Caption: DEDT MEC, Jesta Sidell, arriving at the Indaba alongside DEDT HOD, Immy Serakalala,
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
Mpumalanga is positioning itself as Africa’s next tourism hotspot, with a high-level delegation flying the province’s flag at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 at the Durban ICC(International Convention Centre), held under the theme “ Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy.”
Team Mpumalanga is led by MEC for DEDT(Department of Economic Development and Tourism), Jesta Sidell, and MTPA(Mpumalanga Toursim and Parks Agency) Interim Board Chairperson, Fish Mahlalela, with a clear and direct message that affirms tourism as a major engine for economic development, and openly declaring to the rest of the African continent that Mpumalanga is open for business.
The Indaba, regarded as one of the highly ranked premier tourismmarketing events on the continent, aims to highlight African tourism offerings to global buyers, facilitate connections among industry leaders, and promote tourism expansion.
According to DEDT, the province’s approach is built on a straightforward calculation which confirms that tourism drives GDP growth, creates jobs, brings in foreign exchange, and pushes infrastructure development in rural and urban areas alike.
“The Department, through the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, will unashamedly continue to participate in any strategic platform that presents an opportunity for us to market Mpumalanga as a tourism destination of choice,” said DEDT.
Furthermore, DEDT said the participation of the province at the Indaba must be viewed in light of a deliberate resolve to position Mpumalanga as the prime tourism destination, as envisioned by the 7th administration.
“ As part of the Indaba activities, the MEC will convene a tourism investment dialogue with strategic partners and potential investors, as a precursor for the historic Mpumalanga Tourism Investment Conference, scheduled for September 2026,” said DEDT.
The 2026 Africa Travel Indaba, scheduled to run from 11-14 May 2026, was formally opened by South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, to welcome all the guests and emphasise the importance and mutual benefits of continental tourism.
