On Friday 11 April 2025, The National Department of Tourism kicked off a 2-day Sustainable Tourism Workshop Outreach in Kroonstad with the opening remarks by the Executive Mayor of Moqhaka Local Municipality Cllr. Motloheloa Mokatsane together with the Deputy Minister of Tourism Makhotso Sotyu.
The purpose of this workshop was to create an inclusive and responsible Tourism ecosystem which provides platforms for industry stakeholders to collaborate, exchange knowledge and exhibit innovative Tourism products that promotes sustainability to Youth and Persons with Disabilities, while advancing sustainable Tourism practices in South Africa, especially the Free State Province.
“It is important for the industry to exchange ideas and shape the Tourism sector in Fezile Dabi District and create an Environment for employment especially the Youth, eradicate poverty and unemployment”, said Deputy Minister Sotyu.
“A good example is the World Tourism Market in Cape Town that hosted 49 Tourism SMEs, which were hand-picked and suggested by the business sector in Capetown as some of the key one’s working hard to create employment and work experience for the graduates in the Western Cape. Route movements and easy access to towns play a vital role in tourism, as that creates a system to direct Tourism to support black owned enterprises in Tourism sector in the Free State and that needs creative businesses in this sector”.
“This gathering will provide a platform for diverse voices to exchange ideas and contribute to shaping outcomes that reflect the needs and priorities of the Fezile Dabi District Municipality. As we are all aware, this is the month which South Africa celebrates its Freedom Month and Freedom Day on 27 April.” The month marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, as the first democratic elections was held on 27 April, 1994. This milestone symbolises the triumph over oppression and the beginning of a new era of economic and social transformation.
“We must recognise that true liberation extends beyond political rights and economic empowerment. Sustainable SMMEs are key drivers of inclusive growth and poverty alleviation. The Deputy Minister further emphasized that by supporting and nurturing SMMEs, we honour the legacy of Freedom Month by ensuring that economic opportunities reach all South Africans, particularly those who were historically marginalised. A thriving SMME sector not only strengthens the economy, but it also upholds the values of resilience, self-reliance and shared prosperity that define the spirit of freedom.
SMMEs are very important in the tourism industry. It contributes significantly to employment, economic transformation, and community upliftment. As the Government, our role is to enable and empower SMMEs to overcome these barriers and it is our duty to maximise every opportunity to empower these enterprises”. concluded the Deputy Minister.
