Latest news with #Indaba
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
eThekwini raises alarm at City Indaba over 7,600 recorded teenage pregnancies in a year.
Various stakeholders who attended the teenage pregnancy Indaba committed to working together to address the challenge of increasing pregnancy cases. EThekwini Municipality has raised the alarm over the rising number of teenage pregnancies in the city, revealing that 7,627 cases were recorded between April 2024 and April 2025, including 154 girls aged between 10 and 14 years. This startling data was presented at a Teenage Pregnancy Indaba hosted by the Municipality on Tuesday at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. The gathering brought together government departments, educators, health professionals and civil society to address the escalating crisis. 'Early pregnancies impact not just the young mother and child, but the entire community,' said Deputy Mayor Councillor Zandile Myeni. 'For the province to reduce child and teenage pregnancy, eThekwini Municipality requires a targeted approach and practical solutions before teenage pregnancy becomes a public, social and health crisis."
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Travel Indaba sparks hope: exhibitors chart a bright future for African tourism
Set against the vibrant theme of "Unlimited Africa", this year's event transcended the confines of a traditional trade show and sparked an exhilarating exchange of ideas, partnerships, and a shared commitment to envisioning a prosperous tomorrow for African tourism. As Africa's premier tourism showcase, Travel Indaba, wrapped up, with exhibitors across the continent expressing a renewed sense of hope for the future of the region's tourism industry. Lee-Marque Jansen, representing Streamline Tourism Marketing and Events, highlighted the authenticity that exhibitors brought to the table. 'Instead of trying to push something down your throat, engagement was more impactful,' he said, pointing to the importance of meaningful conversations over mere product transactions. Jansen, who offers tours in the Tsitsikamma region, elaborated that he couldn't just promote canopy tours; he had to sell the broader allure of Tsitsikamma and the Garden Route, as operators sought comprehensive itineraries that showcased the region's richness. Onele Moloi, the managing director of Ubuhle Travel Group, emphasised the great strides that have been made towards inclusivity and diversity in the tourism sector. As a female entrepreneur navigating the industry, she acknowledged the unique challenges that come with this role. 'It's difficult, but in the past year, I've seen a change from when I began to where I am now,' Moloi noted. She praised platforms like the Indaba for providing vital information and networking opportunities that are crucial for those starting out. 'This opportunity has really grown me. I feel that from the time I arrived to now, I've grown immensely,' she added, crediting the event with boosting her confidence in her service offerings and helping her connect with peers who share her entrepreneurial journey.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Unlocking Africa: Zambia's Tourism Minister advocates for collaborative travel solutions
South Africa's Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, Zambia's Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba and South Africa's Deputy President Paul Mashatile at ATI2025. Image: Supplied Africa's Travel Indaba, the continent's premier leisure trade show, recently unfolded in the bustling city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, as a vital platform designed by South African Tourism in collaboration with various local and national agencies. This year's event reiterated its role as a gateway for African tourism products, creating invaluable market access for exhibitors to connect with both international and local buyers in an increasingly competitive landscape. During a Tourism Ministers Round Table conversation, Minister of Tourism for Zambia, Rodney Sikumba, addressed attendees, highlighting the need for cohesion among African nations within the tourism sector. "As African tourism ministers, we have a singular resolve to work as a team," said Sikumba. "The days of competition are gone; we must support one another and showcase what makes us unique. Our cultures, our gastronomy, our dress - these are the assets that set us apart as a continent." Zambia has recently expanded its visa-free access from 42 to 167 countries, showcasing the government's commitment to enhancing tourism and encouraging travel within Africa. Sikumba stressed the significance of "opening the skies" to enable seamless travel across the continent, proposing collaboration around existing flight hubs such as OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ When asked about the significance of events like Africa's Travel Indaba, Sikumba stated, "They're important because they show solidarity to our African brothers and sisters in South Africa and create a unified front to exhibit Zambia's unique offerings." He emphasised the importance of marketing Africa to its own people first before reaching out globally, saying, "charity begins at home." With 41 tourism operators representing Zambia at this year's Indaba, the minister aimed for visibility and knowledge-sharing, asserting that through observation and engagement, tourism operators can adapt best practices from other nations. Looking at the past year in travel, Sikumba noted that an influx of over 2 million visitors came to Zambia, with a significant proportion hailing from South Africa alongside key markets in the United States and the United Kingdom. Yet, he expressed a desire to attract more African travellers to Zambia, urging a concerted effort to promote the continent's natural beauty and cultural experiences. Zambia is renowned for its nature-based tourism, from wildlife encounters to cultural celebrations. Sikumba remarked, 'Anytime is a good time to visit Zambia," promoting the variety of travel experiences, including breathtaking safaris and traditional ceremonies. He noted the importance of curating personalised travel packages that allow visitors to explore the country's ten provinces. Addressing travel costs, Sikumba acknowledged that tourism often has the reputation of being expensive. However, he highlighted Zambia's participation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which enables the use of SADC rates in the tourism sector. "We do have SADC rates in tourism," he assured, stressing ongoing initiatives to ensure that more services embrace these rates, ultimately making the continent more accessible to its residents. As Africa strives to unite for a robust tourism sector, Africa's Travel Indaba represents more than just an annual event; it symbolises the shared aspirations of a continent rich in culture and natural beauty. With leaders like Sikumba at the forefront, the vision for a collaborative future in tourism is clearer than ever.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Africa's Travel Indaba: a dynamic hub for tourism collaboration and innovation
Kgomotso Pooe, the founder of Sowetoo, a tuk tuk hop on and off service that provides tours in Soweto, at Africa's Travel Indaba. Image: ZamaNdosi Cele As Africa's Travel Indaba continues at the Durban International Convention Centre, the annual event has become an important platform for businesses eager to showcase their offerings and connect with a global audience. This year's Indaba has welcomed over 1 300 exhibitors, delegates from 27 African countries, and more than 1 200 vetted international buyers from 55 source markets, reinforcing its status as a premier trade show in the tourism sector. Mashoto Mokgethi, head of domestic tourism at South African Tourism and the driving force behind the Sho't Left campaign, emphasised the significance of the Indaba in bridging the gap between tourism service providers and consumers. 'Every single year, we have three campaigns that we run. One is the Easter campaign that we have just closed off; then we've got travel week, and we've got summer. Right now, we are here to promote Travel Week,' she explained. Highlighting the campaign's role in offering South African travellers affordable travel deals, Mokgethi added, 'This is a great platform to get all the trade to register with us for travel week because we then offer consumers up to 50% off if they book in the first week of September.' In a sector primarily focused on trade rather than direct consumers, the Sho't Left campaign serves as a critical link, promoting discounts and launching expansive marketing campaigns that benefit both exhibitors and travellers. 'We encourage trade to give discounts, and then we put a massive marketing campaign around it,' said Mokgethi, underscoring the reciprocal nature of the collaboration involved. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Among the exhibitors, Sphiwe Ngwenya, representing Maboneng Township Art Experience, expressed his enthusiasm for the event and its potential for innovation in tourism. Ngwenya works with local artists to transform homes and villages in South Africa into vibrant galleries, cinemas, and museums. 'I wish for young people from SA in the art and tourism space to be here as well,' he expressed, highlighting the value of accessing diverse markets for his business. This year's Indaba also became a launching pad for new ventures. Kgomotso Pooe debuted his Soweto tuk-tuk and hop-on and hop-off tour service, designed to provide an immersive experience of the township. Makhathe Matsie, owner of Bothobapelo Country Lodge, shares his experience on exhibiting at Africa's Travel Indaba. Image: ZamaNdosi Cele 'This particular vehicle is going to be able to take people into deep Soweto,' he shared. Operating at affordable rates - around R1 000 a day for a six-seater tuk-tuk that includes a driver guide - Pooe's service aims to extend beyond popular tourist spots such as the Hector Pietersen Memorial. 'Travel Indaba has always been great. I always think that people who come to the Indaba need to come with a purpose or a plan,' he noted. Dumi Mbatha from Dumi Legacy Tours echoed these sentiments, appreciating the opportunity to showcase his tours in St Lucia and Hluhluwe Imfolozi. Participating as an SMME selected by KZN Tourism and Film Authority, he remarked, 'This is a great platform where we can grow. You get the opportunity to collaborate with other businesses and tour operators.' He recognised that collaboration has propelled his business forward, allowing him to package tours effectively. The event also attracted accommodations like Makhathe Matsie from Bothabopelo Country Lodge in Qwaqwa, who emphasised the wealth of opportunities for engagement and promotion. 'Being here at Travel Indaba this year is a real pleasure. When you are here, you come across many people and buyers who can promote your business. Being here is very important,' Matsie noted, reflecting on the potential to generate leads that translate to business growth and job creation. In the heart of South Africa's tourism industry, the Indaba stands as a vital conduit for innovation, collaboration, and affordability, positioning the continent not only as a tourist destination but also as a vibrant melting pot of cultural experiences.
The South African
14-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Good news: Why Durban's hotels are nearly FULL this week
With thousands of visitors pouring into the city, Durban's hotels are almost fully booked this week. The city's hosting of events is responsible for this uptick in guests. Hot off the back of the clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, Durban is hosting another big gathering this week. The Africa Travel Indaba 2025 trade show kicked off at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 13 May. According to Moneyweb , the indaba will draw thousands of visitors. That explains the high occupancy rates in the city, even after the Nedbank Cup Final concluded on the weekend. Speaking to Moneyweb, Jaya Naidoo, East Coast general manager of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa, said: 'Hotel occupancy in Durban and Umhlanga is ranging from 80% to 90% during the Indaba.' The indaba, which was opened by Deputy President Paul Mashatile yesterday, is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Durban and its hotels. Over 1300 exhibitors are taking part in the trade show, and it's possible that as many as 2500 to 2600 international guests will attend. With so many travellers, even the Hilton Durban Hotel, which boasts more than 320 rooms, has reopened. This is the first time the establishment has been fully open after the havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The African Travel Indaba is hosted by South African Tourism to promote both the country and the African continent. The three-day event wraps up on 15 May. But it's not the only event keeping hotels in Durban busy this week. The Second G20 Tourism Working Group also brought international delegates to the KZN city this week. As reported by SA News, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said that it was a proud moment for the province: 'This is more than a meeting. It is a statement that KwaZulu-Natal is ready to lead, connect, and contribute on the global stage. We are honoured to host the world's tourism leaders and share our vision for a sustainable tourism economy that creates jobs, drives growth, and uplifts communities.' Durban has struggled in recent years, leading the eThekwini Municipality to launch a programme to revitalise the city centre last month. But this week, it's not just Durban's hotels that are thriving among all the events taking place. KZN Tourism and Film Authority interim CEO Sibusiso Gumbi told Moneyweb : 'Eateries around the city will be buzzing and enjoying the economic benefits of hosting an event of such magnitude.' Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
