🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
Western Cape's R26 billion tourism surge fuels job hopes
via The Citizen13 min read
The Western Cape's tourism sector generated nearly R26 billion from 1.5 million international visitors in 2025, contributing a quarter of South Africa’s total tourism revenue. New data from South African Tourism indicates an 11.1% increase in international arrivals, with the United Kingdom and Germany remaining the largest source markets. Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer highlighted that this growth directly creates jobs, reinforcing the province's position as having the country's lowest unemployment rate. Domestic tourism also saw a sharp rebound with approximately four million overnight trips, a 15.4% increase, and the highest average domestic spend per overnight trip at R3,172. The province's commitment to responsible tourism was recognized at the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026, where organizations like the V&A Waterfront Academy and Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company received Gold Awards. The provincial government plans to refine its tourism strategy to promote value-for-money offerings, expand travel beyond major hotspots, and support responsible tourism practices to ensure sustained growth and job creation.
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Former Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink has responded to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula's accusations regarding the looting of the municipality's coffers, which were exposed in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Mbalula blamed the DA for Tshwane's financial difficulties, citing Brink's tenure as mayor and the ongoing challenges. Brink, however, attributed the corruption and tender fraud to the ANC, stating that revelations at the Madlanga commission concerning suspended CFO Gareth Mnisi's conduct occurred after the DA-led coalition was replaced by an ANC-led coalition in October 2024. Brink also highlighted that Eugene Modise, the ANC regional chairman and current MMC for finance, has been implicated in a forensic report for unlawfully benefiting from a city contract, yet no action has been taken against him. Brink criticized Mayor Nasiphi Moya for not suspending Modise, despite her commitment to implementing the commission's recommendations. The DA brought a motion for a full investigation into the commission's revelations, but it was not carried due to the premature adjournment of a council meeting.
A new national program launching this month aims to equip doctors in South Africa with entrepreneurial skills to build and manage sustainable medical practices. Run by the Regenesys School of Entrepreneurship in association with the health and welfare Sector Education and Training Authority, the six-month program will train up to 1,000 doctors, focusing on those entering private practice or establishing independent healthcare ventures. It addresses the challenge medical professionals face in balancing clinical excellence with business realities, providing training in business design, medical billing, regulatory compliance, and partnerships. The program also offers a funding pathway, with R100,000 grants for the top five practitioners and access to loans of up to R1 million from RH Fund Managers. Dr. Reabetswe Kgoroeadira, CEO of the Regenesys School of Entrepreneurship, stated that the initiative fills a critical gap by enabling doctors to extend their impact beyond the consulting room. The fully funded program targets unemployed doctors, those completing community service, and professionals transitioning into private practice, aiming to foster a new generation of healthcare entrepreneurs to improve access, efficiency, and innovation in the sector.
Must ReadThe South African government is facing increasing pressure to stop mining companies from exporting coal to Israel, with claims that the fuel contributes to the conflict in Gaza. The SA Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions BDS coalition sent a letter to the government demanding an immediate halt to coal supply deals, arguing that continued exports contradict South Africa's stance against the alleged genocide in Palestine, especially given the country's case at the International Court of Justice ICJ. BDS highlighted that the ICJ confirmed a plausible risk of genocide in January 2024, triggering international obligations for states to prevent it. In March, BDS formally demanded that Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau use statutory powers to prohibit coal exports to Israel and delivered a report titled "Fuelling Genocide." On April 1, BDS also urged Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy to investigate and prohibit vessels transporting South African coal to Israel. The Congress of SA Trade Unions Cosatu has joined the call, with Matthew Parks stating their support for legal efforts to end Israeli aggression, including sanctions. Mining expert David van Wyk noted the difficulty in stopping these exports as private companies, not the government, mine the coal and have existing off-take agreements. Kaamil Alli, spokesperson for Minister Tau, confirmed receipt of the BDS letter and stated a response would follow. Glencore, a major mining company, declined to comment. Po
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