the most significant decisions of my
life.
Who is your role model?
My role model is my husband. He’s the
kindest, most gentle soul I know — always
compassionate and deeply considerate of
others. Despite his achievements and being a
total powerhouse in the boardroom, he
never loses sight of what truly matters: his
compassion for people. As a husband, he
spoils me and our fur babies beyond
measure, always putting us first. His love,
kindness, and unwavering support make him
not just my partner, but my greatest
inspiration.
What advice do you have for anyone
starting out in this industry and hoping
to follow in your footsteps?
My advice is grounded in experience: don’t
walk into a job with the expectation that
you’ll have a corner office tomorrow. This
industry demands years of dedication,
resilience, and a relentless work ethic, to
climb the corporate ladder. The financial
rewards might not be immediate, so it’s
essential not to compare your salary with
those in other sectors, such as finance.
Treat everyone with respect. Above all,
listen and learn. Embrace every learning
opportunity, and you’ll find that growth
comes faster and more robustly when you
remain humble, curious, and open to new
experiences. Passion, combined with a
commitment to lifelong learning and
adaptability, will propel you forward in this
vibrant industry.
What is your dream for the future?
My dream for the future is to play a pivotal
role in the business events sector by helping
market conferences effectively, and ensuring
that delegates are drawn to these events in
specific locations. Additionally, I’m passionate
about driving transformation within the
tourism industry and being an active part of
the change that fosters inclusivity and
growth.
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 25
CHEF VENUE PROFILE NEWS
Stefan Bekker — is passionate
about the art of gastronomy
Stefan Bekker, executive chef at Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa is proud to be the face of and
namesake for Stefan’s. Stefan has worked in the industry as a chef for over twelve years, and his
passion for the art of gastronomy grows at each new challenge he is faced with.
Stefan has spent years working in both
Qatar and England, developing his skills
and palate on an international scale. He
brings his mastery into the kitchens of Erinvale
Estate Hotel & Spa.
Stefan grew up in the farming town of
Malelane, completed his secondary education
at Hoërskool Nelspruit, then pursued his passion
for cooking through culinary studies at Prue
Leith Chef Academy.
“My mom owned three takeaway cafes in
Malelane, so I worked there after primary school
and then also did a stint as a cleaner in England
for two years, after school,” Stefan said.
“I’ve had years of experience in the culinary
field. I have served as an executive chef in
four- and five-star hotels for the past twelve
years. I began my first executive chef role at
the age of 23.”
“I grew up surrounded by kitchens and, while
I never initially imagined myself becoming a
chef, I have always felt at home in the kitchen,”
Stefan said.
Over the next five years, he said: “I aim to
further elevate Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa’s
already outstanding food offerings and
continue challenging myself with Stefan’s
Restaurant, and then I’d like to open my own
fine dining restaurant.”
Stefan said: “Every day brings a new
experience in my role. I am in a unique position
in that I handle the day-to-day food operations
at the hotel, and by night, I cook solo at one of
South Africa’s premier fine dining restaurants.
This keeps me challenged, fulfilled, and
constantly on my toes.”
He said: “I’ve had my share of amusing
encounters, guests’ perceptions and knowledge
of food can be significantly influenced by
cooking shows, which often leads to interesting
– and occasionally humorous – expectations.”
In terms of trends, Stefan said: “Guests
appreciate warm and inviting spaces over cold,
modern aesthetics. When it comes to food,
simple, yet expertly crafted dishes with great
flavours are always a hit. Small plates remain
popular, as they allow guests to savour a variety
of flavours in a single dining experience.”
“Globally, there is a noticeable rise in chefs
starting their own businesses, leading to a
marked improvement in global food quality.
Restaurants are also becoming more specialised,
moving away from extensive menus, to focus
on a few dishes executed to perfection instead.”
Stefan’s suggestion for organisers is: “Knowing
your customer is key; knowing their personal
preferences makes it easier to organise
exceptional events. However, avoid pushing
them into experiences and options that they are
uncomfortable with.”
In terms of challenges facing this industry,
Stefan said: “The industry is heavily dependent
on international visitors, so any political or social
unrest can impact us significantly. Additionally,
there is a growing challenge as people have less
disposable income for leisure activities.”
Stefan is married to Zani. “We have been
together for nine years. For leisure, I enjoy
spending quality time with my wife.”
“My creative pursuits extend beyond my role
as a chef. I’m also a painter and potter, with these
passions forming a significant part of my life and
are more than just hobbies. Many of the plates in
my restaurant are handcrafted by me, reflecting
my dedication to both the arts and cuisine.”
Stefan’s advice for newcomers is: “Be prepared
for a demanding journey that requires hard
work, persistence, patience, attention to detail,
and strong leadership skills. You need to be able
to take responsibility for everything.”
In conclusion, Stefan said: “Erinvale Estate
Hotel & Spa is truly unique. Having worked at 11
properties, I can confidently say that it offers a
remarkable escape from the outside world,
providing a space for relaxation and resetting.”
What is your signature dish?
We do not have a signature dish but, if I had to
choose one on my current menu, it would be
‘Seabass, tigers milk, winter salad, angel hair’,
paired with Eagles’ Nest Sauvignon Blanc 2023.
What food trends are emerging in the
conference industry?
Trends come and go, but focusing on the
strengths of your property will always be
appreciated and stand you in good stead, in my
opinion. Avoid complicating things — overpromising
and under-delivering should always
be avoided.
What has remained constant in this
industry?
Hard work.
What is your favourite beverage?
Whiskey.
What is your favourite food?
Anything I don’t have to cook myself (laughs) —
I am so grateful when anyone cooks for me and
so appreciate the effort, good or bad.
What is your pet hate?
When people make assumptions instead of
asking questions.
What is your great love?
Creativity and crafting things with my own
hands, from my imagination.
Are you adventurous?
Becoming and remaining a chef has been my
greatest adventure.
26 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
VENUE NEWS
Premier Hotels
opens four-star hotel
in Limpopo
While many developers have responded to the construction
sector downturn by taking a cautious approach and adopting a
wait-and-see attitude, one company bucking this trend within the
hospitality sector is Premier Hotels & Resorts, which has just
finished building its 24 th establishment in Thohoyandou, the
former capital of the old Venda state.
It has chosen to fill a gap in the Limpopo area
by growing its footprint into a new node in
South Africa, with undoubtedly the biggest
four-star hotel in the far northern part of
Limpopo Province, in the Vhembe District,
which borders Zimbabwe. With an ever-green
scenic view of Thohoyandou and a stone’s
throw from the Kruger National Park’s Punda
Maria gate, the hotel will be a major milestone
in the tourism sector and will serve as a catalyst
to many economic developments that exist,
and those that are still planned for the region.
It is designed to serve institutional travel
demands and local business interests in a stateof-the-art
conferencing venue.
“Our decision to forge ahead with this
development demonstrates our confidence in
the Venda community and that we believe in
the long-term future and economic viability
of the area,” said Sigal Nassimov-Geva, chief
operating officer of Premier Hotels. “We
strongly believe in the upliftment of skills,
which is why we have partnered with the
main contractor, African Century Group, by
providing opportunities to the local
construction workers for growth, learning, and
upskilling who might not have had the
experience in building a four-star hotel.”
“Never before have the construction
workers in the area had the chance to learn
the skills needed to build a hotel of this
stature, which is why we’ve chosen to
collaborate with Premier Hotels & Resorts,”
said Lady Masia, head of the construction
company African Century Group. “We
approached them to be the management
and marketing company due to the depths of
experience they have had in the hospitality
industry, which is much needed in order to
make the hotel a success.”
A project of this magnitude is critical in
creating job opportunities. During the
construction phase, 480 jobs were created,
varying from unskilled local construction
labour through to highly skilled artisans,
project managers and the like. When the
hotel officially opens it will also employ 85
permanent workers, and 30-40 contract/parttime
staff, improving the livelihood of the
local families.
“We are committed to adhering to the
Employment Equity Act by actively
promoting equity in the workplace, ensuring
that all employees are provided with equal
opportunities,” Ms Nassimov-Geva said. “In
addition, we are dedicated to ensuring that
women have equal access to and leadership
roles across the hotels. Of our current entire
workforce of 1,555 employees, we have 27
per cent females at a senior management
level, 48,7 per cent at mid-management level,
and 61,6 per cent at a junior management
level.”
The Chief of Venda said that he wasn’t aware
of any other privately funded developments of
the scale of this hotel, that is currently under
construction and progressing at an aggressive
pace with the IDC funding the build.
The key factor in selecting the site was the
hotel’s visibility, as it is being built on a rise,
enabling it to be seen from the recently built
mall, sports stadium built to celebrate the
independence of Venda, and the University of
Venda – a big catalyst in the area – as well as
giving guests superb views of the town and
surrounding mountains.
This injection of money will also
undoubtedly influence further future
development in the region and attract trade
and investment to Thohoyandou, serving as
the gateway to the Kruger National Park and
Zimbabwe.
The Premier Hotels development on the
north-eastern edge of the town will be a
modern build, with a touch of African flair, very
similar to its OR Tambo hotel. The facade will
be stone, as opposed to brick, with numerous
environmentally-friendly aspects.
With close to 8,697m² of usable space, the
hotel will accommodate 120 rooms,
conference space to host up to 450 delegates
for conferences, for local businesses in the area
or celebratory functions, a business suite, bar
and restaurant with wine bar, outdoor pool,
and gym facility.
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 27
VENUE NEWS
Chefs Warehouse
launches Room 91
Liam Tomlin has just significantly upped the level of party and
event catering with the launch of Room 91, a versatile selfcontained
private events space at 91 Bree Street that serves
Chefs Warehouse’s signature cuisine.
This means that event guests and
corporate delegates can now enjoy
globally inspired fare such as braised
lamb rib with Persian-spiced tomato and
lentil ragout, beef fillet, herbed roast
chicken with stuffing, and spiced apricotglazed
kingklip with mussels, along with a
host of other flavour-packed dishes, instead
of the ubiquitous beef, chicken or fish
offering.
Liam, together with his wife Jan and
David Schneider are partners in Room 91,
an easily adaptable multi-level indooroutdoor
space on the upper floor of 91
Bree Street, overlooking vibey and vibrant
Bree Street, the CBD, and Signal Hill. Room
91 is a versatile blank canvas for many an
occasion, from wedding receptions,
anniversaries, and cocktail parties to
corporate lunches, dinners, and year-end
functions, award and gala celebrations,
product launches, musical events, and even
photography and film shoots.
“One of the things we’ve noticed after
running restaurants in the CBD for so many
years is that there is a dearth of versatile
event spaces in town that serve great food
and are not in hotels,” Liam said. “We had
this wonderful indoor-outdoor space on the
top floor of our building that we’d used for a
few functions, and a strong contingent of
highly professional management, kitchen,
and front-of-house staff already on the
premises. One day the penny dropped — it
would be perfect as a designated space for
occasions of any kind.”
Taking the blah out of event food
Room 91 offers exciting, flavourful, and
versatile contemporary menus, with cuisine
of the same high quality and innovation as
the group’s global tapas restaurants across
Cape Town, regardless of whether it’s
cocktails and canapés, a family-style feast or
a set menu of lunch or dinner.
Spanning the second and top floor of the
Tomlins’ beautifully restored historic building
on Bree Street right in the centre of town,
Room 91 sits atop restaurants Chefs
Warehouse & Canteen and Merchant Bar &
Grill, which opened in early August.
Accessible via its private entrance, it is a
separate self-contained open-plan space
with the functionality of different areas that
can be staged in a variety of ways: as one
large open space, or smaller areas for
meetings, cocktails, and canapés, and seated
luncheon or dinner. Room 91 can
accommodate 200 pax for cocktails and 70
pax for seated luncheons and dinners.
The indoor space is split-level, with warm,
muted colours, classic dark wood parquet
floors, and dimmable LED lighting, to create
a range of moods. The lower level has a
marble-topped wooden bar, an elegant
place for drinks service, with its generously
stocked selection of premium drinks. It can
easily be separated from the room, with a
curtain. It has a demarcated stage area and
facilities for large-screen TVs, and is ideal for
meetings and gatherings.
The upper landing area has the same
classic look and opens onto a large balcony
via a long sliding door. The open balcony is
an inviting plant-filled outdoor area
connected to the city below. With beautiful
views up and down Bree Street, and of
nearby Signal Hill and Table Mountain, it
places guests right in the middle of The
Mother City, with its stunning mix of urban
and natural glory.
The spaces of Chefs Warehouse &
Canteen, Merchant Bar & Grill, and Room 91
are also available to book as a complete 91
Bree Street take-over, with an easy flow of
access between all three venues. It’s the
ideal city address for a signature knock-yoursocks-off
event of up to 400 pax.
91 Bree Street is easily accessible from all
parts of the Cape Town metropolitan area
and has substantial parking on Riebeek
Square Parking, across the street.
28 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
VENUE NEWS
VENUE NEWS
A Johannesburg gem celebrates its 75-year legacy
October 2024 sees one of Sandton’s longest-standing hotels, the Protea Hotel by Marriott
Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, celebrate its 75 th Anniversary. To add a touch of extra ‘shine’ to the
occasion, the Hotel is taking its Jubilee celebration to social media, inviting its followers to share
their memories of the Balalaika, for a chance to win a Jenna Clifford diamond valued at R30,000.
Established in 1949, the Balalaika Hotel is
a mainstay of Sandton’s CBD, beginning
its journey as an ‘outspan stop’ on the
old wagon road between Johannesburg
and Pretoria, where early travellers would
park their wagons and let their oxen graze.
Not much is known of the founder of the
site and tearoom in 1949. It is believed to be
Gerard Le Grand, a British Royal Marine
Officer who established the old Good Hope
Tea Garden on the site. Gerard and his wife
lived on the tearoom premises while the
original hotel was being built. He managed
the tearoom and added a selection of rustic
rondavels to accommodate country
travellers coming to town.
As Sandton evolved, gradually becoming
a central business centre in the heart of
Northern Johannesburg, the Balalaika grew
with it, becoming a landmark known for its
blend of modern luxury and timeless charm.
Incidentally, the name ‘Balalaika’ is believed
to have been inspired by the 1939 film of
the same name, reflecting the hotel’s longstanding
association with music and
culture.
Recent refurbishments have ensured that
the Balalaika continues to meet the needs
of both business and leisure travellers, all
while preserving the character that has
made it a beloved institution for 75 years.
The Balalaika Jubilee competition is open
to followers of the Hotel’s Facebook and
Instagram pages between 1 and 20 October
2024. To enter, followers are invited to share
an image of a Balalaika Hotel memory with
a short caption explaining the image and
using the hashtag #BalalaikaJubilee.
Entrants must also tag the Hotel in their
posts. Terms and conditions apply. The
grand prize winner will be notified via the
relevant social media platform.
Andrew Visagie, chief operating officer
from Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg
Balalaika Sandton, commented: “The
Balalaika’s enduring legacy is distinguished
by every traveller that has spent a night in
the Hotel. It has served a cross-section of
guests from all over the world, including
many famous – and even infamous –
characters who have passed through
Johannesburg over many decades.”
“It is fitting that we honour the Hotel’s
history with a celebration highlighting the
stories which visitors and guests have to
share. We look forward to many more years
of excellence to come.”
To enquire about bookings at the historic
Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg
Balalaika Sandton, visit balalaika.co.za. For
news and competition updates, follow the
Balalaika social media pages on Facebook
and Instagram.
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 29
VENUE NEWS
Aha Hotels & Lodges broadens its portfolio
Aha Hotels & Lodges is delighted to announce they have been awarded the management of Skukuza
Safari Lodge, nestled within the iconic Skukuza Rest Camp in the stunning Kruger National Park.
This exceptional addition to their
portfolio, which will officially re-open
this month, offers guests an unparalleled
safari experience in one of South Africa’s most
renowned natural settings.
Skukuza Safari Lodge is the embodiment of
luxury amidst the untamed wilderness of
Kruger National Park. The lodge features 128
meticulously designed rooms, including
eleven family rooms and eight luxurious
suites, providing the perfect retreat for those
seeking an unforgettable bush escape.
Guests can indulge in a range of top-tier
amenities, including a welcoming bar, a fully
equipped gym, a refreshing swimming pool,
and a restaurant offering a diverse selection
of à la carte and buffet meals for breakfast,
lunch, and dinner.
The lodge is equipped with the Mondzo
meeting room, ideal for intimate gatherings
and presentations. For larger conferences and
events, the recently refurbished Nombolo
Mdhluli Conference Centre stands as a
premier venue, accommodating up to 600
delegates in the main conference room and
up to 160 attendees in each of its four
spacious breakaway rooms.
The centre is outfitted with state-of-the-art
technology, ensuring that every event is both
seamless and sophisticated. This exceptional
destination offers a myriad of experiences,
from marvelling at the vast African skies
during star-studded bush braais, to exploring
the predator-rich areas of the park on guided
drives, or self-guided tours.
Corporate clients can create memorable
events that will leave a lasting impact on
their teams and guests.
Conveniently located just 15 kilometres
from the Paul Kruger Gate, Skukuza Safari
Lodge is easily accessible and is a short
distance from Skukuza Airport, which offers
daily flights on Airlink, from Johannesburg
and Cape Town. Additionally, the worldrenowned
Skukuza Golf Club, with its unique
and breath-taking course, awaits golf
enthusiasts. For those seeking relaxation, the
AM Spa offers a range of rejuvenating
treatments, while adventure seekers can
embark on guided walks through the
captivating landscapes of the Kruger National
Park.
The reopening of Skukuza Safari Lodge
marks a significant milestone, representing a
unique public-private partnership between
SANPARKS, aha Hotels & Lodges (a division of
Tourvest), and Karibu Leisure Resorts, a 100
per cent female black-owned company. This
partnership is committed to creating
meaningful employment opportunities and
ensuring that the surrounding communities
of Kruger National Park benefit directly from
its success.
30 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
MARKET VENUE NEWS
Register now for the inaugural SA Chef Conference & Expo
The inaugural trade event, SA Chef Conference & Expo, will take place at the Protea Hotel Cape
Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge on 25 and 26 November.
Hosted by SA Chef Media in partnership
with the South African Chefs
Association and the City of Cape Town,
this groundbreaking event is tailored for
restaurant owners and executive chefs. The
event will convene South Africa’s culinary
leaders, from fine dining establishments to
hotel and conference centre chefs and
SMMEs, to explore business solutions, growth
strategies, the latest trends and innovations
in professional kitchens, and how to unlock
the economic potential of Gastronomy
Tourism.
Lance Gibbons, director of SA Chef Media,
said this event provides a platform for
business owners and executive chefs to break
down barriers and foster connections within
the culinary industry. The event provides a
stage, where delegates can delve into current
issues that are affecting the sector and
discover strategies and best practices to
better serve their customers.
One of the key issues that will be discussed
is how to package South Africa as a
gastronomical destination, highlighting
cultural heritage. This will be addressed
during the workshop taking place on the
second day, in collaboration with SA Tourism.
“Finding the identity of South Africa’s
gastronomical sector is key and will be the
foundation of the workshop,” Mr Gibbons
said.
This event is open to everyone involved in
the sector.
Key objectives of the conference include:
• Sharing solutions to the business
challenges faced by the restaurant industry,
including strategies to recession-proof and
mitigate the impact of seasonality.
• Driving innovation and sustainability by
exploring new technology solutions,
products, services, and culinary trends.
• Developing a concrete plan to position
South Africa as a premier gastronomic
destination and enhance our share of the
culinary tourism market.
Who should attend: Restaurant owners,
executive chefs, cooks and caterers,
hospitality GMs, culinary and tourism
stakeholders, culinary industry suppliers,
vendors, and support services.
Featured speakers will include renowned
executive chefs and restaurateurs such as
Pete Goffe-Wood, Reuben Riffel, Zola Nene,
Justine Drake, Coo Pillay, Liam Tomlin, Chris
Erasmus, Pete Ayub, Gregory Henderson,
along with senior representatives from SA
Tourism, the City of Cape Town, Cape Town
Tourism and other tourism and hospitality
associations.
As the official voice of the SA Chefs
Association, we will also be hosting the
Cape Town leg of the 50th anniversary
celebrations of the association and its
significant contributions to the culinary
industry with a Gala Dinner and Awards.
Elevate Your Culinary Business
• Gain Insights from South Africa’s Leading
Chefs and Restaurateurs
• Network with Culinary Professionals
Across the Industry
• Discover the Latest Trends and
Innovations
• Unlock the Full Potential of
Gastronomy Tourism
www.businesseventsafrica.com
25-26 November 2024
Protea Hotel
Breakwater Lodge
Cape town
Register now
www.sachefmedia.co.za
Who Should Attend:
• Restaurant Owners
• Executive Chefs
• Cooks and Caterers
• Hospitality General Managers
• Culinary and Tourism Stakeholders
• Suppliers and Vendors
• Support Service Providers
Business Events Africa September 2024 31
MARKET AAXO NEWS
NEWS
Megan De Jager, portfolio director for
RX Africa.
WTM Africa 2025 to
‘Ignite Africa’ with
fresh focus and
strategic content
RX Africa recently announced ‘Ignite Africa’ as the official
theme for its WTM Africa 2025 event, to take place from
9-11 April in the Host City of Cape Town, at the Cape Town
International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Next year, WTM Africa promises a
revamped format with a laser focus
on actionable insights and strategic
networking, making it a must-attend for
anyone invested in the future of African
tourism.
Expect a content-rich programme at
WTM Africa structured around critical
themes such as aviation, responsible
tourism, and marketing. Curated by
industry experts, sessions will move
beyond theoretical discussions to deliver
practical solutions and tangible strategies.
32 Business Events Africa September 2024
The ‘Brain Box’ will also offer interactive
workshops and discussions, providing
opportunities for attendees to gain
practical knowledge and develop new
skills.
In addition, WTM Africa will launch a
renewed trend report packed with the
latest industry statistics and insights. This
State of the Industry report will serve as
an essential resource for stakeholders,
offering data-driven perspectives on
current challenges and opportunities in
African tourism.
WTM Africa 2025 will also feature a
reimagined Media Awards programme,
designed to raise standards in travel
journalism across the continent. A panel
of leading industry judges will recognise
excellence in reporting, setting a new
benchmark for media coverage of African
tourism. Press conferences, media
briefings, and exclusive opportunities for
interviews with top industry
spokespeople will be scaled up, allowing
the media to access crucial stories and
insights directly from the source.
“This isn’t just an update to our annual
event. We’re completely reimagining how
we can drive African tourism forward,” said
Megan De Jager, portfolio director for RX
Africa. “The new format and content are
designed to give attendees practical tools
and knowledge they can immediately
apply to their businesses. With ‘Ignite
Africa’, we’re bringing together the
sharpest minds, the latest trends, and
actionable strategies in a way that’s never
been done before. This is an event that
professionals across the tourism industry
won’t want to miss.”
WTM Africa is positioned as the
definitive event for those looking to stay
ahead of the curve in African tourism. This
event will be the flashpoint for new
strategies and collaborations that will
shape the future of the sector.
Event Information
WTM Africa
9–11 April 2025
Cape Town, South Africa
Venue: Cape Town International
Convention Centre (CTICC)
Website: www.africatravelweek.com
www.businesseventsafrica.com
IAAPA to host first
summit in South
Africa in collaboration
with AAVEA
IAAPA, the global association for the
attractions industry, has joined forces with the
African Association of Visitor Experiences and
Attractions (AAVEA) to organise the first-ever
IAAPA and AAVEA Africa Summit.
The four-day event, taking place in Johannesburg, South
Africa, from
30 October to 31 October 2024, will be filled with insightful
education sessions, networking, and EDUTours to various visitor
experiences and attractions.
The IAAPA and AAVEA Africa Summit will deliver a comprehensive
educational programme designed to equip attendees with the
latest strategies and insights to succeed in the ever-evolving
attractions industry landscape. These sessions will delve into critical
topics such as Africa’s unique attraction landscape, the influence of
global trends on local markets, guest safety and experience,
revenue optimisation, sustainability, and more.
Complementing the robust education programme, the summit
will feature EDUTours to some of Africa’s premier attractions,
including Valley of Waves and Waterworld, Mankwe
GAMETRACKERS, Sun City Resort and the world-renowned Gold
Reef City Theme Park. This collaboration with AAVEA was formed
to elevate the global presence of AAVEA members. By broadening
our education programmes and research initiatives, this joint
effort aims to foster deeper knowledge and expertise within our
community and the greater tourism industry.
Additionally, this alliance allows members to connect with
industry professionals, not only across Africa, but also on an
international scale. “We are incredibly excited to partner with
AAVEA. As a member-based organisation committed to
supporting the attractions industry, we found that our goals align
closely with those of AAVEA.
This event exemplifies the idea that we are stronger together.
IAAPA is eagerly anticipating its first event with AAVEA, and
members can look forward to even more benefits as we continue
to connect and educate the attractions industry,” said Peter van
der Schans, executive director and vice president of IAAPA’s
Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.
AAVEA members can now also add an IAAPA membership for
just R1,300 (US$72.61) per year or R130.00 (US$7.26) per month.
Additionally, AAVEA members can enjoy the same event pricing
as IAAPA members, further enhancing the value of this
partnership. To learn more about the IAAPA and AAVEA Africa
Summit 2024, visit https://aavea.org.za/ and, for more information,
or to follow us on social media: @attractionsafrica. Email:
info@aavea.org.za and members@aavea.org.za.
www.businesseventsafrica.com
AAXO NEWS
PREMIER
C O N F E R E N C I N G
P r i m e
L o c a t i o n s
Nombulelo Guliwe, chief executive
officer of SA Tourism, said: “We eagerly
anticipate continuing our collaboration
with Minister De Lille to advance and expand
the tourism sector, fulfilling our mission to
increase travel to and within South Africa,
thereby contributing to inclusive economic
growth.”
Ms Guliwe emphasised that, with
international tourism expected to fully
recover in 2024 — driven by strong demand,
enhanced air connectivity, and the continued
recovery of China and other major Asian
markets, SA Tourism looks forward to working
with Minister De Lille, to create an enabling
Cape Town | George | Knysna | East London |
environment for the sector’s growth through
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warm hospitality,
and quality-assured facilities and
establishments.”
International tourist arrivals from January
to April 2024 BOOK totalled TODAY 3.2 million, representing
an 11.1 per cent increase when compared
with info@premierhotels.co.za
the same period 2023.
Ms
premierhotels.co.za
Guliwe also expressed gratitude to the
096 111 5555
Business Events Africa September 2024 33
MARKET SAACI NEWS NEWS
Tintswalo Safari appoints general
management couple
David and Tanja Jacobs have been appointed as the General
Management couple at Tintswalo Safari in the Manyeleti Nature
Reserve in the Greater Kruger region.
This marks their return to the 5-star lodge
where, for two-and-a-half years, David
previously worked as senior guide, and
Tanja as camp manager, before their promotion
in 2019 to General Management couple at
Tintswalo Lapalala.
David started his career with two years in
hospitality service in the UK, and, on his return
to South Africa, qualified as a trail and tracking
guide. An avid birder, he has extensive
experience gained as a ranger at various Big 5
game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal, North-West,
Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. Tanja has a keen
eye for detail and excels in implementing
systems to enhance team structures and
operational efficiency. Before moving to the
bush with her husband Dave, she worked in the
corporate arena as a buyer, and was running
logistics.
Sharing an unfenced boundary with the
Kruger National Park, the pristine private
Manyeleti Nature Reserve boasts one of the
lowest vehicle densities in the Greater Kruger
region.
Here, Tintswalo Safari guests are spoiled with
uninterrupted Big 5 game viewing experiences,
in an untouched African wilderness. The ten
suites are authentically designed to evoke the
adventures of the nineteenth-century explorers
after which they are named.
Within the same private concession, the fivebedroom
Tintswalo Manor presents a fullycatered
and tailor-made villa experience for
families or groups travelling together.
Tintswalo Safari is accessed via flights directly
to the Manyeleti airstrip, or a short drive from
Hoedspruit airport. Driving time for self-drive, or
road transfers, is approximately six hours from
Johannesburg.
Ambition in Action: Global African
Hydrogen Summit delivers on pledge
From its international soft launch at COP28 UAE in Dubai last December, the ‘Road to Namibia’
campaign, in support of the Global African Hydrogen Summit, has evolved into a movement to fuel
Africa’s green industrial revolution.
Following nine months on the road,
across Africa and around the world
advocating, lobbying, and raising
awareness, the ‘Road to Namibia’ campaign
rolled into its final destination, Windhoek,
recently, from 3-5 September, to host the
Global African Hydrogen Summit, that
convened the global hydrogen industry in
Namibia.
Guest of Honour, Her Excellency Netumbo
Nandi-Ndaitwah, vice president, the Republic
of Namibia, greeted over 1,000 attendees at
the official opening ceremony of the Summit,
where she stated that “Namibia is honoured to
have been chosen to host the Global African
Hydrogen Summit. It is encouraging for me to
witness such a diverse gathering of brilliant
minds, from around the world, that have
convened here, to help us curate rich
conversations on these vital topics. Namibia
offers a rich and welcoming environment that
is well suited to host an impactful green
industrialisation eco-system.”
Themed ‘From Ambition to Action: Fuelling
Africa’s Green Industrial Revolution’, the
inaugural Global African Hydrogen Summit
received resounding praise from governments,
public sector agencies, developers, investors,
and the private sector, for having achieved the
objectives of all stakeholders.
The Summit’s sectoral patron, Hon. Tom
Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy,
Republic of Namibia, had earlier remarked that
the “Global African Hydrogen Summit will be
the first platform of its kind to be leveraged by
African governments, by investors, financiers,
scholars and the public, in order to unlock
additional opportunities for our continent and
its partners. It will also provide a platform for
the global players in the hydrogen value chain
to showcase their projects, their plans, and
technologies to the African continent.”
As a catalyst for driving change, the Global
African Hydrogen Summit witnessed ten MoU
announcements, partnership declarations, and
deal signings.
The Summit unlocked the potential of the
hydrogen opportunity in Africa, and harnessed
its projected impact on achieving a
sustainable and equitable energy transition
globally.
James Mnyupe, presidential economic
advisor and head of programme, Namibia
Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P)
summarised that “the Summit was a huge
success, and will come back to Namibia next
year from 9-11 September 2025.”
34 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
MARKET SAACI NEWS
The key to boosting event engagement
No-shows, once accepted, are an unavoidable aspect of event planning. It directly impacts
delegate engagement and overall event ROI, however, it poses a significant challenge to event
planners and their success.
By Glenton De Kock, chief executive officer of SAACI
When confirmed attendees fail to show up, the
consequences ripple throughout the event, with
wasted catering, unused materials, and overpaid
venue costs eating into budgets. Lower attendance can also
deflate energy levels, disappointing speakers and sponsors
alike. Industry veteran Sarah Thompson, chief executive officer
of Global Events Solutions, notes: “Each no-show represents
not just a loss in revenue, but a missed opportunity for
connection and learning. It’s a domino effect that can
undermine even the most meticulously planned event.”
Interestingly, research shows a strong correlation between
pre-event engagement and attendance rates. “When attendees
are invested in an event before it begins, they’re far more likely
to show up and participate fully,“ explained Dr. Michael Chen,
an event psychology researcher at Event Horizons Institute.
Forward-thinking planners are adopting innovative
approaches to combat no-shows and boost engagement, for
example:
• Gone are the days of generic email blasts — use datadriven
insights to tailor pre-event messages, highlighting
sessions and networking opportunities that align with
individual interests.
• Move towards interactive programming by incorporating
live polling, Q&A sessions, and collaborative workshops.
These not only enhance engagement, but create a fear of
missing out (FOMO) that drives attendance.
• Additional nice-to-haves, such as the introduction of
event apps with gamified elements like check-ins, session
attendance tracking, networking challenges, and reward
systems, can incentivise engagement.
• Clear communication of cancellation policies will alleviate
some of the repercussions on planners. Charging a
nominal fee for no-shows, for example, is a great way to
ensure attendance. (The proceeds can go to a charity
chosen by attendees, or to offset some of the catering and
other event costs.)
As the events industry continues to evolve, addressing noshows
isn’t just about protecting the bottom line — it’s about
elevating the entire event experience. By focusing on
engagement strategies, planners can create events that
attendees won’t want to miss.
“The future of successful events lies in creating experiences
that are so compelling, that attendance becomes a must, not a
maybe,” Ms Thompson concluded. “It’s time for our industry to
shift from managing no-shows, to inspiring can’t-miss
moments.”
In an era where every interaction counts, tackling noshows
through enhanced engagement is essential for the
future of events. As industry professionals, the power to
transform attendance rates and event success lies in our
hands.
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 35
EVENT GREENING FORUM
Image by Hans from Pixabay.
Talk is cheap —
It’s time to implement Net Zero Carbon Events, reveals EGF Workshop
Two years ago, the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) Journey initiative began at a COP event
in Glasgow.
Initially, the industry identified five areas
where it could reduce its carbon
footprint: venue energy, food and food
waste, logistics, smart production and
waste management, as well as travel and
accommodation.
Since then, the initiative has gained over
750 signatories. The focus is on implementing
changes that organisations are comfortable
with and can easily adopt to encourage the
industry to take the first step in becoming
more sustainable. This was explained by IFES
Vice President and Holtmann+ chief
executive officer, Jörg Zeissig during an Event
Greening Forum (EGF) workshop titled
‘Building Better NZCEvents, Together’ on
8 August 2024.
Now, it’s time to put this knowledge into
action. Mr Zeissig emphasised the need to
move beyond discussions and start
implementing changes globally. But to do
this, a baseline or standard is required.
A master database containing best
practices and emerging trends within the
industry will help improve the scalability and
adoption speed of sustainable event
planning. Mr Zeissig highlighted the
importance of collecting reliable data from
various industry partners to develop this
database.
He also pointed out that there are still a lot
of information gaps, especially in the
exhibition space, which is just a part of the
larger MICE umbrella. “There’s a lot of
information around sustainability in the
construction industry, for example, but that
only covers 60 per cent of what we do in the
exhibition space. Efforts to fill these gaps are
crucial.”
Mr Zeissig noted that while the database
contains carbon equivalent information, there
is a need for clear definitions of items (e.g.,
which furniture can be reused and how
often) and information on their readiness for
use. He mentioned that there are 60 different
solutions that, despite being identified, have
not been ready for implementation due to
various reasons.
“We should be providing each other with
incentives and tenders to enable our
industry,” he said. “Initiatives like these depend
on our collaboration to work. We have to train
each other, share information with each
other, and establish industry best practices
together.”
And while he acknowledged that the
applications of this information won’t always
work for everyone, it creates a baseline that
everyone can start from and build on. “We
don’t want to create any hesitation around
wanting to make things better and moving
towards a more sustainable environment.
Once we have a central database, we can
take those behaviours and easily translate
them into other ecosystems,” he concluded.
About us
The Event Greening Forum is a non-profit organisation
that promotes sustainability within the business events
sector. To find out more, please visit
www.eventgreening.co.za.
For more information, please contact:
Lynn Mcleod
Tel: 082 891 5883
Email: lynn@eventgreening.co.za
36 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
The power of membership: why industry associations matter
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the significance of industry associations cannot
be overstated.
These organisations offer a multitude of benefits to their
members, from networking opportunities to professional
development, and play a crucial role in shaping the future
of their respective industries. For professionals looking to stay
ahead in their field, active participation in industry associations is
more than just an option — it’s a strategic advantage.
The networking edge
One of the most immediate benefits of joining an industry
association is access to a robust network of peers and experts.
Whether it’s through conferences, workshops or local chapter
meetings, these events provide a platform for professionals to
connect with others in their field. Networking within an
association can lead to valuable partnerships, collaborations, and
even career opportunities that might not be available through
other channels. In an era where connections often translate to
opportunity, the relationships forged through industry associations
can be instrumental in achieving personal and professional goals.
Staying informed and competitive
The pace of change in most industries is relentless, driven by
technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and evolving
market demands. Industry associations are at the forefront of
these changes, providing members with the latest news, research
and insights. By participating in association activities and
accessing their resources, members can stay informed about
industry trends and best practices, ensuring they remain
competitive and relevant in their field.
Professional development and training
Associations offer a range of professional development
opportunities, from certification programmes, to specialised
training sessions. These resources are designed to help members
enhance their skills, stay current with industry standards, and
advance their careers. For example, continuing education credits
or industry-recognised certifications cannot only bolster a
professional’s resume, but also contribute to personal growth
and job satisfaction.
Shared knowledge and resources
The collective knowledge and resources within an industry
association can be a treasure trove for members. From research
reports and white papers to best practice guidelines and case
studies, associations offer a wealth of information that might
be difficult to obtain independently. This shared knowledge not
only helps members solve problems and innovate, but also
fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual support within
the industry.
AAXO NEWS
Building a stronger industry
Beyond the benefits to individual members, industry
associations play a vital role in strengthening the industry as a
whole. They provide a forum for discussing common challenges
and opportunities, promoting industry standards, and
encouraging ethical practices. By working together, members
can help drive the industry forward, ensuring its long-term
sustainability and growth.
Getting involved
Many associations offer introductory memberships or trial
periods, making it easier to explore the benefits without a longterm
commitment. Engaging with the association’s resources
and participating in its events can provide a clearer
understanding of the value it offers.
In conclusion, being part of an industry association is not just
about access to resources and networking opportunities — it’s
about being an active participant in the evolution and
advancement of one’s profession. The collective strength of
industry associations lies in their ability to bring together
professionals who are committed to driving their field forward. To
anyone looking to make a meaningful impact and stay ahead in
their career, becoming a member of an industry association is a
powerful step in the right direction.
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 37
EXSA NEWS
Durban ladies inspiring one another to create.
Celebrating EXSA’s EXSA-ptional women
On 7 August, EXSA held three Women’s Day events concurrently in Cape Town, KwaZulu-
Natal and Johannesburg, to celebrate the amazing woman that we have in our industry.
By Lee-Ann Alder, EXSA’s association manager
We decided to do something
different, considering how busy
everyone is. The whole idea was to
relax, and be creative for a short while, and
stop thinking of the hundreds of things to
do in the office. We gave each lady a
creative craft to complete, while chatting
and catching up. For some, this was
completely out of their comfort zone, while
others got fully creative and made sure
their creations were masterpieces.
In Cape Town, we were hosted by CTICC.
A huge thanks to Sihle Ngubeni for taking
such good care of our ladies, and our
Western Cape chair, Liam Beattie, who
welcomed all the ladies and thanked them
for all that they do.
Ashona Maharaj, KwaZulu-Natal chair,
hosted the team at Durban ICC, and they
had great spirit and took their creative
crafts seriously. This was a time for them to
connect and inspire their fellow female
colleagues.
In Johannesburg, we sat under the trees
at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. The
weather was perfect and the women did a
lot of talking, not finishing most of their
crafts. We thank Kimendrie Pillay from JEC
for being such a gracious host.
Mental health is so important and, at this
time of year, it is easy to get caught up in
all the work, and not focus on our
wellbeing. Those two hours of doing
something other than multitasking are vital
for these women, to take care of
themselves by relaxing and unwinding,
were decompressing.
We value our women and we hope that
they had an amazing time with us. Thank
you again to everyone who assisted and
hosted us.
“A girl should be two things — who and
what she wants.” — Coco Chanel.
Cape Townʼs ladies got together at CTICC.
38 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
EXSA NEWS
Seen at the Johannesburg Expo Centre…
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 39
SITE NEWS
By
Pádraic Gilligan,
founder, SoolNua
and chief
marketing officer,
SITE
Leading or being led? Client relations for
incentive travel professionals today
Incentive travel professionals should adopt a consultancy
approach, addressing critical issues like sustainability, to lead
the industry forward and align with evolving stakeholder
expectations and corporate practices.
We are incentive travel
professionals
Google may have transformed us into
amateur diagnosticians, yet, when faced
with a medical issue, we still heed our doctor’s advice.
Similarly, we might have a good grasp of numbers, but we
rely on professional accountants for filing our annual tax
returns. The same goes for legal matters; we depend on
lawyers for their expertise. Professionals such as doctors,
accountants, and lawyers provide advice based on their
expertise and accountability, not on what clients want to
hear.
So, why don’t we, as incentive travel professionals, adopt
a similar approach?
The impact of Covid on Incentive
Travel
Since Spring 2020, when Covid entered stage left, incentive
travel professionals have been playing their part in an
unfolding drama best described by the acronym VUCA:
volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous. Covid shuttered our
industry for two years, but then it opened again to
unprecedented demand but, at best, volatile supply. And
that’s not to mention the complexity of having no trained
staff, or the ambiguity of how and whether to service the
business.
Since then, other, arguably graver matters have taken
centre stage: our industry now contends with critical issues
such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB);
the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as either an enabler
or disabler; climate change and the role of incentive travel in
contributing to CO₂ emissions; and geo-political unrest,
particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Sustainability and Incentive Travel
The Incentive Travel Index (ITI), an annual survey conducted
by the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) and the
Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), has explored these core
challenges over the years. Surprisingly, with the exception of
geo-political issues, the concerns highlighted above have
ranked low among survey respondents. When probed
further, the common response is that these issues ‘are not of
concern to our customers’.
This raises the question: are we leading or being led?
What we’re all about: motivational experiences
Why we do it? Business results!
Site is the only global network of travel and event professionals committed to motivational
experiences that deliver business results.
Site provides insights and connections that inspire the utilisation of this powerful tool
across diverse industries, regions and cultures.
Site serves as a source of knowledge and best practices where members can make
personal connections that sustain professional growth.
Only one organisation sits at the critical intersection between those who seek
the benefits of motivational tools and those who can provide these extraordinary
experiences. That organisation is Site...
Contact
Email: info@sitesouthernafrica.com
www.sitesouthernafrica.com
www.siteglobal.com
SITE NEWS
Should we act merely as ‘order takers’, fulfilling the
immediate desires of our clients? Or should we position
ourselves as professional consultants, trusted advisors who
provide informed opinions and guide clients on what is best
for their businesses in the mid to long term?
Research on the place of
sustainability in incentive travel
For instance, ITI responses to questions on the importance of
environmental sustainability show little or no change since
the question was first asked in 2017. It was unimportant in
2017 and it’s still unimportant in 2023, particularly amongst
US respondents. Destinations are not being chosen on the
basis of any criteria related to sustainability — so distance
from the sponsoring company’s base location is not a
deterrent, nor is the country’s/host property’s intrinsic
sustainability credentials.
Yet, as business professionals we know mid to largesized
companies have radically changed the way they file
their annual reports with Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet,
Diageo, General Motors, and Coca-Cola – to name but a few
– all using both GRI (Global Report Initiative) and SASB
(Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) in their annual
statements. For these companies, and countless others,
environmental sustainability is indeed a major concern.
Sustainability is a corporate concern
The likes of KPMG, Grant Thornton, and EY see this as
reflective of a broader trend towards greater transparency,
accountability, and integration of sustainability into core
business strategies. It also highlights the evolving
expectations of stakeholders, who increasingly demand
detailed and credible information on a company’s
sustainability practices and impacts.
As incentive travel professionals we must recognise our
role in steering the industry forward. By taking a stand on
critical issues – and sustainability is but one of them – and
providing expert advice, we can ensure that our industry not
only thrives, but also contributes positively to broader
societal goals.
Surely, it’s time to elevate our role from mere service
providers, to strategic partners who lead with insight and
integrity.
The pictures here are courtesy of St.John’s based
photographer, Joey Woolridge with whom SITE worked in
St.John’s, Newfoundland.
Building back Exhibitions and Events together!
The founding Associations of the SA Events Council have consistently provided essential information and support on event
safety, business relief and venue capacity. Ensure you are ready for business by engaging with your association today.
hello@saeventscouncil.org
DIRECTORY
SOUTHERN AFRICAN ASSOCIATION
FOR THE CONFERENCE INDUSTRY
EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS
ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
SOCIETY FOR INCENTIVE
TRAVEL EXCELLENCE
SA EVENTS COUNCIL
EXCO AND HEAD OFFICE
Chairperson
Jaques Fouche
e: jaques@be-moved.co.za
c: +27 (0)60 993 7542
Vice-chairperson
Gheeta Payle
e: gheeta.payle@inhousevtm.com
c: +27 (0)61 609 8585
EXSA OFFICE
www.exsa.co.za
EXSA Chairperson
Sibusiso Mncwabe
EXSA Vice Chairperson
Jacqui Nel
Treasurer
Ismael Atanasi
President
Tes Proos
c: +27 (0) 84 682 7676
e: tes@crystalevents.co.za
Treasurer
Peter-John Mitrovich
c: +27 (0)82 318 1889
e: peter-john.mitrovich@grosvenortours.com
Sustainability
Daryl Keywood
e: hello@saeventscouncil.org
Chairperson
Raylene Johnson, CEO: TEBCO-SA
Interim treasurer
Glenn van Eck, Chairperson: CEPA
Spokesperson
Projeni Pather, Chairperson: AAXO
Treasurer
Alex Wrottesley
e: alex@intoafrica.co.za
c: +27 (0)79 429 1627
Chief executive officer
Glenton De Kock
e: ceo@saaci.org
c: +27 (0)82 575 7565
Membership Services & Operations
Tracey-Lee Abdulla
e: members@saaci.org
t: +27 (0)84 492 1515
REGIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Eastern Cape Chairperson
Neil Mouton
t: +27 (0)61 423 9920
e: ec.za@saaci.org
KwaZulu-Natal Chairperson
Kavitha Dhawnath
c: +27 (0)83 607 2006
e: kzn.za@saaci.org
Gauteng Chairperson
Mary Mahlangu
c: +27 (0)81 574 9493
e: jhb.za@saaci.org
Western Cape Chairperson
Ansu Colditz
c: +27 (0)82 457 8071
e: wc.za@saaci.org
Gauteng Chairperson
Kerry-Lee Bester
Western Cape Chairperson
Liam Beattie
Western Cape Vice Chairperson
Nic Curle
KwaZulu-Natal Chairperson
Ashona Maharaj
Directors
Gavin Burgess
Kimendrie Pillay
Ross Wilson
Co-opted Directors
Daniel Chemel
Steve Marsden
Co-opted Board Members
Angelique Smith
Emmanuel Patty
Southern Africa Development
Brad Glen
East Africa Development
Chris Munyao
Young Leader Programme
Peter Mwanja
Africa Convention Bureaus
Rick Taylor
North Africa Development
George Fawzi
Board member at large
Rick Taylor
East Africa (Rwanda)
Chris Munyao
North Africa
George Fawzi
North Africa support
Brad Glen
Secretariat & Events
Mariaan Burger
c: +27 (0)82 557 8041
e: info@siteafrica.africa
Members
Kevan Jones, Executive Director SACIA
Sharif Baker, Chairperson TPSA
Tes Proos, SITE President
Justin Hawes, Managing Director: Scan Display & Event
Greening Forum Treasurer
Sibusiso Mncwabe, Chairperson EXSA
Justin van Wyk, Chairperson SALPA
Mike Lord, Chairperson ESC
Arthur Goldstuck, PSASA Exco Member
Esmare Steinhofel, Chairperson: ICCA Africa Chapter
Advisory Members
Prof Nellie Swart, Associate Professor: Tourism
Management
Corne Koch, Head: Convention Bureau (WESGRO)
Tiisetso Tau, AAXO member
Daryl Keywood, SITE Member
Bheki Twala, TEBCO-SA Executive
Kim Roberts, SAACI Representative Western Cape
Robyn D’Alessandro, PR/Social media, Vivo Visual
Voice CC
Learning Ambassador
Esti Venske
c: +27 (0)83 482 9276
42 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
DIRECTORY
ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN
EXHIBITION ORGANISERS
EVENT GREENING FORUM
INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS &
CONVENTION ASSOCIATION
SACIA — Southern African Communications
Industries Association
c: +27 (0)82 555 5556
e: kevan@sacia.org.za
Executive director: Kevan Jones
46 Waterford Office Park, Waterford Drive, Fourways,
Johannesburg
t: +27 (0)87 265 5840
e: aaxo@aaxo.co.za
Association coordinator:
Anthea Buys
e: anthea@aaxo.co.za
Chairperson
Gary Corin, Specialised Exhibitions
e: Gary.corin@montgomerygroup.com
Vice Chairperson
Projeni Pather, Exposure Marketing
e: projeni@exposuremarketing.co.za
Venue Committee Chairperson
Cornelle du Preez, Gallagher Convention Centre
e: cornelled@gallagher.co.za
Treasurer
James Bull, Informa Tech
e: James.bull@informa.com
Immediate Past Chair
Devi Paulsen-Abbott
e: devi@aaxo.co.za
Board of Directors
Adele Hartdegen, Dogan Events
Errol Bryce, Vuka Group
Joshua Low, dmg Events
Tracy Gounden, Messe SA
179 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North, Private Bag X7000,
Parklands 2121
t: +27 (0)11 447 4777
e: info@eventgreening.co.za
w: www.eventgreening.co.za
Management Committee Members:
Chairperson: John Arvanitakis (Chat’r Xperience)
Vice Chairperson: Neo Mohlatlole (7 Colors)
Treasurer: Justin Hawes (Scan Display)
Secretariat: Lynn McLeod (individual)
Morwesi Ramonyai (Borena Energy)
Gavin Burgess (Technology Partners)
Grace Stead (Steadfast Greening)
JP van Schalkwyk (Up-A-Tone Events)
Sonja van Rooyen (Specialised Exhibitions)
Emma Kumalo (Chat’R Xperiences)
Angelique Smith (Event Synthesis)
Joey Swart (Take Note Events)
Louis Nel (Louis THE Lawyer)*
*Co-opted
They are joined by the EGF’s associate member
representatives, who are:
AAXO: Anthea Buys
EXSA: Doug Rix/Lee-Ann Alder
Fedhasa: TBC
IFEA Africa: Janet Landey
The MICE Academy: Helen Brewer
PCO Alliance: Melody Barber
SAACI: Glenton de Kock
SACIA/TPSA: Kevan Jones
SA Roadies: TBC
ICCA African Chapter
Chairperson:
Taubie Motlhabane
Cape Town International Convention Centre
t: +27 (0)21 410 5000
e: Taubiem@cticc.co.za
Deputy Chairperson:
Frank Murangwa
Rwanda Convention Bureau
t: +250 788 358 454
e: frank.murangwa@rcb.rw
Secretariat:
Esmaré Steinhöfel
ICCA Africa Regional director
c: +27 (0)84 056 5544
e: esmare.s@iccaworld.org
w: www.iccaworld.com/dbs/africanchapter
w: www.iccaworld.org
OTHER ORGANISATIONS
OF INTEREST
ABTA — African Business Travel Association
Box 2594, Pinegowrie, 2123
t: +27 (0)11 888 8178
c: +27 (0)83 679 2110
e: monique@abta.co.za
w: www.abta.co.za
Founder: Monique Swart
ASATA – Association of Southern African
Travel Agents
PO Box 650539, Benmore, 2010
t: +27 (0)11 293 0560/61
e: barbara@asata.co.za
e: general@asata.co.za
Office manager: Barbara Viljoen
Council of Event Professionals Africa
Kevan Jones
e: kevan@sacia.org.za
t: +27 (0)11 083 6418
c: +27 (0)82 555 5556
Chairperson: Glenn van Eck
Magnetic Storm
c: +27 (0)82 800 2616
e: glenn@magnetic.co.za
FEDHASA National Office — Federated
Hospitality Association of Southern Africa
PO Box 3853, The Reeds, 0157
c: +27 (0)82 552 9862
e: ceo@fedhasa.co.za
w: www.fedhasa.co.za
PSASA – Professional Speakers Association of
Southern Africa
t: +27 (0)11 462 9465
c: +27 (0)83 458 6114
e: admin@psasouthernafrica.co.za
w: www.psasouthernafrica.co.za
SATI — South African Translators’ Institute
Executive director: Marion Boers
t: +27 (0)11 803 2681
e: office@translators.org.za
w: www.translators.org.za
SATSA — Southern Africa Tourism Services
Association
Box 900, Ferndale 2160
t: +27 (0)11 886 9996
e: pa@satsa.co.za
w: www.satsa.com
SKAL International South Africa
Secretary: Anne Lamb
t: +27 (0)21 434 7023
c: +27 (0)82 708 1836
e: anne@yebo.co.za
w: www.skalsouthafrica.org
STA — Sandton Tourism Association
t: +27 (0)83 558 5445
e: secretariat@sandtontourism.com
w: www.sandtontourism.com
TBCSA — Tourism Business
Council of South Africa
Chief executive: Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa
Box 11655, Centurion 0046
t: +27 (0)12 664 0120
e: comms@tbcsa.travel
w: www.tbcsa.travel
w: www.tomsa.co.za
Member relations manager: Boitumelo Moleleki
TGCSA — Tourism Grading
Council of South Africa
Private Bag X10012, Sandton 2146
t: +27 (0)11 895 3000
f: +27 (0)11 895 3001
e: enquiries@tourismgrading.co.za
TINSA — Interpreters/Translators Network
of Southern Africa
e: info@interpreter.org.za
t/f: +27 (0)11 485 2511
c: +27 (0)83 249 0010
w: www.interpreter.org.za
TPSA — Technical Production Services
Association
c: +27 (0)82 555 5556
e: kevan@sacia.org.za
w: www.tpsa.co.za
Executive director: Kevan Jones
TTA — Tshwane Tourism Association
Box 395, Pretoria 0001
t: +27 (0)12 841 4212
e: secretary@tshwanetourism.com
w: www.tshwanetourism.com
Chairperson: Bronwen Cadle de Ponte
Secretary: Sithembile Nzimande
Membership coordinator: Liz Oosthuysen
e: membership@tshwanetourism.com
SABOA — Southern African Bus Operators
Association
Postnet Suite 393, Private Bag X033, Rivonia 2128
t: +27 (0)11 511 7641
e: saboa@saboa.co.za
w: www.saboa.co.za
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 43
“
THE MARKET LAST NEWS WORD
Joburg Tourism welcomes Belu Mabandla
As of mid-August 2024, Joburg Tourism Company (JTC) is thrilled to have Belu Mabandla on
board, as executive director of the entity’s Destination Marketing business unit.
I’m so excited to be leading the team
responsible for promoting destination
Joburg, as we work at constantly
reinvigorating our city’s image so that it
remains a sought-after destination and
ultimately attracts more visitors and grows
the economy,” Ms Mabandla said.
“In spite of the challenges which large
metropolitan areas face, Joburg is
undeniably one of the continent’s – and
the world’s – most magnetic destinations
— full of vibrancy, rich culture, as well as
diversity, resilience, heritage, creativity, and
allure. It is truly a cosmopolitan, all-yearround
destination for business, lifestyle and
leisure tourism, entertainment, fashion,
gastronomy, retail and mega-events,” Ms
Mabandla said.
Ms Mabandla is an accomplished
destination marketing professional with
over 25 years of experience in tourism,
trade, and investment promotion across
South Africa and Europe. As the former
head of South African Tourism’s North
Europe Hub, Ms Mabandla spearheaded
marketing efforts that drove significant
growth in tourist arrivals and brand
strength in the Benelux and Nordic regions.
Her expertise also extends to roles at
SANEC, Coega Development Corporation,
and the DTIC, as well as a stint in banking.
Belu holds an MSc in Financial
Management from the University of
London and has additional qualifications in
international trade, business coaching, and
commerce from local universities.
Index of advertisers and contributors
ADVERTISER PAGE EMAIL WEBSITE
AAXO 37 aaxo@aaxo.co.za www.aaxo.co.za
Event Greening Forum 36 info@eventgreening.co.za www.eventgreening.co.za
EXSA 38 exsa@exsa.co.za www.exsa.co.za
Mjunxtion 4 yolande@mjunxtion.co.za www.mjunxtion.co.za
Montgomery Group FC,IFC,6-8 SEMarketing@montgomerygroup.com www.specialised.com
Premier Hotels & Resorts 33 info@premierhotels.com www.premierhotels.com
SAACI 35 info@saaci.org www.saaci.org
SA Chef Media 31 heidi@sachefmag.co.za sachefmedia.co.za
SA Events Council 41 hello@saeventscouncil.org www.saeventscouncil.org
SANCB 10-19 convention@southafrica.net www.southafrica.net/gl/en/business
SITE Africa 40 info@sitesouthernafrica.com siteglobal.com/chapter/site-africa
44 Business Events Africa September 2024
www.businesseventsafrica.com
THE MARKET LAST WORD NEWS
As one of the country’s ‘Big 5’ sectors,
tourism must address the elephant in the room
Although women are significant contributors to South Africa’s tourism sector workforce, there is
still a lack of gender parity in some of the industry’s senior roles, says Inga Mtolo, Consultant at
BDO. Here, she shares her insight into the gender gap in tourism and what the industry should do
to secure more women’s jobs within one of the country’s top economic sectors.
By Inga Mtolo
South Africa’s economy is driven by the ‘Big
5’. These are not the Big 5 that tourists flock
to the country’s shores to photograph, but
rather the Big 5 sectors that bring in the most,
from an economic standpoint: mining,
transport, manufacturing, agriculture, and
tourism.
According to reports, women make up close
to 70 per cent of South Africa’s tourism
workforce – which is positive news – compared
to the number of women in the other top
sectors. In mining, for example, women only
represent 12 per cent of the mining labour
force, and in agriculture, there is only around 52
per cent female representation.
However, while it is promising to see the
tourism sector leading the Big 5 in terms of its
female workforce, there is a significant
underrepresentation of women in senior
positions, with less than 40 per cent in
managerial positions, less than 20 per cent in
general management roles, and only between
five per cent and eight per cent holding board
positions.
This gender imbalance could result from the
lingering legacy of broader societal inequalities,
where women may not be prioritised for
leadership roles due to their contributions being
undervalued, or their potential being untapped
because of a lack of access to further education.
The good news is that the tourism sector has
started to recognise the crucial role that women
play in the industry’s success and growth, and is
making strides to become more inclusive,
driven by both government initiatives and
private sector efforts.
The Department of Tourism’s Women in
Tourism (WiT) programme is a prime example of
a government-led initiative to empower women
in the industry. Launched in 2013, the
programme focuses on providing mentorship,
training, and networking opportunities for
women, particularly those from previously
disadvantaged backgrounds. WiT also advocates
for policy changes that support gender equality
and encourages the participation of women in
leadership roles.
Private companies in the tourism sector are
also stepping up their efforts to promote
gender equality. Many businesses are
implementing diversity and inclusion policies,
ensuring that women have equal advancement
opportunities. Some have gone so far as to offer
flexible work arrangements, extended flexibility
around maternity leave and returning to work,
and the creation of leadership development
programmes tailored specifically for women. By
doing so, these companies are creating an
increasingly inclusive work environment and
also attracting top female talent.
Another crucial factor in empowering
women for leadership roles is mentorship.
Industry mentors can help women discover job
openings, career opportunities, and
promotional paths that might not be publicly
advertised. Through networking events and
mentorship programmes, women can gain
access to workshops, training sessions, and
resources that strengthen their skills and
expertise relevant to the tourism industry. Active
participation in professional networks can also
increase women’s visibility within the industry,
which leads to greater recognition for their
achievements and contributions. This visibility
has the potential to highlight their reputation
and advance their career prospects.
Technology is also playing a defining role in
this transformation. The rise of digital platforms
and social media has opened up many new
pathways for innovative women entrepreneurs
in tourism, allowing them to reach global
audiences and create their very own niche
markets. Everything from virtual tours to online
booking systems is possible. The power of
technology is levelling the playing field and
providing women with an emerging set of tools
that have no limits.
A growing demand for sustainable tourism is
creating opportunities for women to lead in
areas such as eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and
community-based tourism. These segments
align with the global shift towards responsible
travel and resonate with women‘s traditional
roles as caretakers of culture, environment, and
community.
Overall, the prospects for women within
tourism are bright as South Africa begins to
champion diversity and its female workforce. As
a woman in tourism hoping to transition to a
senior role, I have a similar rural background to
many young women trying to get into the
industry. I would love to see even greater
inroads being made in collectively developing
talent to the fullest potential so that it is not
always a ‘rough landing’ for young female
pioneers, no matter what path they choose to
follow.
Female leaders now have a responsibility to
change the narrative for future generations, and
the first step in doing this would be to give back
to their communities — whether in social
mentorship, helping to fund community
initiatives, or even just sharing their success
stories, to inspire. The future is being built as we
speak, one schoolgirl at a time, and we must
stand together to ensure this growth continues.
As with all industries, there certainly are
barriers to overcome before gender equity can
be fully realised. With estimations that the
sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP will
rise to 8.8 per cent by the end of 2024, and
reach 10.4 per cent of GDP by 2030, including
women in the fray, is not only a social necessity
but an economic imperative for a country ripe
to reap the rewards of tourism.
Who is Inga Mtolo?
As a consultant, Inga conducts feasibility studies,
strategies, economic impact studies, financial
evaluations, business market evaluations, and market
research. Inga has worked as a management consultant
for a financial and economic advisory firm, providing
development consulting and research services, with a
strong focus on evaluations, social, economic, urban, and
institutional development.
www.businesseventsafrica.com
Business Events Africa September 2024 45
DIGITAL
DIRECTORY
AFRICA’S LEADING
BUSINESS EVENTS
DIRECTORY
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1 offer
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online directory style with basic and
premium listings. In fact, upgrading
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same information online is
printed in the print
directory.
Business Events Africa is known for having the most comprehensive directory of venues, service providers, speakers
and conference organisers in Africa. We have been a trusted source of information for more than 41 years, and
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