Gauteng Tourism Prepares for Collaboration and Renewal
The Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) and the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) are hosting the Gauteng Tourism Sector Round Table. Hosted on Friday, 24 October 2025, at the Gauteng Gambling Board in Johannesburg.
The full-day dialogue will run from 09:00 to 16:30. It will gather leading figures from government, academia, and business to explore how tourism can drive inclusive growth and sustainable recovery in the province.
The Round Table aims to position Gauteng as Africa’s top tourism and international events destination. The event had been organized by MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile
Venue: Gauteng Gambling Board. 125 Corlette Drive, District of Freedom. Johannesburg
Time: 09:00 – 16:30
Date: Friday, 24 October 2025
Register to attend: Click here
A Day of Strategy and Action
The program begins with a welcome by Goitsione Motloung, Acting Deputy Director-General for Economic Development and Planning, and Motlatjo Moholwa, Head of Department at GDED. They will set the tone for the day by outlining the goals of collaboration and implementation.
MEC Maile’s keynote address will focus on tourism as a driver of economic transformation and job creation. It will also touch on how it aligns with Gauteng’s Economic Growth and Development Plan.
Dr. Barbara Ziyane, Chief Director of Economic Planning, will follow with a presentation on the Gauteng City Region Economic Growth and Development Plan. Dr. Johann Kirsten from the University of Johannesburg will provide a data-driven analysis of tourism performance across the province.
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Private Sector Insights Shaping Policy
The round table will feature insights from some of the most influential leaders in South Africa’s tourism industry. David Frost, CEO of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), will address how stronger public–private partnerships can create a more inclusive and resilient tourism sector.
Ross Volk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, will present key findings from the company’s study: “10 Key Priorities for Tourism in South Africa and Africa.” The research highlights areas where innovation and regional cooperation can stimulate growth.
Aaron Monetsi, CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), will discuss the role of air connectivity in opening markets. Also touch base on how to improve accessibility, and strengthen the regional economy.
Building Brand Gauteng
Brand strategist Thebe Ikalafeng, CEO of the Brand Leadership Group, will explore how Gauteng can redefine its image from being purely an economic powerhouse to becoming a destination known for its creativity, culture, and lifestyle experiences.
His session, “Positioning Brand Gauteng as a Destination of Choice,” focuses on the importance of narrative. It showcases the province as both a place of opportunity and a center of human connection and culture.
Infrastructure and Township Tourism Take Center Stage
Two panel discussions will dominate the afternoon program.
The first, “Infrastructure Development as a Catalyst for Economic Growth,” includes Hamza Farooqui (Millet Investment). Followed by: Ross Verney (Club Med South Africa), Kagisho Bapela (IDC), Percy Mkhosi (Datacomb), and Jerry Mabena (Motsamayi Tourism Group).
The panel will examine how investments in transport, broadband, and energy can enable tourism growth. It will also unpack how it can create employment and drive equitable development across Gauteng.
The second, “Heritage and Township Tourism Revitalization,” features Thato Mothopeng (SATOVITO), Bheki “Ma-Events” Twala (Township Economic Commission SA), Nompumelelo Mabuza (National Heritage Council), and Dr. Thami Mazwai (Mthiya Dynamics).
This discussion will explore how preserving heritage and supporting community-based tourism can empower local entrepreneurs and revive township economies.
A United Vision for Gauteng Tourism
The round table forms part of Gauteng’s Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy. This strategy prioritizes digital innovation, sustainable employment, and inclusive participation across all five regional corridors. These include: Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng, and the West Rand.
Organizers emphasize that the event’s purpose is to turn dialogue into delivery. Ideas raised at the round table will contribute to refining Gauteng’s Tourism and Economic Growth Framework. The ideas will inspire collaboration between public institutions and private operators.
Why The Round Table Matters
Tourism remains one of Gauteng’s most powerful economic engines. Yet the sector continues to face challenges linked to infrastructure, safety, and transformation.
The round table provides a chance to rethink how tourism can become more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The discussions align with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) and Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). Both of which recognize tourism as a key pillar of national growth.
Lighting the Path Forward
As the round table draws to a close, MEC Maile will call on delegates to commit to partnerships and working groups that transform ideas into measurable results. These follow-up sessions will focus on township enterprise development, infrastructure expansion, and stronger destination marketing.
The outcomes of the day are expected to influence how Gauteng defines its tourism brand, attracts investment, and promotes a culture of collaboration across the sector.
The Gauteng Tourism Sector Round Table represents more than a conversation — it is a declaration of intent to turn vision into action. With continued effort and shared accountability, Gauteng can emerge as a destination that blends business, creativity, and community into one cohesive identity.
The province stands ready to lead the next chapter of South Africa’s tourism story — one built on innovation, inclusivity, and pride in its people.
