“It is great to wake up in the province of the rising sun, Mpumalanga and a privilege to be here with you in Mbombela - the heartbeat of the Ehlanzeni District,” the Honorable Tourism Minister, Ms Particia de Lille, said in her opening remarks at the Mbombela Campus where the important G20 Tourism Community Outreach was hosted.
Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, delivering the key-note address during the G20 Tourism Community Outreach hosted at the Mbombela Campus.
In addition to Minister de Lille and her team, Dr Kenneth Netshiombo, Campus Rector, also welcomed the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Ms Jesta Sidell, Ehlanzeni District Mayor Councillor Terra Shabangu, Mbombela Mayor Councillor Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, Member of Parliament, Ms Altia Hlongo, community leaders and local provincial business owners as well as staff and students.
Community outreach programmes, based on the G20 priorities, were proposed for the three municipal districts in the Mpumalanga Province - the Gert Sibande District, the Nkangala District and the Ehlanzeni District. The Minister will lead the Mpumalanga engagements in these three districts.
The four G20 tourism priorities are:
- People-Centred Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation to enhance Travel and Tourism Start-Ups and MSMES
- Tourism Financing and Investment to Enhance Equality and Promote Sustainable Development
- Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel
- Enhanced Resilience for Inclusive, Sustainable Tourism Development
These priorities will aim to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of travel and tourism start-ups and SMMEs, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector in South Africa. TUT’s longstanding commitment to tourism education, community empowerment and regional economic development aligns directly with the core objectives of the G20 outreach initiative - inclusivity, sustainability and innovation in tourism.
“It is important to share with communities what the G20 is and what it means for every South African” she said. “The theme of South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency is Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. The country’s year-long G20 presidency isn’t just politics at the top. It must deliver real opportunities that you can see and feel in your daily life. South Africa will host more than 130 meetings and 23 ministerial-level meetings across major cities. Over 200 G20-related events are expected, pumping millions into local hotels, restaurants and transport services” Minister de Lille explained to the audience that enthusiastically participated in discussions.
“This influx of delegates and support staff creates short-term jobs in hospitality, security, event management and logistics, jobs that must go to local workers, tour guides, guesthouses, craft markets and SMMEs benefitting from international exposure; many have already showcased Mpumalanga products at Africa’s Travel Indaba, for example. With Africa’s focus on artificial intelligence, data governance and digital innovation, we must fund training programmes that equip young people with in-demand tech skills. Our hackathon and start-up challenge linked to G20 spur homegrown solutions, everything from mobile payment platforms to smart-city apps. Hosting the first G20 on African soil, shines a spotlight on South African hospitality, and raises standards for customer service, security and event management. The Department of Tourism doesn’t only promote tourism, it invests in the future you will lead,” she added.
She again invited the students to participate in the G20 Tourism Hackathon, a platform where students can use artificial intelligence and digital innovation to reimagine travel. “I have noticed that students like those from TUT and the University of Mpumalanga are not waiting for the future - they are already building it.”
Deputy Director-General Department of Tourism, Ms Aneme Malan (back row far left), Members of TUT Management Dr Emily Mabote Acting DVC Digital Transformation, Dr Kenneth Netshiombo Campus Rector (back row middle) and Prof Ndivhuwo Tshipala Assistant Dean, Management Sciences (back row far left), with Minister Patricia de Lille (front middle), MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Ms Jesta Sidell (front row far left), Mayor Ehlanzeni District Municipality Councillor Terra Shabangu (front row, middle right) and Mayor of Bushbuck Ridge Municipality Councillor Lydia Matlanatso Moroane (front row far right)
Mpumalanga will host the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting in September. With more than 30 Ministers from around the world visiting the province, they will not only talk policy, they will also experience the landscapes, hospitality and our cultural richness.
She concluded: “The next chapter of the South African tourism industry will be written by you, the students, entrepreneurs, innovators and storytellers of Mpumalanga.”
During her visit to the Mbombela Campus, a cultural youth dance group entertained the Minister, she viewed tourism related exhibitions and enjoyed lunch in the company of other invited provincial leaders, business representatives, as well as staff and students.
Members of the Cultural Dance Group who entertained the Minister.
Tourism students with lecturers Dr Sam Bouwer, Dr Leane Grobbelaar and Dr Dorette van der Merwe