Tshwane’s Grand Presidential Inauguration Highlights
its National Significance
*Opinion Piece by Barba Gaoganediwe
Known officially as Tshwane or Pretoria, the city's affectionate nickname, Pitori, was celebrated as it hosted the inauguration of South Africa’s 5th democratic president.
With over 10 heads of state, Kings, heads of delegations, foreign guests and members of the 4th estate and enthusiastic members of the public, the capital city was a buzz with rainbow colours shining through and drumbeats revibrating to mark another epoch moment in our 30 years of democracy and freedom.
From the iconic Union Buildings to landmarks such as Freedom Park, Church Square, Kgosi Mampuru Prison, Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria Zoo, Tswaing Crator, Solomon Mahlangu Memorial, Dinokeng Game Reserve, Pretoria Botanical Gardens, Reserve Bank Building and Loftus and Lucas Moripe stadiums, Pitori is rich with
attractions that make it a prime tourism destination.
Beyond these attractions, Pitori offers a unique blend of culture, language, and warmth It is the heart of #GPLifestyle, home to Bacardi music, stylish fashion, and the country’s administrative core where key decisions are made.
Pitori is also a hub of innovation, research, sports science, and diplomacy, which enhances its appeal for business tourism, reindustrialization, and major events.
These qualities should propel Pitori to the top of international and domestic tourism charts Stakeholders are called to build on the momentum of the Presidential
inauguration to boost the city’s tourism economy
Pitori's unique position as a government seat, with the second largest concentration of diplomatic missions globally, combined with its cultural richness, highlights its value. Visitors and locals alike should appreciate and engage with the capital city’s offerings.
Despite challenges faced by any big city, a unified effort is needed to improve Pitori’s image By addressing these issues, Pretoria can strengthen its brand to rival other major global cities. A vibrant, communitydriven, and government-supported tourism sector is crucial.
Inspired by the jacaranda blooms, the precision of the SANDF, and the welcoming Nelson Mandela statue at the Union Buildings, the future looks bright for Pitori. It’s time for Pretoria to shine #VisitGAUTENG – Zwakala! Come to Pitori.
SA Tourism North America Looks to Tap Into the $218 Billion LGBTQ+ Travel Market
The LGBTQ+ travel market is a powerhouse, spending over $218 billion annually on travel Recognising this tremendous potential, SA Tourism is dedicated to inviting LGBTQ+ travellers to explore the vibrant and diverse experiences South Africa offers.
During Pride Month celebrations across the United States in June, the SA Tourism North America team actively participated in PROUD Experiences, a business platform for global travel brands, products, and services. Here, they engaged with travel advisors and planners committed to crafting exceptional leisure itineraries for their LGBTQ+ clients.
The team conducted one on one meetings with travel advisors, showcasing South Africa's rich LGBTQ+ traveller value
proposition and variety of experiences available across its nine provinces to build destination familiarity and empower the trade to drive conversion.
In addition, a media briefing session was conducted with journalists and content creators to provide updates on destinations and products, fostering ongoing demand for travel from this valuable North American audience segment.
A highlight of their efforts was a spirited stage presentation for over 500 LGBTQ+ travel industry leaders This presentation underscored why South Africa's progressive constitution, unique experiences, and welcoming, culturally diverse population make it a leading LGBTQ+ friendly destination
The North America team is committed to continuing to invite LGBTQ+ travellers to experience the Rainbow Nation and Visit South Africa, not only during Pride Month, but all year long.
The “London2Cape Town” Trio Embarks on an Epic Road Trip Across Africa
South African Tourism welcomes and celebrates Karen, James, and Spence, who have just completed the ultimate road trip challenge: driving from London to Cape Town, South Africa The trio’s arrival marked the end of an extraordinary journey spanning continents, filled with countless stories of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and formidable challenges
A Journey of a Lifetime
The road trip, which covered thousands of kilometres and crossed multiple borders, is a testament to the spirit of adventure and exploration Karen, James, and Spence share their firsthand experiences of navigating through diverse terrains, from the European countryside to the arid deserts of Africa on social media capturing many followers who have since become fans.
Unforgettable Landscapes
From the rolling hills of France and the majestic Swiss Alps to the vast Sahara Desert and the lush greenery of subSaharan Africa, the trio encountered some of the most stunning vistas the world has to offer. Their journey highlighted the
For the love of travel, the trio also faced numerous challenges along the way, including vehicle breakdowns, navigating through remote areas with little to no communication, and dealing with various weather conditions
South African Tourism, Chief Marketing Officer, Thembisile Sehloho extends a welcome to the trio and highlights the importance of such journeys in promoting travel and exploration. “Karen, James, and Spence’s story is a reminder of the beauty and adventure that awaits those who are willing to take the road less travelled. We cannot wait for them to fully explore and enjoy the wide variety of South African experiences and tourism products.
We also invite fellow globetrotters to come #VisitSouthAfrica and connect with our amazing people, immerse themselves in our vibrant culture, and explore our beautiful beaches, thrilling safaris, and majestic mountains. Discover the rainbow nation's diverse attractions, savour our flavourful cuisine, and feel our spirit of
Ubuntu South Africa’s calling – are you ready ? We are waiting.
As Karen, James, and Spence settle in and relish their time here, their remarkable journey is sure to ignite the wanderlust in others, encouraging them to embark on their own adventures and explore the world one step at a time.
Somopho Hills
Location: Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal Province
Somopho Hills is an adventure park, created to preserve the legacy of the Mthembu Royal Family. Founded in 2021, Lungani Mthembu wanted to showcase the rural areas have tourism experiences and to uplift his community.
They offer outdoor activities including trail hiking, paintball, quad biking, bird watching, camping and Zulu storytelling.
