Deputy Minister of Tourism, Honorable Makhotso Magdeline Sotyu, is set to headline the upcoming Township and Village Tourism Intra-trade Conference hosted by the South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO). The 4th edition of the conference will take place from 13–14 November 2025 at the Donga Boutique Hotel in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. If you wish to attend the event, you can RSVP / register for free on Confspot at https://confspot.co.za/list/township-and-village-intra-trade-conference
The Deputy Minister recently attended the Coastal and Waterways Tourism Investment Summit in Hartbeespoort, where she urged collaboration among stakeholders to unlock the untapped potential of South Africa’s inland waterways. She also emphasized the importance of youth empowerment as a cornerstone of the country’s tourism growth strategy.
This year’s SATOVITO conference carries added significance as the organization celebrates its 5th anniversary, marking five years of championing township and village tourism across South Africa.
Under the theme “Township and Rural Tourism Development,” the 2025 conference will unite tourism practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss practical strategies for inclusive economic growth.
“This year’s conference is designed to be practical and action-oriented,” said Lusanda Fibi, National Coordinator of SATOVITO. “We aim to address the real challenges faced by small and emerging tourism businesses on the ground while positioning our sector to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s inclusive growth.”
SATOVITO has partnered with the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority as the official host partner, following a successful bidding process facilitated by the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB).
The conference is expected to draw over 500 delegates, generating significant economic activity for local entrepreneurs in accommodation, transport, catering, and creative industries within the Alfred Duma Local Municipality.
Since its inception in 2020, SATOVITO has achieved several milestones, including briefing Parliament on township and village tourism and leading national conversations that shape the tourism transformation agenda.
“We are fully prepared to host one of the most impactful gatherings for township and village tourism to date,” said Itumeleng Magongoa, SATOVITO’s Project Director. “After extensive engagements with stakeholders nationwide, we are ready to bring everyone together in KwaZulu-Natal to build stronger, more resilient tourism ecosystems.”
With its rich Zulu cultural heritage and international acclaim as the home of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ladysmith offers an ideal setting for this milestone event. Delegates will experience the region’s vibrant culture, heritage, and entrepreneurial spirit firsthand.
The 2025 SATOVITO Township and Village Tourism Intra-trade Conference will bring together key industry players—including government officials, private sector leaders, tourism associations, and community-based organizations—to shape the future of township and village tourism in South Africa.
