A two-day sustainable tourism workshop hosted by the Department of Tourism in the Fezile Dabi District in the Free State has been hailed by small business owners as a practical and empowering intervention to help township enterprises formalise and grow.
The event, which featured a keynote address by Deputy Tourism Minister Maggie Sotyu, brought together small business owners, tourism practitioners and government officials to build a more inclusive and sustainable tourism economy.
Sotyu emphasised the importance of black-owned SMMEs in driving inclusive economic growth and the need for the government to equip them with skills and access to support.
“Tourism is not just about destinations; it is about people,” she said. “Your businesses have the power to redefine African tourism.”
For local businesswoman Dimakatso Patsa, whose company Delightful Inheritance, which is nestled in Rammolutsi in Viljoenskoon and offers catering, decor and event planning services, the workshop provided inspiration and tools for future growth.
“During the workshop, the session that introduced us to a culinary school owner in Bloemfontein really opened my eyes,” Patsa said. “I also did not know that there are tour guide and operator training facilities nearby. It exposed us to the full scope of tourism in our area.”
Patsa, who hopes to one day run a guesthouse and restaurant, said the workshop stood out because it did not just share information, but it explained how to access it.
“In most workshops we are told about opportunities, but not how to apply for them. This time, we came back with clear guidance,” she said.
For vendors like Sarah Tlome, who sells homemade cakes, food, beverages and snacks in Kroonstad, the lessons were just as valuable.
“I learned how to buy in bulk, what to do when the stock does not sell and how to improve packaging to attract more customers,” Tlome said. “Even small changes like using better flour or offering sugar-free options matter.”
Both entrepreneurs said they would recommend the programme to other township businesses.
“We start businesses without proper knowledge of the industry. This workshop helped us to understand what is expected and how to do things right,” said Patsa.
“It is helpful for anyone who wants to grow. The facilitators showed that they really want to help young women build sustainable businesses.” Tlome agreed.
Sotyu encouraged entrepreneurs to explore departmental support programmes, including the Market Access Support Programme, the Green Tourism Incentive Programme and the Tourism Transformation Fund.
She also challenged larger tourism players to open the value chain to smaller businesses.
“Supplier diversity and collaboration are not optional, but they are necessary,” the deputy minister said.
With South Africa preparing to host the G20 Presidency summit this year, including 135 events across all provinces, the government hopes that township tourism businesses will have more opportunities to showcase their offerings.
“The future of tourism is sustainability,” Sotyu said. “Let us ensure that small businesses not only survive but thrive.”
