Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal — The 4th Annual Township & Village Tourism Intra-Trade Conference continued with powerful reflections from Mr. Lusanda Fibi, National Coordinator and founding member of the South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO), who shared the organisation’s journey since its inception during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fibi spoke passionately about how SATOVITO was born out of necessity — a unifying platform for township and village-based tourism entrepreneurs who were determined to keep their local economies alive when global tourism came to a halt.
“We came together as like-minded individuals to mobilise small businesses and ensure they received the visibility and support they deserved,” Fibi said. “Our goal was never to take a slice of the tourism pie, but rather to make the pie bigger — to grow opportunities for everyone in this industry.”
He highlighted how collaboration across South Africa’s provinces was instrumental in shaping SATOVITO’s growth and success. What began as a small network of passionate advocates has evolved into a national movement driving transformation, capacity building, and inclusive tourism development.
Joining him on stage was Mr. Thato Mothopeng, SATOVITO’s National Coordinator, who reinforced the organisation’s commitment to marketing and transforming township and village tourism. Mothopeng emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships — particularly with initiatives like Sho’t Left — to package and promote authentic local experiences.
“Tourism is not just about destinations; it’s about people, culture, and stories,” Mothopeng explained. “We must develop more qualified tourist guides from our villages, because history and culture live within our communities.”
He also stressed the need for greater access to funding and support for small businesses, referencing programmes like the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF) as crucial tools for empowerment.
Mothopeng announced that SATOVITO is preparing to host a Township and Village Tourism Expo, which will showcase products and services from across South Africa — with dates to be announced soon.
In his candid remarks, Mothopeng addressed the need to improve customer service standards in black-owned tourism businesses, while applauding Donga La Boutique Hotel for setting a benchmark in hospitality excellence.
“Tourism is business — it’s about demand and supply,” he said. “We need to understand what tourists want, how to deliver exceptional experiences, and how to make our service the reason they return.”
The session captured the true essence of the conference’s mission — to empower local businesses, strengthen collaboration, and ensure that township and village tourism plays a central role in South Africa’s economic transformation.
