Latest news with #KZNTourismandFilmAuthority
IOL News
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lifetime Achiever Award
Veteran filmmaker Angus Gibson stands proudly at the Umhlanga pier, holding his Lifetime Achiever Award received at the prestigious Simon Sabela Awards ceremony — a tribute to his enduring impact on South African storytelling and cinema. KwaZulu-Natal-born filmmaker Angus Gibson, one of South Africa's most influential and enduring cinematic voices, was honoured with the Simon 'Mabhunu' Sabela Lifetime Achiever Award, capping off a decades-long career that has helped shape the nation's visual storytelling landscape. Gibson was presented the award at a glittering event yesterday evening at Durban's International Convention Centre. Presented by the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, the awards are KwaZulu-Natal's premier celebration of excellence in film and television. Now in their 11th year, the awards recognise outstanding contributions across more than 20 categories, including best feature film, best director, best actor/actress, best documentary and best student film - all with a focus on KwaZulu-Natal talent and productions filmed in the province. Gibson has been the director behind Yizo Yizo, Mandela, Isibaya, and Shaka iLembe. He was honoured not just for his artistic achievements, but for his contribution to the cultural and historical record of South Africa. 'I first lived in a house with a sea view that stretched from the Bluff to Umhlanga. What I did not see was KwaMashu not far behind my Durban North house, or the traditional Zulu world beyond those canefields. I became curious about the spaces I did not see and in a way I have ended up telling the stories of the spaces that were shut out from my view as a young person.' 'The cane cutters on the weekend would beat their drums virtually the whole night… the sound was enigmatic and made me curious about the Zulu world and culture,'he recalled. For Gibson, receiving the province's top film honour was not just aprofessional milestone - it was personal. 'For the last 12 years, with both Isibaya and Shaka iLembe, we have been immersed in a Zulu world, so it is from the KZN audience that we most want approval. This award is an affirmation that makes me very happy.'
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 set to boost South Africa's tourism sector and economy
Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 is gearing up for its official opening in Durban from 13 to 15 May, with Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) kicking things off on 12 May. Excitement is already building after this week's media launch at Moses Mabhida Stadium, where Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, KwaZulu-Natal leaders and tourism stakeholders highlighted the event's growing role in driving inclusive economic growth, innovation and regional collaboration. This year's Africa's Travel Indaba theme, 'Unlimited Africa,' positions the continent as a destination of limitless potential and ambition. In her keynote address at the media launch, De Lille described Indaba as: "Not just a trade show – it is a platform to reshape narratives, forge powerful connections, and unlock shared value across our continent." Value of Africa's Travel Indaba The event will once again offer buyers a one-stop opportunity to source a diverse range of tourism products and experiences from across the continent. With more than 1,200 exhibitors from 26 African countries and 908 vetted international buyers representing 55 global markets, over 7,430 confirmed business-to-business meetings have already been scheduled. Exhibitors benefit from direct access to global decision-makers and a high-return environment for launching new products, forming strategic partnerships, and entering new markets. In 2024, more than 24,000 business meetings took place at the Indaba. The platform is also a springboard for SMMEs through mentorship and international exposure, helping emerging businesses connect with global buyers and media. For the media, Africa's Travel Indaba offers rich, untold stories of community upliftment, innovation, and tourism-driven economic impact. Journalists gain access to keynote sessions, briefings, and interviews with tourism leaders, with opportunities to spotlight emerging destinations and local entrepreneurs. Economic impact in KwaZulu-Natal Last year, Africa's Travel Indaba generated R226m in direct economic activity in Durban, with an additional R333m across KwaZulu-Natal, while creating more than 1,000 job opportunities. Speaking at the event, De Lille added: "We are even more excited about this year's Africa's Travel Indaba as it comes soon after we launched our new Global Campaign: 'South Africa Awaits — Come Find Your Joy!'— a celebration of the country's boundless energy, rich culture and extraordinary experiences. "Our mission is to ensure that all visitors come to find their joy across the length and breadth of South Africa and discover all our diverse tourism offerings and our hidden gems in every little town, dorpie and township." Dr. Sibusiso Ndebele, Board Chairperson of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, said: 'After hosting Africa's Travel Indaba (ATI) for more than 30 years, we are delighted to be the host province for ATI 2025. "This prestigious tourism exhibition is the perfect platform to showcase the destination's offerings to the thousands of tourism buyers coming from all over the world who'll be looking for exciting tourism destinations to sell and package to their customers. "ATI also benefits our emerging tourism entrepreneurs who will have an opportunity to make valuable connections with the global trade that can propel their tourism businesses to greater heights. "Over the years, we have also spearheaded our Tourism Ambassador programme that gives tourism students opportunities to be on the frontline of tourism and play a pivotal role in welcoming our guests to KZN. We remain hopeful to host the event for the next few decades and make KwaZulu-Natal Africa's Travel Indaba's permanent home." Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, chairperson of Governance and Human Capital in the eThekwini Metro, added: 'As we embark on our preparations for Africa's Travel Indaba, we are not only celebrating our vibrant culture and stunning landscapes but also reaffirming our unwavering spirit and resilience. "Durban stands ready to showcase our hospitality and commitment to excellence in the global tourism sector. Together, let us make this event a momentous occasion that reflects our pride and potential.' Key highlights for 2025 include: • BONDay (Business Opportunity Networking Day) connecting ideas with opportunity. • AI and tech-focused sessions exploring digital transformation in tourism. • Cross-border tourism collaboration forums supporting regional growth. • 12 independent airlines and an Airline Pavilion aimed at expanding African air access. With the G20 Summit taking place on African soil for the first time this year, Africa's Travel Indaba will also act as a platform for positioning the continent as a leader in global tourism dialogue and event hosting. De Lille concluded: 'Tourism is not a side act in our economic story – it is centre stage. We invite all delegates to come experience the might of the African continent's tourism sector while enjoying South Africa's hospitality in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa awaits – Come find your joy.' All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
