Minister Patricia de Lille’s G20 Tourism Community Outreach is lighting a bright path for Mpumalanga’s future. It goes beyond famous wildlife, opening doors for local businesses, young innovators, and green projects to grow and thrive. By improving roads and supporting small entrepreneurs, the outreach creates jobs and helps communities shine on the world stage. This effort invites everyone to be part of Mpumalanga’s exciting new story, where tradition and fresh ideas come together to build a stronger, greener, and more welcoming province.
Minister Patricia de Lille’s G20 Tourism Community Outreach promotes sustainable growth in Mpumalanga by:
– Boosting local tourism beyond wildlife attractions
– Supporting SMMEs and youth innovation through digital initiatives
– Enhancing infrastructure and green tourism projects
– Creating job opportunities linked to the upcoming G20 Summit
This fosters inclusive economic development and global recognition for the province.
As the first rays of morning sunlight illuminate the rolling hills and vibrant communities of Mpumalanga, a sense of anticipation fills the air. This setting, alive with both natural beauty and deep-rooted culture, provided the perfect backdrop for Minister Patricia de Lille’s address at the G20 Tourism Community Outreach event in Mbombela. The occasion marked more than a gathering; it became a celebration of the province’s unique position at the intersection of heritage, innovation, and possibility.
The event drew a diverse crowd: government officials, representatives from local municipalities, scholars, ambitious young people, and enterprising business owners. Their presence underscored a shared belief in transformation through active engagement – a reminder that progress happens when communities join forces and pool their talents. Minister de Lille’s vision for tourism went beyond economic statistics; she described it as a living, evolving force, capable of renewing both society and economy.
Surrounded by the pulse of local arts, music, and enterprise, participants were challenged to see tourism as an engine for growth that respects tradition while pushing boundaries. The Outreach served as a catalyst, encouraging all in attendance to reimagine their role in shaping Mpumalanga’s future and to see themselves as co-authors of the region’s unfolding story.
While many know Mpumalanga as the entryway to the famous Kruger National Park, the province holds a wealth of treasures waiting to be discovered. Minister de Lille reminded everyone that Mpumalanga is much more than its wildlife reserves. The Panorama Route, a scenic stretch boasting dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls, invites travelers to lose themselves in awe. Barberton, with its ancient geological formations, draws scientists and dreamers alike, eager to uncover the secrets of Earth’s beginnings.
Yet, it is Mpumalanga’s people who give the region its heartbeat. Markets buzz with handmade crafts and fresh produce, while local music and dance animate community gatherings. Each village tells its own story through festivals, cuisine, and traditions passed down over generations. By weaving together landscape and living culture, the province offers a rich experience that goes beyond sightseeing.
The Outreach event tapped into this dynamic spirit, inviting attendees to rethink tourism as a way to celebrate and elevate local voices. Rather than relying solely on natural wonders, those present considered how community-led tourism could generate new opportunities, strengthen cultural identity, and promote economic prosperity.
South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit for the first time – a landmark event themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” With the world’s attention turning to cities and provinces like Mpumalanga, the stakes are high. Minister de Lille highlighted that the G20’s arrival is not merely symbolic; it promises direct benefits for local communities. Throughout the year, the country will welcome over 130 meetings and 23 ministerial gatherings, bringing thousands of delegates who will fill hotels, dine in restaurants, and hire local transport. This influx will create thousands of jobs in hospitality, event management, logistics, and security, ensuring that residents share in the summit’s economic rewards.
The Outreach emphasized that tourism is everyone’s business. Local guides, guesthouse owners, artisans, and tour operators play a central role in showcasing Mpumalanga to the world. Minister de Lille pointed to past successes, such as the Africa’s Travel Indaba, where regional entrepreneurs demonstrated their talents to international buyers. Now, with the G20 on the horizon, these opportunities multiply, giving businesses a chance to expand and innovate.
Of particular note is the focus on small and medium enterprises (SMMEs), which form the backbone of the tourism sector. By ensuring that these businesses receive support – whether through training, marketing opportunities, or infrastructure investment – the Department of Tourism aims to build a thriving, inclusive industry that benefits all residents.
The future of tourism belongs to the next generation. Minister de Lille brought this message home when she spoke about the G20 Tourism Hackathon, an initiative designed to engage university students in reimagining tourism’s role in the digital age. Students from the University of Mpumalanga and Tshwane University of Technology received the challenge to create digital solutions – platforms for visitor engagement, innovative booking tools, and apps that tell the stories of local people and places.
The hackathon serves as more than a contest. It represents a platform for young thinkers and creators to influence global tourism trends, showcase their technical acumen, and bring Mpumalanga’s stories to a wider audience. The best projects will gain international attention, reflecting not only technical expertise but also the vibrant spirit of the province’s youth.
This commitment to digital skills aligns with broader shifts in South Africa and across Africa, where artificial intelligence, big data, and digital storytelling are redefining industries. By investing in digital training and supporting tech-driven initiatives, the tourism sector positions itself to thrive amid rapid change, ensuring local talent leads the way in shaping the next era of travel.
For tourism to deliver lasting benefits, it must rest on strong foundations. The Department of Tourism continues to invest heavily in Mpumalanga’s infrastructure – repairing roads, restoring heritage sites, and upgrading community lodges in partnership with both public and private sectors. These improvements do more than enhance the visitor experience; they support local businesses and create a sense of pride among residents.
Central to these efforts is the Green Tourism Incentive Programme, which offers grants of up to R1 million for sustainable business practices. Twenty-three projects in Mpumalanga have already received funding, empowering local entrepreneurs to operate responsibly and efficiently. The Tshamani Guest House in Mkhuhlu Township stands as a shining example – a woman-owned business that offers jobs and inspiration to its community. Other successes, including Timamoon Lodge and La Kruger Lodge, further demonstrate the province’s dedication to inclusive economic development.
The Market Access Support Programme complements these sustainability efforts by helping SMMEs break into global markets. By covering costs for travel, accommodation, and skills development, the program enables small businesses to participate in major trade fairs and connect with international buyers. In the previous year alone, 21 black-owned enterprises from Ehlanzeni showcased their products on both national and international stages, with a significant number led by women and based in Mbombela.
As the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting approaches in September, anticipation continues to build. Over thirty international ministers will visit Mpumalanga, experiencing first-hand its breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and welcoming communities. This global spotlight offers the province an unparalleled opportunity to attract investment, foster cultural exchange, and secure lasting partnerships.
Exhibitions in Mbombela showcase the remarkable creativity and entrepreneurial spirit thriving in the region. Chefs experiment with indigenous flavors, guides share their knowledge of ancient forests, and artisans infuse their creations with local stories. These displays reflect more than individual talent; they represent Mpumalanga’s broader narrative – one of resilience, ambition, and pride.
Yet, the Outreach event emphasized that sustainable tourism cannot flourish without continued local participation and dialogue. Residents must articulate their needs, set their priorities, and seize ownership of their future. By weaving together tradition, innovation, and investment, Mpumalanga can build a tourism sector that serves both its people and the world.
Minister de Lille’s message resonated with everyone present: The next chapter in South African tourism will be co-written by the students, entrepreneurs, and visionaries of Mpumalanga. Their collective drive, creativity, and commitment to solidarity, equality, and sustainability will ensure that the province not only welcomes the world but shapes the future of global tourism itself.
The Outreach aims to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in Mpumalanga by expanding tourism beyond traditional wildlife attractions. It supports local small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), encourages youth innovation through digital initiatives like the G20 Tourism Hackathon, improves infrastructure, and fosters green tourism projects. Ultimately, it seeks to create jobs, empower communities, and position Mpumalanga as a vibrant and globally recognized tourism destination.
By investing in infrastructure such as roads and community lodges, and through programs like the Green Tourism Incentive Programme and Market Access Support Programme, the Outreach directly supports local entrepreneurs and SMMEs. These initiatives provide funding, skills development, and market access, helping businesses grow sustainably. Additionally, the G20 Summit-related tourism influx is expected to create thousands of jobs in hospitality, event management, logistics, and security, enabling local residents to share in the economic benefits.
Youth involvement is central to the Outreach’s vision for the future of tourism. The G20 Tourism Hackathon challenges university students from Mpumalanga and beyond to create innovative digital solutions that enhance visitor engagement and storytelling. These projects showcase young talent and help position Mpumalanga as a leader in tech-driven tourism innovation. This focus aligns with broader trends in digital transformation across Africa, ensuring that the tourism sector remains competitive and future-ready.
While Mpumalanga is famous for Kruger National Park, it also offers rich cultural heritage, scenic routes like the Panorama Route with its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, and ancient geological wonders such as those found in Barberton. The province’s vibrant local communities contribute through arts, music, traditional festivals, and crafts, offering visitors immersive experiences that blend nature with culture. The Outreach encourages leveraging these hidden depths to generate new tourism opportunities that celebrate local identity.
Hosting the G20 Summit brings global attention to Mpumalanga and creates economic opportunities through an influx of international delegates attending over 130 meetings and 23 ministerial gatherings. This surge will increase demand for local accommodations, dining, transport, and event services, leading to job creation and business growth. The Outreach ensures that SMMEs are prepared to capitalize on this opportunity through training, marketing, and infrastructure support, boosting the province’s profile on the world stage.
Sustainability is a core pillar of the Outreach. The Green Tourism Incentive Programme offers grants to businesses adopting environmentally responsible practices, with 23 projects already funded in Mpumalanga. Infrastructure projects focus on restoring heritage sites and improving community lodges in collaboration with public and private partners. Programs like the Market Access Support Programme help sustainable SMMEs connect with global markets. These efforts aim to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and community empowerment.
If you want to learn more about the G20 Tourism Community Outreach or get involved, please visit the official Department of Tourism website or contact your local municipal tourism office in Mpumalanga.
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