By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
Mpumalanga is heading to Durban with business on its mind.
The DEDT(Department of Economic Development and Tourism), together with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), held a media briefing at Hotel 247, in White River, to outline the province’s plans for the forthcoming 2026 Africa’s Travel Indaba to be held in Durban(KwaZulu-Natal Province).
Africa’s Travel Indaba is an international tradeshow organised by South African Tourism to showcase South Africa to the world as the prime destination of choice.
Running from 11–14 May 2026 under the theme “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”, the Indaba will reportedly serve as a key platform for MSMEs(Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) from Mpumalanga’s three districts to showcase and market their tourism products to international buyers.
This platform is said to be about giving Mpumalanga small businesses a seat at the table with the world.
Speaking on behalf of Mpumalanga DEDT MEC, Jesta Sidell, the Interim Chairperson of the MTPA(Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency) Board, Fish Mahlalela made it clear that Mpumalanga’s presence in Durban is strategic, not recreational.
MTPA Interim Chairperson of the Board, Fish Mahlalela
“Department, together with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation and the three District Municipalities in the Province, will participate in the 2026 Africa’s Travel Indaba,” Mahlalela said.
“Our participation to the Indaba should not be misconstrued to be suggesting that we are going to Durban for leisure. It must be viewed in light of our deliberate resolve to position Mpumalanga as the prime tourism destination, as envisioned by the 7th administration,” said Mahlalela.
Through the MTPA, the province will continue to use strategic platforms like the Indaba to market its tourism attraction sites, from the Panorama Route to Kruger National Park and beyond. The goal is to drive visitor numbers, boost economic activity, and create jobs across the sector.
For the MSMEs taking part, the Indaba represents a rare opportunity to connect directly with international buyers and expand beyond local markets.
As Mahlalela puts it, Mpumalanga is going to Durban with one focus: positioning itself as Africa’s tourism destination of choice.
