Samora Nqweniso, Enterprise Development Manager at the KwaZulu-Natal Film and Tourism Authority (KZNFTA), will join the distinguished line-up of speakers at the 4th Annual Township and Village Tourism Intra-Trade Conference, hosted by the South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO) from 13–14 November 2025 at the Donga Boutique Hotel in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. Attendance is free, and interested participants can RSVP or register via Confspot: https://confspot.co.za/list/township-and-village-intra-trade-conference
Bringing more than nine years of experience in the provincial tourism sector, Nqweniso has built a reputation for advancing transformation, enterprise development, and market access within KwaZulu-Natal’s growing tourism economy. His participation underscores the conference’s focus on “Township and Rural Tourism Development”—linking policy, practice, and opportunity for inclusive growth.
Championing Inclusive Enterprise Development
Fluent in six languages and deeply connected to community tourism, Nqweniso has long served as the first point of contact for aspiring tourism entrepreneurs. His role involves mentoring new entrants—often from previously disadvantaged backgrounds—through the process of establishing viable tourism ventures.
Whether it’s assisting someone who has purchased a guesthouse, helping a rural cooperative launch a cultural experience, or facilitating feasibility studies and business plans, Nqweniso ensures that emerging enterprises “tick all the boxes” for sustainability and compliance.
“We often meet passionate people who want to open lodges or B&Bs,” he explains. “Our job is to help them make informed decisions, connect them with funding, and expose them to domestic and international markets.”
From Transformation to Market Readiness
During his career at Tourism KZN, Nqweniso has managed a wide portfolio—from coordinating the Lilizela Tourism Awards to developing the province’s Tourism Month programmes and spearheading customer experience initiatives. His extensive stakeholder network has been instrumental in linking community projects with tour operators, travel agents, and trade platforms across the globe.
At the SATOVITO Conference, Nqweniso will discuss how enterprise development and transformation can be strengthened through public-private collaboration, mentorship, and targeted support for township and village entrepreneurs. His presentation will also examine common pitfalls that new entrants face—such as poor site location or lack of market access—and how proactive support structures can prevent failure while promoting sustainable business growth. Attendance is free, and interested participants can RSVP or register via Confspot: https://confspot.co.za/list/township-and-village-intra-trade-conference
A Voice for Practical, Grassroots Transformation
Nqweniso’s philosophy is grounded in realism and empowerment. He believes transformation is not merely about ownership statistics but about equipping people with skills, networks, and viable pathways into the tourism economy.
His practical approach—rooted in mentorship and market facilitation—aligns perfectly with SATOVITO’s mission to move from dialogue to action. By sharing lessons from KwaZulu-Natal’s enterprise programmes, he aims to inspire replication of similar models in other provinces.
Building a Future for Township and Village Tourism
As South Africa celebrates five years of SATOVITO’s leadership in promoting township and village tourism, Nqweniso’s insights will help shape discussions on how provincial tourism authorities, local municipalities, and small businesses can collaborate to build a more inclusive and competitive national tourism ecosystem.
His contribution will reinforce a simple message echoed throughout the conference: true transformation begins when communities are empowered to own, operate, and sustain their own tourism enterprises.
