The 'Best Ever' Africa Travel Indaba Planned

 

By Fred Felton | Feb. 20, 2025

The plans for the 2025 Africa Travel Indaba have been unveiled by Durban Tourism with a bold vision for the success of Africa’s largest trade and tourism event.

Africa's Travel Indaba happens from 12 to 15 May this year. | Photo: Fred Felton

The proposed programme for the event was presented by Durban Tourism Regional Marketing Manager Melusi Khumalo to the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee for their recommendation.

During the presentation she highlighted that preparations are already in full swing for this flagship event. Africa’s Travel Indaba happens from 12 to 15 May at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

At the committee meeting which was held on 13 February, Khumalo noted that 2025 marks the City’s final contractual year hosting the Indaba, taking note of the importance of this event to secure future bids.

‘’We aim to pull out all the stops to host the best-ever Indaba to ensure Durban becomes the permanent home of this prestigious event,’’ said Khumalo.

The Africa Travel Indaba is a crucial platform for showcasing Africa’s tourism offerings and engaging with the global trade, while also boosting local tourism.

Khumalo also shared last year’s impressive statistics which included 1 200 exhibitors, 9 217 delegates, 1 737 buyers and participants from 75 countries.

Exhibitor registrations are now open for exhibitors who would like to showcase their products and network with those in the tourism industry.

For registration and more info, please visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

Virtual Tour of Mandela Monuments in KZN

In July we celebrate Mandela Month. There are many landmarks around Durban and KwaZulu-Natal that feature this icon. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown many of them are closed until after the lockdown has been lifted.

Take a virtual tour with us as we show you the many places where Nelson Mandela has featured in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal:

The Mandela Capture Site

The Nelson Mandela Sculpture at the Capture Site. | Image: SA Tourism

On 5 August 1962, on a road along the R103 near Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, armed apartheid police flagged down a car in which Nelson Mandela was pretending to be the chauffeur.

It was at this spot that he was arrested and disappeared from public view for 27 years.

At this spot is an iconic sculpture which was unveiled in 2012 by the then President Jacob Zuma.

The location was made possible thanks to the Department of Co-Operative Government and Traditional Affairs which worked with uMgeni Municipality, the Apartheid Museum and the KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Council in association with the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.

The sculpture was designed by artist Marco Cianfanelli and is made up of 50 steel column constructions – each between 6.5 and 9.5 metres tall – set in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands landscape.

The site was designed by architect Jeremy Rose.

‘’The 50 columns represent the 50 years since his capture, but they also suggest the idea of many making the whole; of solidarity,’’ says Cianfanelli of the sculpture.

When the lockdown has been lifted you can visit it here:

Address: Mandela Capture Site, R103, Howick, 3290

Telephone: 072-351-0967

You can take a virtual tour here: https://www.thecapturesite.co.za/virtual-tour

Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine

The entrance to the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine. | Image: Google

The school of medicine is in Umbilo in Durban and is part of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been around for over 60 years and provides a high quality of training for medical students.

The medical school has a strong focus on rural health including a partnership with the local Department of Health which offers the students opportunities in rural health care.

The school has also produced internationally renowned scientists and research output.

Address: 719 Umbilo Road, Umbilo, Durban, 4001

Phone: 031-260-1111 | Website: https://www.ukzn.ac.za

The Nelson Mandela Postcards

The Nelson Mandela Postcards on display at Tourism Indaba 2018. | Image: Fred Felton

These postcards were shown to the public at the Tourism Indaba 2018 held at the International Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa. Delegates from the travel industry could see them on display and even take some home with them. They feature images of Nelson Mandela and highlights from his life. If you happen to have one hold on to them as they are quite the collector’s item.

The Struggle Icons

These statues were shown to the public at Africa's Travel Indaba in 2019 at the Durban International Convention Centre. They feature Nelson Mandela and Albert Luthuli. | Image: Fred Felton

Nelson Mandela officially opened the Durban International Convention Centre in 1997. It was later renamed to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex. It has held some of the biggest conferences and events in South Africa, Africa and the World. At the time when it was made it was one of the single largest investments made by the City of Durban.

During the lockdown the Durban Exhibition Centre which is part of the centre was used as a reception and screening centre for eThekwini Municipality as a response to sheltering the homeless during the lockdown.  The eThekwini Task Team on Homelessness identified varies sites for looking after the homeless of the City.

Durban ICC Chief Executive Officer, Lindiwe Rakharebe noted, ‘’The Durban ICC is committed to playing its part in and offering as much support as we can. Initially one-thousand people were expected to be screened at the centre; however we were able to help 1,600 people over the course of the first 3 days.’’

For more info visit: www.icc.co.za

The Ohlange Institute

The grave of John L. Dube at the Ohlange Institute. | Image: Fred Felton

This site is steeped in history and is certainly worth a visit when the lockdown is over. Here you will find the first school started by a black person, John Langalibalele Dube. He went on to become the first president of the African National Congress.

Nelson Mandela chose to cast his vote in the first democratic election of South Africa at the Ohlange Institute on April 27, 1994.

Address:  Off M25 Inanda Highway, Behind Ohlange Library, Inanda, 4310

For more information contact Durban Tourism on 031-322-4164

Email: info@visitdurban.travel

Date for your diary: The Anniversary of the Birthday of Nelson Mandela – 18 July 1918

We leave you with this quote from the great man:

‘’It always seems impossible until it’s done’’ – Nelson Mandela

This virtual tour of Nelson Mandela landmarks in Durban and KZN was brought to you courtesy of eThekwini Municipality.

For more info on how they look after your city visit: www.durban.gov.za

How to get funding for your business during the COVID-19 lock down

Has your business suffered during the COVID-19 lock down? Here are some places where you can access funding for your company or small business.

By Fred Felton

Apr. 10, 2020

Image: https://pixabay.com/users/FirmBee-663163

With the President of South Africa having extended the lock down to the end of April you might need to access some much needed funding for your business. Thanks to the government and various organisations there are various options for you whether it be a grant, a loan or a different selling outlet for your business.

Here are some of the options to look at:

COVID-19 SMME EMERGENCY FUNDING PACKAGE

This funding is provided by the Department of Small Buisiness Development, SEDA and SEFA. This funding is split between a Business Growth Facility, SMME Relief Finance and a restructuring of sefa-funded SMME’s. To access this fund you first have to register on the national SMME database. There   are a number of qualifying criteria which you need to be aware of when you apply.

For more info visit: www.smmesa.gov.za  or email info@dsbd.gov.za

You can also call the hotline on 0860-663-7867

IDC COVID-19 ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES INTERVENTION

The IDC is providing financing for a variety of companies involved in essential services especially emergency services. If you provide any of these products you can apply: Disinfectants, sanitizers, masks, test-kits, medical gloves, packaging, toilet paper, wipes, tissues, sanitary pads, cleaning materials, chemicals, approved drugs, ventilators and filters, nebulisers, hospital beds, oxygen, aprons, safety visors, various raw materials. There is a great deal of qualifying documents you will need to have.

For more info visit: https://www.idc.co.za/2020/03/24/idc-interventions-in-response-to-covid-19/

Email: callcentre@idc.co.za  or Call: 0860-693-888

NATIONAL EMPOWERMENT FUND MANAGING A R200M COVID-19 INTERVENTION FUND ON BEHALF OF DTI

This fund will assist manufacturers that deal in the following: health care related products. You need to provide valid or verifiable orders. The funds can be used for working capital or acquiring equipment. This fund is for majority BEE owned companies.

For more info visit:  Application Form

TOURISM RELIEF FUND FOR SMME’S

This fund provides a once-off grant for small micro and medium sized enterprises in the tourism sector. The fund is capped at R50 000. There are various criteria which you will need to qualify for. It is aimed at Hotels, Lodges, B&B’s, Guest Houses, Backpackers, Restaurants (not attached to hotels); Conference Venues (not attached to hotels); professional catering, attractions, Tour operators, Travel agents, Tourist guiding, Car rental companies and Coach operators.

For more info visit: https://www.tourism.gov.za/Pages/COVID19TOURISMRELIEFFUND.aspx

Email: covidrelief@tourism.gov.za

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN PROVIDING ASSISTANCE

Proudly SA is helping companies with supply chain problems at the moment and will be referring qualifying companies to the DTI for help.

For more info visit: www.proudlysa.co.za or email:  deryn@proudlysa.co.za

You can also join Proudly South African and load your products onto www.rsamade.co.za where clients can buy them. This gives you a platform for online shopping and ecommerce.

#ImStaying And Zapper Join Forces To Help Small Business

The #ImStaying Movement are working together to help out small business with vouchers and donations.

Jarette Petzer, CEO of #ImStaying says, ''The service is 100% zero rated, which means there is no cost to small business and no risk.''

Brett White, CEO of Zapper mentioned, ''We are extremely excited to be partnering with #ImStaying to spread the word and grow support for small business. They need all the help they can get.''

The way it works is that customers select a local business they would like to support in their area through the Zapper app. Donations and or vouchers go directly to the business.

For more info visit www.zapper.co.za 


#ImStaying Vouchers Food Vouchers Campaign

The #ImStaying movement have also launched a food vouchers campaign with BackaBuddy. All funds will be donated to members in need. The vouchers will be converted into shopping vouchers.

If you would like to donate visit: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/ivouchforyou

If you need a food voucher visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashtagimstaying 


ARTISTS RELIEF GRANTS 

BASA (Business and Arts South Africa) have a artists relief grant for creatives infected or affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It can help with income due to cancelled events or for medication or prescriptions. 

For more info visit: https://www.basa.co.za/home-page/growth/supporting-grants-2/artist-relief-grant/

VULNERABLE ARTISTS FUND

This fund is for visual artists that deal in the following mediums: Drawing, Printmaking, Painting and Sculpture.

To apply visit: https://artistproofstudio.co.za/pages/vulnerable-artist-fund?fbclid=IwAR2XN2QYazzUxwLiQlG-F--olsMEMZIKutQ4XU132Ck193BMjMnMLPPidNA


AGRICULTURAL DISASTER SUPPORT FUND FOR SMALLHOLDER AND COMMUNAL FARMERS

This fund is available via the Department of Agriculture for farmers.

For more info visit: www.daff.gov.za


SPAZA SHOPS AND GENERAL DEALERS SUPPORT SCHEME

The Department of Small Business Development has finalised an agreement to support Spaza Shops and General Dealers via a Khula Credit Guarantee Scheme of the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA).

Various support models are available.

For more info call 0860 663 7867 or email: Spazasupport@dsbd.gov.za


SOCIAL RELIEF OF DISTRESS GRANT

This is for people who are unemployed during this time to help them through the lock down.
You must be over 18, unemployed, not receiving any income, not receiving a social grant, not receiving any unemployment benefit, not receiving a National Student Finacial Aid Scheme stipend and not resident in a government funded or subsidised institution.

To apply send a WhatsApp message to 0600 123 456 or email: SRD@sassa.gov.za.

You will need your ID number, name and surname as it is in your ID (and initials). Gender and Disability, Banking Details, Contact Details and Proof of residential address.

Top 5 Highlights from Africa's Travel Indaba 2019

This month Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019 rolled into town and it was certainly not disappointing. There was plenty to do and see all around Durban where the travel and trade show was held.

Here are the top 5 highlights from the event:

The unveiling of a wall mural at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2019

The Wall Mural | Image: Fred Felton 

The wall mural was unveiled by the South African Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Michelle Constant one of the board members of South African Tourism said one of the greatest challenges for South Africans is unlocking the great potential of its extraordinary historical and present culture.

Four artists came together to create the mural, which took a year to plan and 10 days to create.

‘’It was very pressurised to get it done but it was exciting to come together with the other artists and produce something we are very proud of,’’ says artist Samora Chapman.

Kev Seven, another of the artists has been a graffiti artist for 12 to 15 years. ‘’This mural is significant not only because it is one of a kind, but because it is the first mural of this kind in the Durban ICC.’’

New APP launched for Eastern Cape Tourism

A new APP was launched which will help tourists to book accommodation, find tour guides and much more when visiting the Eastern Cape province. The APP shows all the features of the province, destinations, activities, important numbers and service centres required by tourists.

To find the APP just search for ‘Explore Eastern Cape’ on the Google play store or Apple App store.

  

The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site

Image: Fred Felton

The media were invited to hear all about the 20^th Anniversary of their inscription as a World Heritage Site. Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom encouraged everyone to visit the site.

Some interesting facts about the site:

Did you know that you could have your wedding at The Cradle of Humankind?

Maropeng means ‘returning to the place of our origins’ in Setswana, the most commonly spoken indigenous language in the Cradle of Humankind area.

The Cradle of Humankind is only 45 minutes’ drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

More than 2300 hominin fossils have been found here in the 53 000 hectares area, more than any other place on Earth.

Sterkfontein Caves in The Cradle of Humankind is open daily to the public for tours.

The visitors centre is a fun, interactive and educational experience for the whole family.

The site also features a 4-star Boutique Hotel at Maropeng and a conference facility for up to 500 delegates.

For more info visit: www.maropeng.co.za

The Kruger Shalati Train on a Bridge

The Train Hotel

Yes you read that correctly. Coming soon to a bridge near you is a luxurious hotel on a bridge. This hotel will be stationed on the historical Selati Bridge in the Kruger National Park. If you enjoy something different and the next level of glamping then this is for you.

Thebe Tourism Group will open this hotel to the world in December 2019.

There will also be an innovative pool deck where guests can get spectacular views of the river and of course the Big 5 roaming below.

The Pool Deck

This Afro-chic boutique hotel will offer 24 en-suite rooms to sleep 48 guests. There will also be more accommodation in the Bridge House with 14 beds.

Added to this will be fine dining and leisure experiences for guests.

Game drives are includes in your packages.

Book your spot now.

For more info visit: www.krugershalati.com

The inspiring traveller Thebe Ikalafeng

Thebe Ikalafeng | Image: Fred Felton

At Indaba I managed to sit in on one of the Business Conversations and this one featured Thebe Ikalafeng where he shared with us his travels throughout Africa.

He has visited many places including Mount Kilamanjaro, Victoria Falls, Tanzania and many more.

Here are some of the key insights he shared with the audience:

‘’The way I operate when I travel, I don’t want to get an advanced notice’’

‘’We must go eat where the people go eat’’

‘’Every Rwandan knows someone who was killed during the genocide’’

‘’We have an amazing continent in terms of architecture’’

His final thought, ‘’I am Africa’’

Inspiring words from an inspiring man.

You can find him on Twitter @ThebeIkalafeng

For more info on Indaba visit: www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton