DURBAN – Mpumalanga Province made a strong impression at this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI), held from May 12 to 15, 2025, showcasing its commitment to job creation and tourism growth under the leadership of MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela.
Leading the provincial delegation, MEC Masilela reaffirmed Mpumalanga’s readiness to support the national goal of creating 2.2 million jobs in the tourism sector by 2030. “We are working with the National Empowerment Fund to support our businesses. This platform allows them to be visible and create jobs,” she said.
The MEC also led Mpumalanga’s delegation at the Triland Inter-Ministerial Committee Meeting, hosted by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA). The session served as a progress review for tourism partnerships between South Africa, Mozambique, and Eswatini. It also allowed ministers and MECs to set a path forward for deeper regional collaboration.
At the heart of Mpumalanga’s presence at ATI were 33 Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) with MTPA at the forefront, covering sectors from cultural tourism to hospitality and adventure. MTPA also used the platform to sign critical Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Limpopo Tourism Agency, Nkangala Economic Development Agency (NEDA), and South African National Parks (SANParks)—all aimed at accelerating collaboration and attracting more visitors to the province.
Victor Mashego, MTPA Chairperson, stressed the importance of the media’s role in these efforts. “Media is the primary partner in achieving the goal of selling the province as the preferred destination. Without media, we can’t sell Mpumalanga,” he said, noting the participation of provincial media outlets at the Indaba.
A major highlight for Nkangala District was the announcement of the R4.5 billion Witbank Dam Waterfront Project, led by NEDA CEO Dr. Moeketsi Mosola. The ambitious plan includes the construction of two new hotels, the revival of the local game reserve, and the introduction of boat cruises. A formal MOU signed between NEDA and MTPA marked the beginning of the transformation that is expected to boost tourism and the local economy in eMalahleni.
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 lived up to its theme, Unlimited Africa, drawing over 9,990 attendees, marking a 7.7% increase from 2024. The event facilitated more than 24,500 business meetings, injected R574 million into Durban’s GDP, and created over 2,000 jobs, confirming its status as the continent’s leading tourism trade show.
Mpumalanga’s tourism sector contributes more than R30 billion annually, making up nearly 6% of the province’s GDP. With an unemployment rate of 37.4%, the industry has emerged as a critical employer, generating approximately 70,000 jobs according to the latest figures.
