Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal — At the upcoming 4th Annual Township & Village Tourism Intra-Trade Conference, held from 13–14 November 2025, attendees will hear from Mayor Cllr. Zama Sibisi of Alfred Duma Local Municipality. 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 municipality, strategically located along the N3 and N11 corridors and forming part of the uThukela District, has a rich heritage and promising tourism potential.
Mayor Sibisi’s career in local government and his stewardship of the municipality towards economic development position him well to speak on unlocking township and rural tourism opportunities. In recent infrastructure and community engagements, Sibisi has emphasised improved service delivery, road upgrades and inclusive growth in rural wards.
Alfred Duma’s Tourism Potential: From Battlefields to Nature Trails
Alfred Duma Local Municipality comprises Ladysmith and surrounding townships and rural villages, and it sits in a region known as the “tourism triangle” of Berg, Bush and Battlefields”.
Key features include:
Historical Battlefields route and military-heritage sites linked to the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer Wars.
Proximity to the uThukela/Tugela River system and natural landscapes, offering opportunities for eco-tourism.
Emerging initiatives in local culture, markets and heritage events which foster township and village tourism growth.
Bringing Tourism Closer to Townships & Villages
Mayor Sibisi is expected to emphasise how investment in township- and village-level tourism helps broaden economic inclusion and unlocks local talent. With Alfred Duma’s townships and villages often under-represented in mainstream tourism, the municipality sees opportunities in:
Showcasing local crafts, cultural performances and heritage routes
Integrating township businesses into tourism supply chains
Strengthening infrastructure, accessibility and safety in rural tourist nodes
A Call to Action
As the summit brings together local associations, entrepreneurs, government and private-sector players, Mayor Sibisi’s address will underline the need for coordinated effort — investment, infrastructure, skills development and local business activation.
The event provides an ideal platform for the Alfred Duma Local Municipality to position itself as a vibrant destination for township and village tourism, while Mayor Sibisi will reinforce the municipality’s readiness to partner and deliver on that vision.
In conclusion, with Cllr. Zama Sibisi sharing his insights at the SATOVITO conference, delegates will gain a deeper understanding of how township- and village-based tourism can be leveraged for sustainable local economic growth within Alfred Duma and beyond.
