The newly opened Atrium Boutique Hotel in Polokwane is fast proving that women-led investments in tourism can deliver more than luxury; they can drive jobs, empowerment, and transformation in communities.
Co-founded by Lesetja Johanna Mukwevho, who holds a majority stake alongside her husband and business partner, the 100% black-owned and 60% women-owned 4-star hotel has gone beyond its role as a hospitality establishment, becoming a catalyst for economic inclusion in Limpopo.
Mukwevho told Vutivi News that job creation has been one of the hotel’s most significant achievements to date, stretching far beyond permanent operations.
“During construction, we had bricklayers, skilled and semi-skilled workers, professional engineers, quantity surveyors and architects; altogether 214 people benefited from the project,” she explained.
Since its soft opening, the Atrium has also created 48 permanent jobs, with the majority of employees being youth under the age of 35 and women.
Many of them are entering the formal job market for the first time.
“We believe in empowerment, giving opportunities to the disadvantaged in terms of skills and experience, while teaching them as they work,” Mukwevho said.
Looking ahead, the owners are determined to ensure the property remains competitive and appealing.
“We want to keep the hotel fresh and new, with continuous maintenance in honour of our guests. Our vigorous marketing drive, particularly through social media, has already proven powerful.”
“First-time visitors share their experiences on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, which has amplified our brand visibility,” she said.
The hotel aims to stand out not only through competitive pricing but also through a strong value proposition built on guest experience.
National Empowerment Fund CEO Mziwabantu Dayimani said it proves that capital, collaboration, and capability can unlock extraordinary impact.
Mukwevho also called for a deliberate shift in how tourism funding is structured, urging government-led financial institutions to place women at the centre.
“In real life, women are already in tourism by default. At home and work, they are the ones who receive guests, make them comfortable, and ensure they are well fed.”
“This is an inherent skill, and that is why women must be funded,” she argued.
“The tourism industry is male-dominated, and we need to bring women on board not only as operators but also as decision-makers in the sector.”
For Mukwevho, women’s month is both a celebration and a call to action.
“Women must believe in themselves and be ready to go out and look for opportunities. That is when they will realise that there are government-led initiatives aiming to promote women in business. We feel great and at the same time indebted to encouraging women who want to venture into business,” she said.
Her call comes as the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF) helped finance the development with R10 million from SEFA and R15 million from the NEF.
The R5 million was a TTF grant, supporting black-owned businesses in the sector.
nosihle@vutivibusiness.co.za
