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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

Published by the proprietor

Contact Publications (Pty) Ltd

(Reg No. 1981/011920/07)

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PO Box 414, Kloof 3640, South Africa

TEL: +27 (0)31 764 6977

FAX: 086 762 1867

MANAGING DIRECTOR:

Malcolm King

malcolm@contactpub.co.za

EDITOR:

Irene Costa

gomesi@iafrica.com

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER:

Vincent Goode

vincent@contactpub.co.za

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER:

Jackie Goosen

jackie@contactpub.co.za

SALES REPRESENTATIVE:

Irene Costa

+27 (0)82 558 7387

gomesi@iafrica.com

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,

marketing and networking

endeavours.

info@hospitalityjunxtion.co.za

4 Business Events Africa September 2024

Passionately Promoting,

Hotels, Lodges &

Event Services

www.businesseventsafrica.com


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.

www.businesseventsafrica.com

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!

www.businesseventsafrica.com

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

12 Business Events Africa September 2024

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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

www.businesseventsafrica.com

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

#MeetInSouthAfrica

southafrica.net

16 Business Events Africa September 2024

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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.

#MeetInSouthAfrica

southafrica.net

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Business Events Africa September 2024 17


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

southafrica.net

www.businesseventsafrica.com

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.

20 Business Events Africa September 2024

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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

Mpongo Private

collaboration

Game

with

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various

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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

a basic listing in print to premium will

include an upgrade to premium on

the website and vice versa. The

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

now offer this valuable resource online.

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