The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) recently hosted a powerful engagement under the theme of Africa Coastal Marine Tourism (CMT), spotlighting groundbreaking voices like Ms. Anelisa Vena and Dr. Nomtha Hadi. With decades of combined research, academic experience, and practical insight between them, the session captured not just the potential of our coastlines but also the systemic barriers standing in the way of inclusive, sustainable development.
Ms. Anelisa Vena: The Coastal Advocate Bridging Communities and Policy
Ms. Anelisa Vena, a passionate researcher and academic, currently holds an MPhil in Maritime Studies with a specialised focus on Coastal and Marine Tourism. Her entire academic journey — from diploma to master’s degree — was undertaken at Nelson Mandela University, underlining her deep connection to South Africa’s coastal region. Her master’s thesis, titled “Community involvement in Coastal and Marine Tourism at Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa,” forms the backbone of her work today, and she is currently preparing her research for publication.
During her presentation, she unpacked several key issues that hinder the development of sustainable Coastal and Marine Tourism:
Barriers to Building for Coastal and Marine Tourism (CMT):
1. Climate Change Impact
Rising sea levels, intensified weather patterns, and coastal erosion all threaten CMT infrastructure. Ms. Vena highlighted that these impacts are not future risks — they are current challenges. Tourism infrastructure near coastlines is increasingly vulnerable, and investment strategies must now factor in adaptive climate resilience planning.
2. Infrastructure and Spatial Planning Gaps
Many coastal communities lack access to basic infrastructure such as reliable transport, sanitation, and energy supply. Additionally, spatial planning often prioritises commercial tourism over local community inclusion, leading to socio-spatial segregation.
3. Institutional Resilience
The regulatory and planning bodies governing South Africa’s marine zones are often under-resourced and overburdened. Ms. Vena stressed the importance of strengthening institutions through training, funding, and interdepartmental collaboration to ensure long-term planning and enforcement of sustainable tourism practices.
4. Stakeholder and Resource Constraints
There remains a lack of cohesive collaboration between government, academia, private businesses, and local communities. Ms. Vena called for the establishment of formal platforms where these stakeholders can co-create and co-own tourism development models — ones that reflect shared values and mutual benefits.
The Bigger Picture: Background & Introduction to CMT
From Ms. Vena’s presentation, it’s clear that her vision of tourism goes beyond profit:
“Tourism has grown to become a large and powerful economic sector worldwide and it is rapidly evolving globally. South African coastal areas are a major marine tourism destination with the potential to attract numerous tourists from different parts of the world.”
“However, there is mounting concern that coastal and marine tourism can be exclusive in its character, operations, and impacts.”
This exclusivity — where the benefits of tourism are concentrated in the hands of a few — contradicts the sustainable development agenda that South Africa has adopted. Ms. Vena believes that coastal and marine tourism, if done inclusively, can serve as a powerful engine for social upliftment, economic development, and environmental stewardship.
A Call for Community Involvement
Her research highlighted that communities living along the coastlines are often left out of decision-making processes. She advocates for tourism models where locals are not just passive beneficiaries but active stakeholders — owning businesses, managing operations, and participating in conservation efforts.
“The interconnectedness of land, coastal and ocean subsystems is highly vulnerable to tourism development, and as tourism grows, so do its potential negative impacts… Trade-offs cannot be overlooked because, in turn, they threaten the ecosystem.”
Dr. Nomtha Hadi: Driving Maritime Research with Purpose
Complementing Ms. Vena’s work was a presentation by Dr. Nomtha Hadi, who currently serves as Director of Research at SAIMI. With an impressive track record that includes coordinating the Master of Maritime Management program at Nelson Mandela University and receiving the Woman in Maritime Research award from Maritime Review Africa, Dr. Hadi is a trailblazer in every sense of the word.
She is a strong advocate for women’s representation in maritime education and research. Her leadership at SAIMI is now shaping Africa’s maritime research agenda, with a focus on innovation, climate-smart development, and regional integration.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Future for African CMT
The insights from both speakers culminate in a shared vision: one where coastal and marine tourism is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. As South Africa looks to grow its marine tourism sector, it must prioritise the voices of women, researchers, and community leaders who understand the stakes — not just in economic terms but in cultural and environmental ones too.
Events like these, led by SAIMI, signal a new era of collaboration between academia, industry, and government. The future of Africa’s coastlines, its communities, and its economy depends on it.
