Ga-Morwe – Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu and Economic Development and Tourism MEC Jesta Sidell led a G20 Tourism Community Outreach event in the small community of Ga-Morwe under Dr Js Moroka municipality.
The event, held on 01 August brought together community members, small-scale businesses and industry stakeholders to discuss tourism in Mpumalanga. Leading the programme, the MEC for Mpumalanga Economic Development and Tourism Jesta Sidell highlighted the purpose of the outreach and further emphasised the crucial role tourism plays in the provincial economy. “It is important to note that, as Mpumalanga, we are popular for tourism, known for our beautiful tourist attractions such as the Makhonjwa Mountains and the Kruger National Park. Tourism contributes greatly to building the Mpumalanga economy; through tourism, jobs are created, and the minister, together with her deputy, is here to talk tourism.”
She further added that the visit also served as an oversight, as the minister came to assess the province’s readiness to host the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in September. Dr JS Moroka Municipality Executive Mayor Nomsa Mtsweni delivered a welcome address as the host municipality.
The G20 Tourism Working Group and Ministerial priorities focus on people-centred innovation, including Artificial Intelligence. A highlight was the national G20 Tourism Hackathon, which challenges young innovators to design prototype accessible booking platforms and smart-city visitor systems.
Winners will pitch their solutions to G20 Ministers on 12 September 2025, a milestone expected to strengthen global partnerships, unlock investment and showcase local products on the world stage.
“At the heart of our outreach is listening to your voice in shaping how tourism grows here,” said Minister de Lille.
She also highlighted tourism financing and investment, noting that investors, government and community leaders will work together to fund scalable local tourism ventures.
Minister de Lille reminded communities that “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.”
She added that the surge will create short-term jobs in hospitality, security, event management and logistics, while giving local tour guides, guesthouses, craft markets and SMMEs to international audiences.
Baba Lord, one of the exhibitors at the event expressed excitement that such a gathering came to their doorstep. He said he hopes there will be proper implementation and that even grassroots participants like himself will benefit.
Baba Lord is a craftsman who produces handmade goods ranging from natural hair products to leatherwork.
Minister de Lille celebrated the cultural heritage of the Ndebele nation and honoured its artists, including world-renowned icon Mama Esther Mahlangu. “You will write the next chapter of South African tourism for the students, entrepreneurs, innovators and storytellers of Mpumalanga,” said de Lille.
