Visitors to the Addo Elephant National Park now have a new wellness experience to enjoy. This follows the launch of The Epitome Spa & Wellness Centre, which has expanded black business participation in the tourism sector and created 36 employment opportunities in the Eastern Cape.
The 100% black woman- and youth-owned enterprise was established by Lucia Ratshivhadelo, who transformed years of academic study and professional training into a commercial business, operating within one of South Africa’s premier national parks.
The project generated 20 temporary jobs during construction and supports 16 permanent positions for daily operations.
Financial backing for the venture came from the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Department of Tourism through the Tourism Transformation Fund, a mechanism designed to help black-owned enterprises establish and grow within specialized tourism segments such as wellness, leisure, and hospitality.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu noted that the development highlights how inclusive growth can change lives through access to work.
“Our partnership with the NEF is about ensuring that transformation delivers meaningful results. We want to see more South Africans owning businesses, developing their skills, and benefiting from the opportunities within the tourism economy,” Sotyu said.
NEF Chief Executive Officer Mziwabantu Dayimani said development finance must go beyond funding transactions to foster sustainable enterprises.
“South Africa has talented and capable people with the knowledge to build successful businesses, but access to capital often remains a barrier. Ratshivhadelo’s journey shows what becomes possible when that barrier is addressed, creating commercial opportunities that extend far beyond individual success,” Dayimani said.
Ratshivhadelo’s path to entrepreneurship began with a National Diploma in Somatology from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2015, followed by a Baccalaureus Technologiae in Pharmaceutical Science in 2016. She built further expertise through specialized training in skincare, body treatments, aromatherapy, beauty technology, and professional product applications before establishing The Epitome in 2024.
“My interest has always extended beyond beauty to understanding the science behind effective treatments,” Ratshivhadelo said.
“Seeing The Epitome Spa & Wellness Centre become a reality is deeply meaningful, particularly because it has created employment opportunities for others. I want our employees to have opportunities to develop their skills and grow professionally, and I hope my journey encourages other young women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions,” she said.
The spa adds a fresh dimension to visitor offerings at Addo Elephant National Park, proving that emerging entrepreneurs can successfully build a commercial presence in specialized regional tourism markets.
