KWAMHLANGA – Small businesses in Thembisile Hani are being encouraged to use the area's diverse cultural heritage and tourism attractions to create sustainable business opportunities, attract visitors and strengthen the local economy.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) hosted micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at DA Village Villas Lodge in KwaMhlanga on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, for a Sustainable Tourism Development Workshop aimed at strengthening community-based tourism.
The workshop explored how homestays, kasi restaurants, artists, crafters and local tour guides could benefit from the tourism economy and transform Thembisile Hani from a place tourists pass through into a destination where visitors stay, experience different cultures, eat, explore and spend locally.
Businesses showcasing their products and services included Ibiza Sky Lounge Family Restaurant, Ibiza Sky Hair Studio, Mrhali Boutique Guest House, Da Rams, Voyage Perfumed Lotion, Room and Linen Mist Perfume, Luxe Auras and Ingwani Creations.
Speaking on behalf of MTPA, Phumeza Kalawe emphasised the importance of promoting local attractions and equipping entrepreneurs to participate in the tourism economy.
“Our mission as the MTPA is to grow tourism and manage biodiversity to stimulate sustainable economic growth that is inclusive. Through these workshops we are engaging local businesses to strengthen the local economy by advertising and marketing their businesses through all platforms possible,” Kalawe said.
She said the agency aimed to promote attractions such as Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, Kgodwana Cultural Village and Museum, Mkhombo Dam and Loskop Dam to encourage visitors to explore the area and support local businesses.
Kalawe said collaboration between MTPA, the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, the Department of Tourism, local and regional tourism organisations and Nkangala District Municipality provided an integrated support platform for tourism businesses.
“This multi-stakeholder approach strengthened the capacity of MSMEs to operate sustainably, access information and support programmes, participate in the local tourism value chain, develop market opportunities and contribute meaningfully to inclusive local economic development,” she said.
The workshop also introduced entrepreneurs to green economy opportunities, waste management, resource efficiency, universal access and sustainable tourism practices.
“The workshop encouraged MSMEs to adopt environmentally responsible business practices, improve operational efficiency, collaborate within the local tourism value chain, buying local, and align their businesses with government and destination-development priorities,” Kalawe said.
She added that MTPA would consolidate the workshop's outcomes and develop a targeted support approach based on the needs identified by participating businesses.
“MTPA will continue facilitating market-access opportunities, capacity-building, quality-assurance support, sustainability initiatives and stakeholder linkages, while working with the Department of Tourism, Nkangala District Municipality, local and regional tourism organisations and the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency,” she said.
Follow-up engagements would also be held to monitor progress, identify remaining challenges and help businesses become more sustainable and competitive.
Memento Skhosana, speaking on behalf of the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) and Thembisile Hani Local Tourism Organisation (THLTO), highlighted the role of tourism organisations in developing destinations across the Nkangala region.
“Our primary goal as the RTO is to inspire, validate and provide actionable steps to leverage regional tourism. We intend on giving tourists the full experience by showcasing attractions such as the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, Kgodwana Cultural Village and Museum, Mkhombo Dam, Zithabiseni Resort and Loskop Dam,” Skhosana said.
He explained that these attractions could stimulate the local economy and create jobs through activities such as fishing competitions at Mkhombo Dam, cultural experiences at Kgodwana, and traditional food and dance experiences at KwaNdimande in Mthambothini.
Major events such as the KwaNdebele Spin Fiesta and All White Party also form part of the area's tourism offering.
Department of Tourism representative Jeff Maluleke focused on business compliance and government support programmes, stressing the importance of collaboration and networking among local businesses.
“Our role is to teach our local business owners to work together and network, because tourism requires teamwork. If DA Village Villas are fully booked, they must contact Mrhali Boutique Guest House or Da Rams and share tourists. By doing so they strengthen business relationships,” Maluleke said.
He added that collaboration between guesthouses, artists, caterers, transport operators and restaurants could help keep money circulating within the local economy.
Nomsa from Da Rams Boutique Guest House welcomed the workshop, saying it had highlighted the importance of networking.
“I am grateful to be part of this workshop because it taught me that in this tourism business you cannot work alone. It needs teamwork and networking,” she said.
Phindile Teffo from Luxe Auras said the workshop had helped small businesses understand how to grow, become compliant and position themselves to benefit from tourism opportunities.
The workshop was supported by the Department of Tourism, Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, THLTO, Nkangala District Municipality and the RTO.
