Inspiring Women

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 19, 2026

August is Women’s Month and Durban Life takes a look at some of the inspiring women shaping our society in South Africa.

Nasmera Buckus, COO at Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) – Founder of the Northern Collective

‘’For me, leadership is not only about reaching a position of influence. It is about what we choose to do with the influence, who we bring into the conversation, whose voice we amplify and which doors we open for the women coming behind us,’’ said Nasmera Buckus.

Dr Aobakwe Segwe, leading radiologist, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Centre of Medical Imaging (CMI)

‘’Leadership isn’t measured by personal success alone but by how many young people grow because of your influence. I aim to drive research that lets Africa contribute its own evidence to global medicine, rather than importing findings built on other populations,’’ said Dr Segwe.

Karen Farred, CEO, Girls and Boys Town South Africa

‘’As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month under the theme ‘’Empowered Women Empower the Nation,’’ I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary women who have shaped my own leadership journey and those who continue to make an immeasurable difference in the lives of children and families every day. Their courage, empathy, and determination remind me that empowerment is not simply about personal success, it is about personal success; it is about creating opportunities for others to flourish.

Botlhale Boikanyo, Poet, Actress and UNFPA Regional International Conference on Poplulation and Development (ICPD) Youth Champion

‘’My hope and dream is to live in a world where every young person, especially women and girls, has the freedom and opportunities to shape their own future and is included in the rooms where decisions about their lives are made,’’ said Botlhale Boikanyo.

Laverne De Jager, Founder of the 2026 Scottfin Revive Selfcare Summit

‘’The self-care was never created simply to host an event, although from a marketing perspective, it has helped boost our brand connection, says De Jager. ‘’It began because we saw too many women running on empty. Women are the heartbeat of families, businesses and communities, yet they’re often the last people to receive care themselves. We wanted to create something that reminds women that investing in themselves isn’t selfish – it’s essential. When women are restored, everything around them becomes stronger.’’

Tourism Month 2026 Launched as Durban Takes Centre Stage

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 16, 2026

Tourism Month 2026 was officially launched by Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, in Durban on Thursday, 13 August. The theme for Tourism Month is ‘’Growing South Africa’s Tourism Sector in the Digital Era’’, beginning on 1 September and driving towards World Tourism Day on 27 September.

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Dignitaries and Surprise guest Sho Madjozi at the launch of Tourism Month 2026 in Durban. | Photo: Supplied. 

Durban continues to attract visitors, delegates and investment while showcasing the best of the country to local and international markets. Durban is South Africa’s premier coastal destination and a leading host of major events, conferences and meeting place for business events.

The timing of this launch is significant as the city hosts the 46^th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government from 16 to 17 August, at which South Africa takes Chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community for the 2026/27 term.

The Minister’s visit shows Durban’s position as a destination that can bring business, tourism, investment and cultural experiences together successfully.

Durban has also been confirmed as the host city for Africa’s Travel Indaba from 2026 to 2030.

The city is currently hosting a programme of regional and business engagements, providing opportunities to showcase its world-class conference and events infrastructure, but also the diverse experiences in Durban.

The eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cllr Cyril Xaba and delegates from SADC explored Max's Lifestyle Village. | Photo: Supplied. 

Delegates from SADC have also explored the city’s heritage at the historic KwaMuhle Museum, experienced uMlazi, where they were welcomed at Max’s Lifestyle Village for an authentic township experience.

Recent milestones for Durban include the successful hosting of the Industrialisation Workshop, preparations for the 46^th SADC Summit, and site visits undertaken by the Presidential eThekwini Working Group together with the Municipality’s Executive Committee, further strengthening Durban’s profile as a destination of choice for business, investment and tourism.

EThekwini recorded the lowest official unemployment rate of South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities, at 21.2% according to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2026.

The survey estimated that around 1.29 million people in the city were employed in the second quarter, 90 000 more than in the same quarter of 2025 the largest year-on-year increase recorded in any metro, and a change Statistics South Africa reported as statistically significant.

Minister de Lille’s message that ‘’tourism begins at home’’ resonated strongly with Durban’s approach to growing the domestic tourism market. South Africans are encouraged to take a Sho’t Left and explore their own country. Durban offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors from across the country and the region.

The Minister also highlighted, technology is changing how travellers discover destinations, plan journeys and make travel decisions. For Durban’s tourism businesses, particularly SMMEs and emerging enterprises, this is an opportunity to reach new audiences and showcase experiences beyond the city’s normal tourism attractions.

‘’Durban is experiencing an exciting tourism and business buzz, and the launch of Tourism Month has provided another important platform to showcase the city’s readiness to welcome visitors, delegates, investors and event organisers,’’ said Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee.

Durban’s established position as a leading business-events destination, together with its role in hosting major regional and international engagements, creates opportunities to extend visitor stays, stimulate local spending and expose delegates and visitors to the wider Durban tourism offering.

With Tourism Month approaching, Durban invites South Africans, regional visitors and international travellers to discover the city for themselves – even for a weekend getaway, a business trip extended into a leisure experience, a cultural journey or an authentic township experience.

City Launches Musical Theatre Production Developing Local Creatives

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 12, 2026

The show ‘Amandla Phumelela’ was premiered by eThekwini Municipality on 7 August. The show is a bold new local musical theatre production developed through the city’s Theatre Residency Programme.

This production came after the city held a public call for auditions, which invited actors, writers and directors, and which saw many young creatives come from all over the city to show their talent.

A total of sixteen young creatives were selected for their acting abilities, stage presence and powerful vocal performances and they form part of the Municipality’s first Theatre Residency.

The production officially opened on 7 August and will run until 16 August at The Stable Theatre. Entrance is free.

Amandla Phumelela is a powerful musical that explores the realities confronting many young South Africans. It is written and directed by Jerry Pooe, featuring choreography by Sfiso Mathibela. The show uses storytelling, music and drama and tackles issues such as substance abuse, abandonment, identity, and the search for love, purpose and belonging, while delivering a message of hope, resilience and transformation.

‘’Members of the cast are now receiving mentorship from industry professionals, theatre training and access to performance opportunities that will strengthen their artistic development and prepare them for the professional theatre environment,’’ said Director of Recreation and Parks, Dr Simphiwe Ndlovu.

By investing in emerging artists, the eThekwini Municipality continues to position Durban as a vibrant hub for artistic excellence and cultural innovation.

For bookings, contact Musa Ntuli of the Arts and Culture Division on 031 322 8789 or musa.ntuli@durban.gov.za

SAACI 2026 Conference Delivers Huge Partnerships and Major Investment Boost for Durban

 

By Fred Felton | Aug. 5, 2026

The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) 2026 National Annual Conference has just finished at The Capital Zimbali with a huge success, bringing together South Africa’s business events leaders in a powerful show of innovation and collaboration.

The SAACI 2026 National Annual Conference inspired the business events industry with a renewed commitment to collaborate, driving the future of South Africa's MICE sector and creating lasting economic impact. Photo: Supplied. 

The conference was held over three days and reinforced Durban’s standing as Africa’s premier Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination by showcasing world-class infrastructure, authentic hospitality, and a thriving tourism economy.

Durban’s world-class business events infrastructure, hospitality, and tourism offerings were put on show for delegates through a programme of industry discussions, networking opportunities and destination experiences.

One of the key highlights was Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani’s announcement of a R250 million phased refurbishment, which started on 27 July 2026. For the next three years, both hotel towers will be transformed through redesigned guest rooms, upgraded public spaces, and enhanced facilities, further strengthening Durban’s tourism and hospitality offering.

‘’Such conferences are powerful drivers of investment, tourism growth, innovation, and job creation. We are proud to have showcased Durban’s exceptional hospitality and business events offering while welcoming continued investment from partners such as Southern Sun,’’ said Durban Tourism Deputy Head Winile Mntungwa.

Mntungwa noted the City’s commitment to consolidating Durban’s position as Africa’s leading MICE destination.

The conference ended with a renewed pledge from industry stakeholders to continue building partnerships, driving innovation, and growing South Africa’s business events industry.