ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY - Department of Tourism
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
EDITION
MARCH 2021
04
ON THE
ROAD TO
RECOVERY
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane
Back to School Campaign
Tourism Attractions in Bojanala Badly
Impacted by Covid 19
Department of Tourism Successfully
Hosts The 8th Sharing of Best Practice
Workshop
Mandarin Language Trainees Graduate
INSIDE
THIS EDITION
3 EDITORIAL CREDITS
44 MINISTER MMAMOLOKO KUBAYI-NGUBANE BACK TO SCHOOL
CAMPAIGN
PUBLISHER
5 PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA, MINISTER ZWELI MKHIZE TAKE THE Department of Tourism
8
FIRST JAB
EDITOR
7 MINISTER KUBAYI-NGUBANE ENGAGES WITH AFRIFORUM AND
Blessing Manale
9 SOLIDARITY ON TRANSFORMATION AND THE TOURISM EQUITY
FUND
8 EDITORIAL TEAM
10 R1.2 BILLION TOURISM EQUITY FUND LAUNCHED Seapei Lebele
9 Johannes Mokou
11 TOURISM ATTRACTIONS IN BOJANALA BADLY IMPACTED BY Claudia Sebola
10 COVID-19
Annah Mashile
DEPUTY MINISTER FISH MAHLALELA JOINS THE CHINESE
12
COMMUNITY IN CELEBRATION OF THEIR NEW YEAR CONTRIBUTORS
12 Tourism Update
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO LAUNCH PILOT PROGRAMME FOR
Salifou Siddo
14 A NEW WEB-BASED TRAVEL HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE COVID-19
Adele Mackenzie
SCREENING PLATFORM
Popo Maja
14
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM RECEIVES DONATION OF PPE FROM
15
THE EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE REPUBLIC OF CHINA
15 DESIGN, LAYOUT AND PRINTING
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM SUCCESSFULLY HOSTS THE 8TH
16
SHARING OF BEST PRACTICES WORKSHOP Spot the Print
16
18 2021 RESEARCH WEBINAR
DISCLAIMER
17
19 KYALAMI 9-HOUR SPEEDS ITS WAY TO SUCCESS! While every reasonable effort is made to maintain
current and accurate information in this publication,
18 MINISTER HANDS OVER GOLF TOURNAMENT PROCEEDS AT the Department of Tourism accepts no responsibility
20
VILAKAZI PRECINCT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DAY for any errors or omissions in this magazine. The use of
the content of this magazine is at the user’s own risk.
20 MENTAL HEALTH KEY TO REBUILDING TOURISM SECTOR – WTTC – The user assumes full responsibility and risk of loss
22
TOURISM UPDATE
resulting from the use of the content of this magazine.
21 The Department of Tourism or any of the legal entities
24 WHY I AM OPTIMISTIC AND HOPEFUL ABOUT TOURISM IN 2021
in respect of which information are contained in this
SKILLS TO BE USED AS A WEAPON WITH WHICH TO CUT THE publication, or employees of the Department of Tourism
22
26 VICIOUS CYCLE or such entity, will not be liable for any special, indirect,
incidental, consequential, or punitive damages or any
28
24 WOMEN IN TOURISM INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY other damages whatsoever, whether in an action of
contract, statute, tort (including, without limitation,
29
26 MANDARIN LANGUAGE TRAINEES GRADUATE negligence), or otherwise, relating to the use of this
magazine or information.
TOURISM LAUNCHES BASIC QUALITY VERIFICATION PROGRAMME
30
27 IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
32 NOTICES BURSARIES AND INTERNSHIPS
28
33 TBCSA CALLS FOR CERTAINTY AROUND NEW POTENTIAL
30 LOCKDOWNS
31 TOURISM TRANSFORMATION COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA
34 WELCOMES THE LAUNCH OF THE TOURISM EQUITY FUND
32
35 TOURISM BLUE FLAG BEACH STEWARDS WELCOME BEACHGOERS
MARCH 2021
Let me welcome you to this edition of the time we are in a public space.
Bojanala. I want to also use this opportunity
to thank you for making use of this platform Also in this edition is the meeting between
to engage each other particularly in this time, Afriforum and Solidarity regarding the
where every effort is necessary for us as the transformation and the Tourism Equity Fund.
sector to fully engage each other as often as Read more about this all important meeting.
we can. The objective of the meeting was to engage
the two organisations in an attempt to listen
The era of Covid-19 has necessitated that and establish the basis of their opposition
we do things differently and while we have to the fund - Things did not go well, but we
EDITORIAL
not succeeded in other fronts, we have most soldier on.
definitely made strides on many others. It is
important for the sector to rise above this While the pandemic has not made it easy for
challenge and make every effort available us to operate smoothly, we have done all we
to reduce the spread of this virus while could to engage the sector players as well
continually working on reviving the sector. as the people of South Africa a large. This is
DEAR
displayed in many other stories in this edition,
The reality is that the virus is still so much with which capture amongst others, the Minister’s
us and even with the dropping of numbers visit to local schools in Mpumalanga as well
TOURISM
and government’s effort to vaccinate as as the Deputy Minister’s visit to the launch of
much people as possible; we still need to be the Tourism Equity Fund.
cautious in how we run our businesses. That
STAKEHOLDERS
is, extra efforts must be implemented in our Read about a visit by the Deputy Minister
respective establishments in order to run to various attractions in Bojanala District
our businesses safely with minimal risks of Municipality in North West, which were badly
spreading the virus. impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this
visit, the Deputy Minister learned that the
As we may all be aware, we are entering into sector lost more than 300 000 jobs thus far,
an era that not only requires of us to be smart, with some establishments having closed
but caring as well. Easter Holidays are upon completely, while others have not opened
us and nobody can blame us from being a and some are gradually opening.
little excited. This is especially because we
have not been spending some time with our You will also read about the Deputy Minister’s
families and friends freely in a while due to engagement with the Chinese community
the restrictions brought to curb the spread during their new celebration. Learn about a
of Covid-19. This also means that some of the donation of Anti-Epidemic Supplies from the
businesses have not made as much revenue Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China to
as they would ordinarily make on a normal the department.
setup.
The edition also takes you through a process
While this is fully understandable, we are where the department successfully hosted
called once more to exercise some restraint the 8th Sharing of Best Practices Workshop.
just a little longer. We have been made
aware repeatedly by our government and I hope you will enjoy these and many articles
scientists on how big crowds have become that are offered in this bumper edition of the
super spreaders of this virus and we need to magazine. As we look forward to the next
somewhat limit this. one, we continue to invite you to please
share some of your best stories within your
Similar to the festive season holidays, we are organisations. These stories go a long way
faced with a high possibility of a third wave in ensuring that we are all connected and
and who knows how bad this could be? So, where possible, we can help each in order to
let me take this opportunity to remind you be one.
all that as we celebrate Easter Holidays, we
should try to stay safe and avoid crowded
places. Let us continue doing what we have Cheers and see you in the next edition
always done before and continually sanitize,
wash hands regularly and wear facemasks all Blessing Manale
3
BOJANALA
MINISTER MMAMOLOKO
KUBAYI-NGUBANE BACK
TO SCHOOL CAMPAIGN
Minister Kubayi-Ngubane addressing matriculants at K.I. Twala Secondary School
4
MARCH 2021
Minister addressing the matriculants of Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School and displaying the PPE and school supplies from the Department
Staff Reporter
A
fter an extended holiday season, the
school calendar for the first term went
into full gear throughout the country on
15 February 2021. It marked the beginning of
a new academic journey for some and a highly
anticipated continuation for others. As teachers
and learners alike hope to create some sense
of normalcy in schools amidst the current
COVID-19 pandemic, Minister Mmamoloko
Kubayi-Ngubane embarked on a Back to School
Campaign in Secunda to lend a helping hand.
The campaign began at the Govan Mbeki
Municipality Chambers where Minister
Kubayi-Ngubane was received by esteemed
dignitaries such as Executive Mayor of Govan
Mbeki Municipality, Nhlakanipho Zuma,
Circuit Manager of Education in Govan Mbeki
Municipality, Silo Molepo, and Mpumalanga
Provincial Chief Whip, Hon. Fidell Mlombo,
amongst others. The Department, Mpumalanga
Province and Govan Mbeki Municipality
each donated school supplies to three
children respectively, whom they will sponsor Minister Kubayi-Ngubane (left) handing over the school supplies to the children, accompanied
throughout their schooling. by Mpumalanga Provincial Chief Whip, Fidell Mlombo (centre) and Executive Mayor of Govan
Mbeki, Nhlakanipho Zuma (far right)
5
BOJANALA
Minister Kubayi-Ngubane (left) entering the school
The Minister, joined by Executive Mayor support and career possibilities in the industry. Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School was the
Zuma and Govan Mbeki Parliamentary Office “Where you are today does not define where last school to be visited on the day. Minister
delegates, made their first stop at K.I. Twala you are going tomorrow. Who you are today Kubayi-Ngubane spoke to the matriculants
Secondary School where they held a briefing does not define who you become tomorrow. and demystified popular COVID-19 myths
session with the leadership of the school It’s in your hands. It’s your choice,” the Minister and emphasised the importance of adhering
to identify areas in the school that require highlighted. to COVID-19 rules by constantly washing and
support. They further went on to donate sanitising of hands, maintaining social distance
school uniforms and school bags carrying the The next stop was Osizweni Secondary School, and wearing a mask. “Fighting COVID-19 is
message “Fight COVID. Stay safe. It’s in your where the Minister addressed matriculants everyone’s responsibility. You are wearing a
hands”. For COVID-19 support, each of the bags studying Maths and Science, which are mask to protect yourself,” the Minister stated.
that the matriculants received contained a subjects she personally enjoyed and excelled
cloth mask, water bottle and sanitiser. Minister in when she was in matric. She emphasised Minister Kubayi-Ngubane further encouraged
Kubayi-Ngubane specifically addressed the flexibility and multiple opportunities that the matriculants to work extra hard, pass with
31 matriculant learners who do not only education gives with regard to the various excellence and form part of the top learners
study tourism but also bear much academic career paths one can take when hard work that qualify for funding and are absorbed in
responsibility as seniors of the school and as is applied. “Education will give you dignity institutions of higher learning. “This country is
prospective students in institutions of higher and integrity. Education will help you to have depending on you as the younger generation
learning. She offered words of encouragement stature in society… always remember, there today for its future,” she concluded.
and informed them of the vast higher learning are no quick wins,” the Minister said.
Minister Kubayi-Ngubane at the Govan Mbeki Municipality Chambers in Secunda
6
MARCH 2021
“Education
will give you
dignity and
integrity.
Education will
help you to
have stature
in society…
always
remember,
there are no
quick wins,” the
Executive Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma (left) handing over school supplies and PPE to Acting Deputy
Principal Ronald Chibanada (2nd left) and Principal Nonthuthuzelo Thwala (right) Minister said.
(Left to right) Principal of Osizweni Mr Mothupi, Executive Mayor
Nhlakanipho Zuma, Minister Kubayi-Ngubane, Deputy Principal Mr
Letsele, Circuit Manager of Education in Govan Mbeki Municipality
Silo Molepo and Member of Constituency Management Committee
The Minister assesses COVID-19 compliance of matriculants in the (CMC) in Govan Mbeki Municipality, Lucky Mbuyane after handover
classroom of school supplies
The Minister (left) addresses the matriculants of Osizweni Secondary (Left to right) Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality
School alongside Principal Mothupi (right) with the PPE ready for Nhlakanipho Zuma, Minister Kubayi-Ngubane and Circuit Manager
distribution of Education in Govan Mbeki Municipality, Silo Molepo
7
BOJANALA
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA,
MINISTER ZWELI MKHIZE TAKE
THE FIRST JAB
Research Council for responding rapidly
and effectively and for their success.
“As this batch has already been approved
by the SA Health Products Regulatory
Authority (SAHPRA) under the Sisonke
Protocol, these vaccines will be rapidly
dispatched to all provinces,” he said,
adding that most vaccination centres
would be ready from Wednesday to
begin the vaccination programme.
“The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has
been shown in extensive trials to be
safe and efficacious and will protect
President Cyril Ramaphosa leads by example and becomes the first citizen to be vaccinated our healthcare workers from illness and
death from Covid-19,” he said.
Staff Reporter
Earlier iarlier in the month, President Cyril length of the country with the attention He called on leaders, including premiers,
Ramaphosa and health minister Zweli on healthcare workers. MECs and religious and traditional
Mkhize became the first leaders in various sectors and parts of
citizens to be vaccinated with the newly “To demonstrate our confidence in this the country, to lead by example and get
arrived Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The vaccine and help allay any fears that inoculated publicly.
vaccine arrived in South Africa earlier in people may have, the minister of health
the year. and I will join the first healthcare workers “Through this vaccination programme,
to receive the vaccine in Khayelitsha,” government aims to achieve population
Before the vaccination process takes said Ramaphosa in a statement on immunity to save lives and protect
place, the president indicated that Wednesday. livelihoods. We have chosen vaccination
the first batch of 80 000 doses of the and we call on all South Africans to
vaccine were being prepared and will Ramaphosa gave thumbs up to Minster choose vaccination and protect one
be distributed through the breadth and Mkhize, his team as well as the Medical another,” said Ramaphosa.
8
MARCH 2021
MINISTER
KUBAYI-NGUBANE
ENGAGES WITH AFRIFORUM AND
SOLIDARITY ON TRANSFORMATION
AND THE TOURISM EQUITY FUND
Staff Reporter
T
he Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko communicate government’s unwavering This fund will support our collective
Kubayi-Ngubane, held a meeting commitment to the transformation efforts towards economic recovery and
with Solidarity and AfriForum on agenda. reconstruction so that we can move
15 February 2021, following a letter firmly towards the eradication of the
from their attorneys in which they had “We have a responsibility to engage legacy of colonialism and apartheid,”
threatened legal action against the roll- with as many stakeholders and role added the Minister.
out of the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF). The players in the tourism sector as possible,
objective of the meeting was to engage so that we can clarify the thinking The application process is open and
the two organisations in an attempt to behind government’s policy decisions. accessible to all qualifying entrepreneurs.
listen and establish the basis of their We believe that those who know and
opposition to the fund. understand the history of this country Enterprises are encouraged to seize
need little convincing that redress is a the opportunity and seek support
The fund was established and launched necessary mechanism towards building from the fund through SEFA. There
by the Department of Tourism in a non-racial society, as mandated by has been overwhelming response
partnership with the Small Enterprise the Constitution. Our ultimate goal from entrepreneurs since the call for
Finance Agency (SEFA), as a new financial as government is to ensure that we proposals was made during the virtual
support mechanism to stimulate successfully implement our vision of launch on 26 January 2021 by President
investment and transformation in building a rapidly and inclusively growing Cyril Ramaphosa, whose support for this
the tourism sector. It is crucial to re- tourism economy that is innovative and project remains inspirational.
emphasise that this is not a relief fund, leverages on our heritage,” said Minister
as we are finding this to be a source Kubayi-Ngubane.
of confusion. The fund will provide a
combination of debt finance and grant The meeting was also an opportunity to
funding to facilitate equity acquisition engage and appreciate their concerns
as well as new project development, and views on the state of tourism
to broaden participation by all South in our country, in the context of the
Africans and not just a few dominant fund objectives and goals. The two
players. The fund was set up as a public/ organisations expressed their strong
private partnership, in particular with disagreement with the establishment
commercial banks, in an effort to crowd- and implementation of the Tourism
in investments in the tourism sector so Equity Fund. They also expressed
as to increase diversification and the their fundamental disagreement with
broadening of ownership of tourism the B-BBEE policy as adopted by our
attractions in South Africa. government and indicated that the
policy should be scrapped.
The organisations questioned the
legality, morality and transformative “We communicated to Solidarity and
outcome of the qualification criteria for AfriForum that the TEF is a necessary
the fund, suggesting that it deviates intervention for creating an inclusive
from the provisions of the Broad-Based tourism economy, in which previously
Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) disadvantaged individuals, youth and
Act. The government delegation, led women, are represented and can actively
by the Minister, utilised the occasion to participate in ownership and control.
9
BOJANALA
R1.2 BILLION
TOURISM
EQUITY FUND
LAUNCHED
Staff Reporter
“T
oday is a great day for the This is because these endowments of 51% black ownership including
tourism sector; a great combine to make South Africa’s tourism enterprises in rural areas and townships,
day for black business and attractions more diverse than other to help create jobs, alleviate poverty,
entrepreneurs; a great step forward for tourist destinations. fight inequality and promote growth of
transformation and a great day for the black-controlled tourism enterprises.
South African economy,” said Minister of “It is this context that we believe the De-risk the funding provided to tourism
Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane launch of the Tourism Equity Fund enterprises through patient capital that
during her opening and welcome is timely and necessary. Though the will ease the debt repayment ability of
speech at the virtual launch of the R1.2 conceptualisation of the fund preceded black-controlled enterprises.
billion Tourism Equity Fund. the pandemic, as it was announced by
the President in the 2020 State of the Facilitate the participation of targeted
It was on 26 February 2021 at the Nation Address, the fund is timely in groups such as women and youth in the
Government Communication and that it will be instrumental in helping in priority tourism sectors as defined by the
Information System, when President the recovery and the reconstruction of B-BBEE sector codes.
Cyril Ramaphosa gave his address at the the sector after the devastating impact
launch aimed to drive transformation in of the pandemic,” said Minister Kubayi- Minister of Small Business Development,
the tourism sector. Ngubane. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, outlined that
the R1.2bn fund would consist of up to
The TEF has been established by the Addressing the launch, Ramaphosa said, R540m from the Department of Tourism,
Department of Tourism in partnership “The industry directly accounted for 2.9% R594m from commercial banks and
with the Small Enterprise Finance of the country’s gross domestic product R120m from SEFA.
Agency (SEFA) as a new finance support (GDP), and 8.9% indirectly. The tourism
mechanism to stimulate investment and industry directly and indirectly employed The fund was targeted at beneficiaries
transformation in the sector. The fund an estimated 1.5 million people,” across the tourism industry value chain,
is an equity acquisition fund that will Ramaphosa said. While the Covid-19 including those in the accommodation,
be managed by SEFA on behalf of the lockdown has had a devastating effect conferencing, travel and other industries.
Department of Tourism over the initial on the industry, he was confident that
three-year period, after which it will be it would bounce back due to its resilient “Whether it is in a coastal town in the
evaluated to improve the fund. nature. Eastern Cape or a wildlife-rich area in
the North West or Limpopo, it is our aim
During this three-year period, the “The Tourism Equity Fund is informed by through this fund to actively support
Department of Tourism will capitalise the recognition that the capital-intensive black-owned businesses to run profitable
the fund with an amount of R540 million. nature of the industry prevents many and sustainable enterprises. It is also our
The funding from the Department will black-owned tourism enterprises from aim to employ people to procure goods
be matched with a contribution of R120 growing and developing,” Ramaphosa and services locally, and to make a real
million from SEFA and R594 million said. “By providing access to finance contribution to our economy,” President
from commercial banks that will be for black-owned commercially viable Ramaphosa emphasised.
participating in this programme. This tourism projects, the fund intends to
combination will put the value of the address this challenge.” “Let me conclude by inviting all the
Tourism Equity Fund at just over R1.2 stakeholders on behalf of the Minister
billion. It is necessary because not only will this of Tourism to work together with us in
fund help to crowd-in private-sector ensuring that we collectively create a
The tourism sector in South Africa is investment in the rejuvenation of the transformed, inclusive tourism economy.
largely private-sector owned and driven, supply side of the tourism market, but it
and its contribution to the South African will also help to transform the sector in The sector has been on a mark time
economy has grown tremendously since terms of ownership and make the sector for too long; we now need radical
the 1994 democratic breakthrough. In more inclusive. It is envisaged that the movement. It is also important to point
addition to the beautiful landscapes, fund will seek to achieve the following out that this Fund is for entities that are
the long coastline and the wildlife, objectives: 100% owned by South African citizens
South Africa is also endowed with a rich and they can apply through a dedicated
biodiversity and a cultural diversity that Fund commercially viable and email address tourismequityfund@sefa.
makes South Africa one of the world’s sustainable majority black-owned org.za.” concluded Deputy Minister of
most sought after tourism destination. tourism enterprises with a minimum Tourism Fish Mahlalela.
10
MARCH 2021TOURISM ATTRACTIONS IN BOJANALA
BADLY IMPACTED BY COVID-19
Staff Reporter
D
eputy Minister of Tourism, Mr Mahlalela.
Fish Mahlalela, accompanied Mahlalela further emphasised that,
by Member of the Executive “In Bojanala, they have lost over R600
Council (MEC) for the Department of million alone. In other areas of the
Economic Development, Environment, country, there are businesses that lost
Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), more than what Bojanala has lost. We
Ms Kenetswe Mosenogi and Executive have lost more than 300 000 jobs thus
Mayors from Bojanala District visited the far. Some establishments have closed
Bojanala Platinum District Municipality completely; others have not yet opened
in the North West Province from 9 to 10 and some are gradually opening.”
February 2021. The objective of the visit
was to assess the impact of the Covid-19 He said the Department is assessing
pandemic on the businesses in the the impact of Covid-19 in Bojanala.
tourism value chain. Seasons Golf, Leisure and Spa was the
first establishment to be visited on Day 1,
The Municipality is strategically followed by Hartees Boat Company and
situated between the three big cities, the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway.
Johannesburg, Pretoria and the fastest
growing area in Africa, Rustenburg. “Bojanala has been affected in a big way,
The Hartbeespoortdam is the hub of especially in relation to international
tourism, the gateway to the North West tourists. There are no international
province and the second most visited tourists visiting North West because
place after Table Mountain. The area has of the lockdown in the country.
70% of day visitors mostly coming from What is pleasing is that there is some
Gauteng and 50% stay-over nights and improvement in the domestic market. most of the workers have returned to
67% of tourism jobs in the province. The We still encourage South Africans to their posts. The bedrock for tourism is
international tourist’s length of stay is 3 explore their own country. They must do domestic tourism, which encourages
to 5 days – most passing Hartbeespoort that by adhering to health protocols.” South Africans to travel the country
going to Sun City during weekends. in order to save jobs. South Africa also
Day 2 started with a game drive in the hopes that when things stabilise in the
Due to the area being declared a Pilanesberg National Park and breakfast country, land borders will open since
Covid-19 hotspot, tourism activities at Kwa Maritane Game Lodge. The they are a key market for Africa.
have been restricted, which affected convoy led us to Legae la Tshepo and
the once bustling businesses in the Mbali View accommodations, which are “We have developed a recovery plan
area. “The district has been negatively two tourism incubator projects. The last that will be submitted to Cabinet for
affected since the introduction of stop was at the Ivory Tree Game Lodge adoption. As part of broadening the
lockdown, which resulted in a decline where presentations from Women in business, President Cyril Ramaphosa has
in tourism economic activities which Tourism, North West Tour Operators and launched the R1.5 billion Tourism Equity
include job losses, low revenue, Tour Guides were heard. Fund to enable new entrants into the
investment depreciation and closure of market,” concluded Deputy Minister Fish
some businesses,” said Deputy Minister There is hope in the North West as Mahlalela.
11
BOJANALADEPUTY MINISTER
FISH MAHLALELA
JOINS THE CHINESE
COMMUNITY IN
CELEBRATION OF THEIR
NEW YEAR
12
MARCH 2021Staff Reporter
O
n 12 February 2021, Deputy country. comprehensive strategic relationship
Minister of Tourism, Fish that has become mutually beneficial.
Mahlalela joined the Chinese Present during the celebration were Mr As we continue to receive tourists, the
community in celebration of their new Zhou Yong, Culture Councillor of the tour-guiding skill becomes important.
year. China, unlike other countries, holds Chinese Embassy in South Africa, Prof. To remain highly competitive and ensure
a big festivity in February to celebrate Peng Yi, Co-Director of the University sustainable employment, tourist guides
their new year. The festival has a history of Johannesburg Confucius Institute of today need to be able to speak foreign
of over 3,000 years. Celebrations on (UJCI), Prof. Saurabh Sinha, Deputy languages, have a range of specialities,
lunar New Year’s Day can be dated Vice-Chancellor of the University of be able to guide across regions/borders
back to the ancient ancient worship of Johannesburg, DDG Mmaditonki and provide exceptional and authentic
heaven and earth. Setwaba, Tourism Sector Support customer experiences,” he said.
Services, students and all participants.
Over the centuries new traditions were The Department identified Mandarin
added and celebrations became more The Deputy Minister said, “Currently, we language training as an important
entertainment-oriented. In 1967 food are sitting with a global pandemic that opportunity for existing tourist guides.
was rationed, and there was no money! has negatively impacted the economy Coupled with South Africa’s diverse
Greetings were full of Communist of our country and the world. It is for offerings, having local tourist guides
fervour. Now people eat out for Chinese this reason that we need to keep our proficient in the Mandarin language
New Year, send e-money, and greet with relations and appreciate that we need could also present a further opportunity
instant messages on WeChat. each other more than before. to attract the Chinese market to South
Africa.
During the celebration, Deputy Minister Be that as it may, we cannot fold our
Mahlalela indicated that on the 2019 arms and cry and stop planning for The main objective of the Mandarin
State of the Nation Address (SoNA), the future. This phase will pass and the language training is therefore to provide
the President of the Republic, Cyril economies of the world will be opened. an opportunity for local tourist guides
Ramaphosa emphasised the importance As the economy recovers, we need to be to be trained in the command of the
of expanding the tourism sector to be able to receive tourists from all over the Mandarin language to better serve the
able to reach 21 million tourist arrivals world, including China. potential influx of Chinese tourists to
by 2030 whilst also highlighting the South Africa.
need to focus on lucrative markets such As you all are aware, South Africa and
as China and India. China enjoys cordial relations in the area The Deputy Minister said, “Let me take
of tourism as underpinned by two (2) this opportunity and thank all the tourist
Mahlela said, “It is also worth noting Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). guides that are currently undergoing
the statistical trends showing just The first MoU signed in 2002 on the training under these trying conditions
how important the Chinese market Approved Destination Status (ADS), brought about by the COVID-19
is to the global tourism market. SAT conferred to South Africa the right to pandemic. We believe that you are
arrival statistics indicate that China has receive tourist groups from China and to ambassadors for our country as you will
featured in the top ten (10) destinations open the destination marketing office in be exposing South Africa to our Chinese
in terms of international arrivals to Beijing.” tourists.
South Africa.”
The second MoU on cooperation in Skills development amongst our youth
According to the UNWTO World Tourism the field of tourism was signed on 28 is a must, if we want to sustain our
Barometer of October 2018, China is October 2013 in Beijing, China. This MoU existence as humans. Oliver Reginald
also the leading outbound market in serves as an institutional mechanism Tambo once said, ‘The children of
terms of tourism expenditure, followed to strengthen bilateral relations on any nation are its future. A country, a
by the United States of America (USA) cooperation in the field of tourism. Areas movement, a person that does not value
and Germany. of cooperation in the MoU include the its youth and children does not deserve
encouragement of information sharing, its future.’We will ensure that we maintain
He said that the spending power of the tourism investment, marketing and good relations with your country and
Chinese market was recorded at 250 promotion, skills development and other countries of the world as we seek
billion in 2016, followed by 258 billion training and tourism safety and service to create a united democratic and non-
in 2017. Due to its incredible spending standards. racial society. To all our 20 students, you
power, the Chinese market presents are so wonderful, we are proud of you.
a huge opportunity to South Africa “Today, as you celebrate your Spring We know you are enjoying this training a
and remains one of South Africa’s core Festival, I am honoured to welcome lot and studying hard. Happy new year to
markets from Asia, which contributes the China and South Africa bilateral all of you on this Chinese year.”
positively to tourism arrivals into the relations which have progressed to a
13
BOJANALADEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO LAUNCH PILOT
PROGRAMME FOR A NEW WEB-BASED TRAVEL
HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE COVID-19 SCREENING PLATFORM
Popo Maja,
Departmental Spokesperson
W
ith the full resumption of Health Official at the respective port provides us with additional armour to
international travel, the national of entry to proceed with the screening better manage and survey travellers to
Department of Health has process. Over time, as more travellers prevent importation and exporting of
increased efforts to strengthen active use this system, it can save them time the virus. The system will also provide
screening and surveillance at ports of and help fast-track screening at ports better data collection and storage which
entry in South Africa. of entry. The Department will introduce can be helpful with identifying potential
through a pilot, a digitised screening high-risk travellers. An algorithm that
The Department is launching a pilot system for international travellers helps determine the risk profile of
project for the COVID SA Travel System, arriving in and departing from South travellers is embedded in the system.
which is a digital screening solution Africa.
that allows travellers to complete the In the event of a positive case, the
required travel health questionnaire As of the 17th of December 2020, system will assist with identifying
(THQ) on their personal devices ahead international travellers arriving at O.R potentially exposed travellers who were
of their arrival at the ports of entry. The Tambo International Airport, those in proximity to the positive case, further
Department intends to make a move departing from Cape Town International assisting with better contact tracing.
from paper-based screening systems Airport, those entering the country The COVID SA Travel System will be live
to a digitised screening solution in through the Beit Bridge land border and from noon on 15 December 2020 to
a phased approach. The web-based those exiting through the Maseru Bridge allow travellers to complete the web-
THQ platform will complement and land border will be expected to complete based form ahead of their travel and
strengthen the existing method of the web-based THQ. The paper-based can be accessed using this link: https://
screening and surveillance at ports of system for COVID-19 screening will sa-covid-19-travel.info/. Travellers who
entry as a user-friendly tool allowing continue to be in operation at all other have already booked their tickets can
travellers to complete the travel health operational ports of entry. This system still access the web-based THQ at any
questionnaire on their personal devices will play a critical role in assisting Port time after the system goes live.
prior to their travel. Health Officials with managing travellers,
identifying potential high-risk travellers Travellers will still be subjected to the
The web-based travel screening solution and to respond effectively. screening protocols at ports of entry,
will allow travellers to complete their including temperature screening, and
travel and symptomatic information at Security of personal information was are still required to present a negative
any time from two days ahead of their one of the top priorities throughout the COVID-19 PCR test result obtained
journey to ensure that the exposure development of this system. not more than 72 hours from time of
and symptoms information provided is Accordingly, best practice guidelines as departure. Travellers arriving into South
relevant. Once completed, the traveller per the POPI Act are followed to protect Africa are required to download the
will receive a unique number (look-up all travellers’ personal information at COVID Alert SA application on their
ID) which they will present to the Port all times. The COVID SA Travel System mobile phones.
14
MARCH 2021DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM RECEIVES
DONATION OF PPE’S FROM
THE EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE
REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Pictured are Tourism representatives receiving masks from the Councillor of Cultural Affairs, Yong Zhou from the Embassy of the PRC
Staff Reporter
S
outh Africa and China enjoy cordial handing-over ceremony. The Councillor Mbungele – delegate from Tourist
relations as underpinned by two of Cultural Affairs, Yong Zhou, from the
existing agreements in the field Embassy of the PRC warmly received Guidance Compliance, and Mr K Seoko
of tourism. To strengthen and enhance the delegation from the Department of – Driver
bilateral relations, the two parties Tourism, which consisted of: In representing the Department’s
engage in, amongst others, exchange of Employee Health and Wellness and
information, skills development as well Ms A Potgieter – COVID Compliance in her capacity as the Department’s
as exchange of gifts to the benefit of Officer COVID Compliance Officer, Ms Potgieter,
their prospective countries. along with Councillor Zhou, signed the
Ms T Sithi – delegate from Directorate Certificate for Acceptance between
As South Africa continues to grapple responsible for bilateral relations with China and South Africa on the Anti-
with the global COVID pandemic, the China Epidemic Supplies to South Africa.
continuous provision and access to This was to record and acknowledge a
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is Ms C Sebola – delegate from successful handover between the two
essential. To this effect, on 10 December Communications to photograph the countries represented. In attempts to
2020, the Department of Tourism handing over support much needed tourism recovery,
received a donation of 20 000 disposable the Department will distribute the
masks from the Embassy of the People’s Ms C Fortuin – delegate from Tourism donated disposable masks to tourist
Republic of China (PRC), during a Guiding and Growth Development Mr D guides.
15
BOJANALADEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
SUCCESSFULLY HOSTS THE 8TH
SHARING OF BEST PRACTICES WORKSHOP
Chief Director: International Relations and Cooperation in the Department of Tourism, Nurunessa Moolla, giving opening remarks
Staff Reporter
F
or seven years in succession, the and innovation, took place virtually on 2
Department of Tourism has been hosting March 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19
the Sharing of Best Practices Workshops pandemic. The theme “Tourism Recovery
(BPW) for delegates from invited countries in post Covid-19 – a country perspective” was
Africa and the rest of the world, particularly the focus of the day, with the objective of
those with whom South Africa has signed sharing information and best practices, and
a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to identify strategies to mitigate the impact
or Bilateral Agreements within the field of Covid-19 in the tourism sector, among
of tourism. The continued interest in the others.
workshop has shown the value of this forum
as it provides an opportunity for countries Chief Director: International Relations
from the continent to share information and and Cooperation in the Department of Pictured: Deputy Minister of Tourism Fish
best practices in the area of tourism and to Tourism, Nurunessa Moolla, activated Mahlalela giving his address
strengthen regional integration. the workshop with a special welcome to:
• Deputy Minister of Tourism Fish
The focus of the Best Practices Workshops is Mahlalela;
based on the areas of cooperation outlined • Director-General in the Department of
in the signed tourism bilateral agreements Tourism Victor Tharage;
which South Africa has signed with various • CEO of EMZ Advisory and moderator of
countries and covers areas such as: Exchange the workshop Zipho Sikhakhane;
of tourism information, experience and • Regional Director-Africa of United
expertise in the following areas: Nations World Tourism Organisation
• Policies,strategies and i n i t i a t i v e s (UNWTO) Elcia Grandcourt;
relating to tourism development; • CEO of South African Tourism (SAT) Sisa
• Tourism destination marketing; Ntshona; Pictured: Elcia Grandcourt, United Nations
• National parks for the society; • CEO of Tourism Business Council World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
• Incentives for tourism development; of South Africa (TBCSA) Tshifhiwa Regional Director-Africa presenting on the
• Cross-border tourism; Tshivhengwa; and impact of COVID-19, the African context
• Tourism resorts development; • Representatives from the African and a perspective on tourism recovery
• Trans-frontier parks development; Continent as well as delegates
• Regional tourism marketing; in India, Singapore, Vietnam, for the tourism sector was set, the Deputy
• Responsible tourism; Brazil, Venezuela and Mexico. Minister mentioned that it is initiatives and
• Rural tourism development; and platforms such as the Best Practices Workshop
• Community tourism development In his address to the esteemed delegates that will make meaningful contributions
framework and projects. present, Deputy Minister of Tourism in achieving such targets. Furthermore, it
Fish Mahlalela stated that the South will assist in aligning tourism’s contribution
This Best Practices Workshop initiative African government places tourism high to Agenda 2063 through improving the
is in line with the provisions of South on its agenda for sustainable growth standards, systems and policies in regulating
Africa`s foreign policy which supports and job creation, which is one of the the tourism industry while creating jobs and
the development of the region and the eight interventions in the economic alleviating poverty.
continent. However, this workshop that Reconstruction Recovery Plan. Referring
usually brings together creatives, intellects to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Amidst the status quo of COVID-19 around
and pioneers of the tourism industry from Nation Address (SONA) in 2019, whereby a the world, tourism activity is constantly
all walks of life in a room charged with ideas target of 21 million tourist arrivals by 2030 subject to abrupt restrictions, thus affecting
16
MARCH 2021the tourism sector negatively. “The impact of of tourism receipts in 2019 pre-COVID, she protocols in place to de-risk the sector so that
the virus resulted in the closure of businesses highlighted. tourism is not a mass carrier of the virus. “I do
and tourism establishments, and severe job believe what we have done is world class. It
losses. Some countries were predicted to According to Grandcourt, predictions by is a shining example of what can be done
face more substantial blows than others experts say that a rebound is expected in anywhere else. There is still going to be more
due to their high reliance on the tourism the second half of the year if the pandemic work ahead of us. The development and
sector .Out of the top 10 destinations by is gradually brought under control and application of protocols is going to be with
international tourist arrivals (France, Spain, travel restrictions are lifted. Be that as it may, us for quite some time. Therefore, from our
United States, China, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, the emergence of new strains and a surge side this is something that we keep constant
Germany, UK and Thailand), eight were in infections can slow down the recovery. and we make sure that there’s compliance
hardest hit by COVID-19,” said Mahlalela. However, international tourism can modestly across the board,” he concluded.
bounce back with the roll-out of vaccines
He concernedly highlighted that the and yield a significant improvement in The CEO of South African Tourism (SAT)
challenge is that many African countries traveller confidence. honed in on South Africa’s Tourism Recovery
have weak health systems and testing is Strategy, in order to give an account of
significantly insufficient overall. The Deputy Some of the initiatives by the UNWTO the status quo of the country and provide
Minister added that there is limited data on through the Global Tourism Crisis Committee foresight of what the next phases will
the actual number of tests performed, the include Tourism Guidelines to Restart look like. Three fundamental pillars for
number of tests per population, and the Tourism, the Travel Restriction Report to Tourism Sector Recovery were established
rate of positive tests for African countries. track measures being taken by destinations in conjunction with the public and private
Furthermore, many health policy experts on worldwide that helps to support with sector, namely:
the continent are concerned that testing is the mitigation and recovery efforts of the 1. Protect and Rejuvenate Supply;
simply too low to have an accurate picture of tourism sector, and Recommendations on 2. Reignite Demand in the sector; and
the spread of the virus, which poses serious Tourism and Rural Development which aims 3. Strengthening and Enabling Capability.
challenges for the tourism sector on the to support governments and the private
safety of visiting tourist and workers in the sector at various levels to develop rural In summary, this was to ensure that the
industry. tourism. In addition, the UNWTO Global sector’s integrity is protected during these
Tourism Dashboard and UNWTO Tourism unprecedented times, to make sure South
“I therefore urge all of you to use this Recovery Tracker compiles all relevant data Africa is suitably placed to be chosen
platform to share your country experiences in one place and helps governments and amongst the competitive tourist pool as
in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic private business track tourism recovery on a recovery begins on a domestic, regional
to assist in identifying strategies that will regional and global level. and then international level. Furthermore,
bring solutions for the recovery of the to strengthen the enabling capability of
tourism sector post the Covid-19 pandemic The continuous and strengthened the country to be able to essentially look
challenges, especially for those strategies collaboration of the public and private sector at institutional things that need to be fixed
aimed at strengthening regional integration is one that is pivotal to the recovery and and amended, from e-Visas, licensing,
and cooperation,” Mahlalela said. success of tourism post-COVID-19. The CEO transportation and anything else that affects
“…We know that our situation will no of Tourism Business Council of South Africa and impacts the tourism industry.
longer be the same as yesterday, but the (TBCSA), Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, provided
new normal is the way to go now,” Deputy insight on Industry Perspective and the Ntshona also highlighted that 2021 is
Minister concluded. Protocols for Tourism Industry operations dubbed the “year of the vaccine” in terms of
during Covid-19 in South Africa. restoring traveller confidence. That there’s a
Elcia Grandcourt, Regional Director-Africa race around the world on which countries
of the United Nations World Tourism “We advocate for the private sector... We are likely to travel, looking at factors such
Organisation (UNWTO) painted a global represent the needs of the business sector in as the severity of the pandemic steadily
and continental picture of COVID-19 government, in larger business associations being replaced by the vaccine roll-out index
developments respectively. Her presentation and many other formations that are (risk-rating countries on ability to travel),
on The impact of COVID-19, The African important in advancing the needs of tourism government stringent index pertaining
context and a perspective on tourism in South Africa. We all know that tourism is to policies that affect border control and
recovery, states that global tourism suffered a concurrent function and it’s a function quarantine dates.
its worst year on record in 2020, with that touches multiple departments…”
international arrivals dropping by -74%. Tshivhengwa stated. Finally, we need to look at accessibility in
Destinations around the world have seen terms of the ease of travel on land, and
fewer international arrivals in 2020 due to Whilst giving context of the negative impact by air and sea to and from South Africa. A
a reduction in demand compared to the of COVID-19 in its initial stages of transmission comparison between South Africa, Africa,
previous years. Furthermore, the collapse in which lead to a Risk Adjusted Approach (level Australasia, Europe and America was made
international travel represents an estimated 1-5) in South Africa, he proudly mentioned in this regard.
loss of 1.3 trillion in export revenues, which how tourism was one of the first sectors to
is more than 11 times the loss that has been do safety protocols such as contact tracing, The presentations from the panel were
recorded during the 2009 global economic screening of customers in restaurants, followed by a question and answer session
crisis. utilising applications to monitor and access and thereafter rounded off by best practice
details of patrons entering establishments discussions by delegates from Singapore,
Grandcourt mentioned that this crisis has and providing online training for business Uganda, Malawi, Benin, Nigeria, Zambia and
put millions of jobs at direct risk, mainly owners to train and manage their staff on Mexico in terms of the various strategies
those in the Small and Medium Enterprises COVID-19 protocols. The World Travel and they have put in place in response to
(SMEs) which greatly contribute to African Tourism Council (WTTC) approved these the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism
economies. International arrivals in the protocols and enabled establishments to sectors respectively. The 2021 Sharing of
Africa region have dropped by 75%, making receive certificates of COVID-19 compliance. Best Practices Workshop was indeed eye-
it one of the hardest hit regions following opening, insightful and attested to the
Asia and the Pacific, which is a far cry from “We are dependent on the movement power of global collaboration in fighting a
the 70+ million international tourist arrivals of people…” Tshivhengwa said, as he common enemy, COVID-19.
generating 39+ Billion US Dollars in terms highlighted how the objective was to have
17
BOJANALA2021
RESEARCH
WEBINAR
Staff Reporter
T
he tourism sector is in a constant movement, profiles and characteristics. of the tourism industry. The research
state of flux and fluidity. Research, undertaken by both the University
therefore, guides the way forward This strategy further highlights the need of Johannesburg and the University
in identifying knowledge gaps as to foster partnerships and collaboration of Pretoria would inform all tourism
well as prioritising important trends. in order to strengthen the context, use stakeholders on how to prepare for the
The Department of Tourism hosted a and dissemination of research findings new normal, where we co-exist with
Tourism Research webinar in March with to inform policy and decision-making. COVID-19.
the theme “Advancing Tourism Growth It is on this basis that the Department
and Development through Research: strives to collaborate with institutions Prof. Christian Rogerson from the
COVID-19 Impacts and Potential of higher learning to conduct tourism University of Johannesburg presented a
Opportunities.” research. study to assess the impact of COVID-19
on the demand and supply of tourism
Because tourism is a cross-functional During her opening remarks, Anemé products, with a view to propose
sector, it requires collaboration with its Malan, Deputy Director-General: Tourism interventions to meet the needs of
stakeholders. This seminar is held annually Research, Policy and International tourists post-COVID-19 through the
to ensure that the research findings Relations at the Department of Tourism approach of undertaking case studies of
address the needs of stakeholders in said: “As far back as 2010, the Department local destinations which offer a differing
the sector, to disseminate and discuss initiated engagements with several mix of tourism products.
the findings of the research studies and universities to foster collaboration on
to obtain constructive feedback from tourism research and to enhance capacity This was followed by the University
key stakeholders and researchers in within the tourism sector – a partnership of Pretoria where Professor Berendien
the sector. It also aims to disseminate that we are very proud to continue to Lubbe and Dr Joachim Vermooten
research findings to key stakeholders in have with universities until today. The looked at the impact of COVID-19 on
the sector, thereby ensuring that research main aim of the partnerships is to foster tourism sector demand and supply and
recommendations are implemented, collaboration, enhance research capacity to explore the symbiotic transport –
and translated into policy and practice. within the tourism sector and provide tourism interface in South Africa.
financial support to post-graduate
Research has been identified as a critical students pursuing tourism-related Over the years, research in tourism
area for the development and growth of studies.” This collaboration produced has provided insights into areas such
the tourism sector. The revised National valuable research outputs which were as management, tourist behaviour,
Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) 2016- disseminated to tourism stakeholders planning, marketing, destination
2026, recognises research as one of through the annual Tourism Research development and product development.
the key success factors for sustainable Seminars. Guided by evidence-based research,
competitiveness in destination the sector would be able to develop
management and emphasises the Dr Unathi Sonwabile Henama from and implement policies, strategies,
important role research plays to guide the Tshwane University of Technology programmes, interventions and decisions
planning and decision-making in the moderated the session and also gave the to meet the needs and expectations of
sector. Research in tourism assists, keynote address where he highlighted different stakeholders. The Department
amongst others, to identify new markets, that research is important in providing continues to strengthen and advance
understand trends that might have an the information needed by the tourism the body of knowledge and research in
impact on the tourism sector, monitor value chain for strategic decision-making the tourism sector.
performance, assess competitiveness and to inform policymakers and the state
and provide statistics on tourism apparatus on how to plan the recovery
18
MARCH 2021Pictured front centre is Johannesburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo applauding Kyalami 9-Hour winners in Jordan Pepper, South African International
the middle podium: Sheldon van der Linde (right) with Augusto Farfus and Nick Catsburg representing racer competing in Kyalami 9-Hour with Bentley
Walkenhorst Motorsport BMW M6 Continental GT3
KYALAMI 9-HOUR SPEEDS
ITS WAY TO SUCCESS!
Staff Reporter
S
ports tourism is one of the fastest and a passion behind it. allowed but only a limited number
growing sectors in tourism, of stakeholders were allowed to
and motor sport specifically, is Taking into consideration the grip of the attend the event. The Department of
determined to fight for its spot of glory COVID pandemic in South Africa and Tourism, Gauteng Tourism Association,
as it brings the world together for that the Kyalami 9-Hour race would be Joburg Municipality, Government
the love of racing. Sport tourism can subject to COVID restrictions, Pepper Communication and information System
generally be described as travel focusing expressed his concern in this regard. (GCIS), motor sport industry giants and
primarily on either engaging in or international media personnel were
observing a sporting event as an official, “It’s not acceptable for some people amongst the key stakeholders that came
journalist or as a spectator. The Kyalami to not abide by the rules, because the to support and experience the event.
9-Hour is a world- class international longer people don’t abide by the rules,
motorsport event which forms part of the longer we are going to have these Johannesburg Mayor Geoff Makhubo,
the only global GT3 championship – the regulations and restrictions,” he added. Deputy Minister of Higher Education Buti
Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered As a sportsman, Pepper was able to Manamela, African National Congress
by Pirelli. For the second year in a row travel to eight different countries in (ANC) Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile,
Kyalami hosted a successful 9-Hour on 2020 during the COVID pandemic and Former ANC Communications Manager
12 December 2020. was successfully able to abide by the Keith Khoza and popular local actress
regulations. Makgofe Moagi also graced the occasion.
As preparations were underway prior to Guests enjoyed fine dining whilst having
main event, 24-year-old South African He mentioned that it is possible to an exclusive grand view of the race on
racer Jordan Pepper was counting down do racing as long as people abide by their screens with a live broadcast and
the hours to the big day in the hopes of the rules so that things can get back an up-close view on the balcony at the
winning. Pepper started racing at the to normal soon. When comparing grand prix circuit office.
age of 5 and moved overseas at the age motor sport racing in South Africa
of 18. He has accolades of being in the to its counterparts overseas, Pepper After a long and rain-interrupted race,
Top 3 of the Regional Championship mentioned the importance of having Sheldon van der Linde in a BMW M6
winners in South Africa, winning his the Kyalami 9-Hour race as a platform to was part of the three-man team who
first European Championship in 2014 prove that it is indeed possible to make emerged victorious at Kyalami 9-Hour
at the age of 17, and winning the 2020 a career out of racing just like the giants on Saturday. Van der Linde’s Walkenhorst
Bathurst 12-hour in Australia with his in Europe. “We just need South Africans Motorsport teammates Augusto
team Bentley, to name a few. to get behind racing a bit more,” he Farfus and Nick Catsburg became joint
concluded. champions of the 2020 Intercontinental
“I just like sports in general but with GT Challenge. Audi Sport Team WRT’s
racing, the fuel, the sound and the speed On the day of the event, the environment Frederic Vervisch, Mirko Bortolotti and
excite me,” Pepper highlighted. He is was buzzing with sounds of revving Charles Weerts came home second
not a stranger to the Kyalami 9-Hour engines, tyre pumps and racers pacing ahead of Matt Campbell, Patrick Pilet
racing event, as he competed in 2019 up and down doing their final checks and Mathieu Jaminet (GPX Racing) who
in November. Pepper mentioned that and rounds on the tracks . Due to sealed the Manufacturer’s crown for
South Africa has a motor sport heritage COVID regulations, no spectators were Porsche in third overall.
19
BOJANALAYou can also read
