By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism recently hosted a media briefing at the Mbombela Botanical Gardens Restaurant.
MEC Jesta Sidell outlined the province’s plans to celebrate Tourism Month, which began on 1 September 2025 under the national theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”. The briefing also highlighted the details of the upcoming G20 Ministerial visit that will be hosted in Mpumalanga.
According to Sidell, the two events will provide an opportunity to showcase Mpumalanga as a premier global tourism destination.
“ As you know, September is Tourism Month in South Africa. This year, the national theme, as launched by the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Patricia de Lille, is “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
“ This theme resonates deeply with our provincial strategy and our commitment to a tourism sector that is inclusive, sustainable, and empowering for our communities. “ Mpumalanga is the “Place of the Rising Sun,” and we are committed to ensuring that our tourism sector rises in a way that is inclusive, sustainable, and empowering for our communities,” said MEC Sidell.
Key Events During Tourism Month
– Provincial Tourism Careers Expo: Scheduled for September 4 in Mashishing, this event aims to inspire and develop young minds in the tourism industry, with over 350 learners, educators, and exhibitors participating.
– Mpumalanga Parks Week: From September 8-12, ten nature reserves will offer free entry to visitors, promoting local tourism and exploration. Some participating nature reserves include:
• Andover Nature Reserve
• Barberton Nature Reserve
• Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
• Manyeleti Nature Reserve
• Loskop Dam Nature Reserve
• Andover Nature Reserve
• Barberton Nature Reserve
• Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
• Manyeleti Nature Reserve
• Loskop Dam Nature Reserve
– G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting: On September 12, Mpumalanga will host a G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting at Skukuza’s Nombolo Mdhuli Conference Centre in the Kruger National Park, focusing on sustainability, accessibility, and digital innovation.
– G20 Tourism Hackathon Awards: The province will recognise youth-driven Artificial Intelligence solutions for sustainable tourism on September 11 at Sabi River Sun Resort.
– Provincial Tourism Day: Celebrated on September 20 in Bethal, this event will showcase local tourism products and services.
– Panorama Route Clean-Up Campaign: Scheduled for September 24, this initiative promotes community involvement in tourism development.
– Mpumalanga Tourism Expo: From September 26-28, Riverside Mall will host an exhibition featuring over 60 tourism products and services.
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