MEC Sidell led a Mpumalanga delegation to the annual tourism trade show held from 11-14 May, where the province showcased its tourism offerings under the brand “The Place of the Rising Sun”.

During the event, the MEC and Interim Board Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Fish Mahlalela, engaged with local and international buyers, investors and tourism stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and boost tourist arrivals.

Key engagements included meetings with the Indian Consulate, delegations from Mozambique and Eswatini, as well as neighbouring provinces including Gauteng, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. According to the department, the Indian Consulate committed to assisting in marketing Mpumalanga through its social media and marketing platforms.

READ | Africa’s Travel Indaba cements its Pan-African status

Sidell also hosted a Tourism Investment Dialogue with potential investors aimed at positioning Mpumalanga as an investment-ready tourism destination.

“We are delighted to indicate that we held a successful Tourism Investment Dialogue with potential investors to engage on various investment opportunities Mpumalanga tourism can offer. Our discussion with the potential investors were anchored on the understanding that tourism is a vital, labor-intensive pillar on the developmental agenda, driving inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation and infrastructure investment,” explained MEC Sidell.

“I can assert without fear of contradiction that the Place of the Rising Sun is uniquely positioned to become a leading tourism investment destination,” added Sidell. The Africa’s Travel Indaba provided Mpumalanga with an opportunity to market its tourism products and experiences to predominantly international hosted buyers and global tourism stakeholders.

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Recognising the pivotal role that MTPA plays in stimulating economic growth and job creation, MEC Sidell has prioritised the swift appointment of an Interim Board comprising of men and women who possess the necessary expertise and experience to manage the affairs of the entity.

The MEC appointed the Interim Board, which will be led by former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela following the expiry of the term of office of the previous MTPA board on 31 August 2025, to manage the affairs of the entity until a permanent board is appointed.

READ | Fish Mahlalela to head interim MTPA Board to release forensic investigation outcome

Sidell explained that the MTPA is very strategic and critical for government in the pursuit of the three main priorities of the 7th Administration.

“The swift appointment of the interim Board should send a strong statement that we are committed to revive the Entity to its former glory. We hold a view that it must be through this entity that as government we are able to grow the economy and dismantle the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. Therefore, we are not going to allow the
entity to fail”, said MEC Sidell.

The members of the Interim Board are as follows:

Mr. Fish Mahlalela (Chairperson)
Ms. Tholi Nkambule
Prof. David Mabunda
Ms. Malinda Grimbeek
Mr. Sizile Ndlovu
Ms. Qondile Thabethe
Mr. Mzilikazi Khumalo
Mr. Sandile Nene
Ms. Mohita Latchminarin
Ms. Sister Monama
Ms. Thembelihle Anawo

“Tourism is one of the main sectors with huge potential to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the provincial economy and job creation. Therefore, as the department, we will continue to support the MTPA in its quest of making Mpumalanga a tourist destination of choice”, added Sidell.

As the interim board assumes its fiduciary and statutory duties as prescribed in the MTPA Act, 2005, PFMA, 1999, and Companies Act, 2008, the MEC has directed the board to pay special attention to the following urgent tasks:

-Develop and submit a coherent turnaround strategy and a detailed plan that will focus on ensuring effective and efficient financial management systems, including ensuring a procurement system that is effective, efficient and transparent.
-Implementation of Forensic Report recommendations.
-Resolve the ongoing the impasse regarding the development of the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site.
-Filling of critical posts.
-Improve staff morale.

READ | MTPA CEO placed on precautionary suspension

Sidell further extended her appreciation to the members of the interim board for their willingness to serve on the interim Board.

” I have confidence that you are equal to the task ahead. I wish you all the best in your responsibility to transform the entity
into a viable and strategic vehicle to drive economic growth in the province. Equally, we extend our appreciation to the outgoing board for steering the ship during its tenure”, she concluded.

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This was announced by the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Jesta Sidell on Monday, September 1, when she officially launched Tourism Month this morning at the Nelspruit Botanical Gardens.

She was responding to a media query on how far the forensic investigation was as she said: “The investigation has been completed and I have appointed Fish Mahlalela to head the interim MTPA Board after the term of office expired on 31 August 2025, to carry out the outstanding tasks that were supposed to be completed by the outgoing Board.

READ | https://mpmirroronline.co.za/mtpa-ceo-placed-on-precautionary-suspension/

“I have appointed Mr Fish Mahlalela because of his extensive experience and knowledge in tourism, having served as the Deputy Minister of Tourism nationally, he will deal with the forensic outcomes of the investigation that had been launched.
“All the affected wrongdoers including staff members will be formally announced and the appropriate sanctions against them after three more additional members of the Board are announced on Wednesday,” said Sidell.

This is a sequel that saw the suspension of former MTPA’s CEO, Mduduzi Vilakazi and the previous MEC for the department, Makhosazane Masilela stated during a media briefing then, that a number of officials from the entity were also being investigated.
“In Mahlalela, I have confidence that he will lead the entity in the right direction and grow tourism in the province,” said Sidell.

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Various departments, tour operators, municipalities and the hospitality industry will exhibit in a dedicated area for Mpumalanga, called the Mpumalanga Village.

Africa’s Travel Indaba is an iconic African leisure trade show hosted by South African Tourism with the aim of developing the market for a wide range of African leisure tourism products. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), a parastatal of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism tasked with the responsibility of promoting the province, will meet with various key stakeholders to promote Mpumalanga province as a premier tourist destination.

READ | Mpumalanga Tourism to promote Triland Tour

“We are looking forward to participating in Indaba 2025 and bringing our MSME’s to market their products. We want to increase the number of tourist arrivals to the place of the Rising Sun. Currently, Mpumalanga province is number two in terms of international tourist arrivals and our aim is to become number one.

Without a doubt, this Indaba presents the Province with an opportunity to showcase its offerings in as far as tourism is concern,” said MEC Makhosazane Masilela.

Africa’s Travel Indaba is a three-day trade show preceded by a dedicated Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay), which aims to provide a platform for thought leadership, knowledge sharing and obtaining the latest global trends and local insights.
The BONDay programme is developed in close collaboration with global tourism organisations, continental experts and industry associations.

MTPA Acting CEO, Justus Mohlala emphasised that Mpumalanga is a special province that offers unique natural products.

“Our products on offer will attract more tourists to visit our province to explore the scenic beauty and wildlife experience.
The whole of Africa and the world needs to know that Mpumalanga is the only province with God’s Window, the home to the big-five, serene Sudwala Caves and the Graskop Gorge amongst other breathtaking attractions”, emphasised MTPA Acting CEO, Justus Mohlala.

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This Easter weekend brings unparalleled economic stimulation, as it has a potential to draw a large number of tourists to the province.

“Without fear of contradiction, we pride ourselves as the only province with God’s window; the home to the big-five; the Province of serenity which can be experienced at the Sudwala Caves and the Graskop Gorge, amongst other breath-taking attractions. I can safely guarantee those who will choose to visit the Province that they will not regret such a decision”, explained Masilela.

PICTURES: SOME OF THE PROVINCE’S ATTRACTIONS

The Easter long weekend is a spiritual period used by many South Africans to travel the length and breadth of the country for leisure, church sermons and other various reasons.

“We welcome all people who will visit the Province this Easter weekend with open and warm arms, and thank them in advance for choosing to visit our Province, Mpumalanga. To us, they are our kings and queens as their presence will bring money to the Province, and help to grow our economy.

READ | The perfect holiday is definitely in Mpumalanga!

“Mpumalanga is home to everyone and as the safety of tourists is our priority, we are currently working with our sister Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison and the South African Police Service, to ensure the safety of our visitors during the Easter weekend”, she added.

MEC Masilela also urged holidaymakers to celebrate the Easter Weekend in a responsible manner and adhere to the rules of the road and the liquor consumption conditions.

“As we prepare to be with our families and friends in this time of celebration and compassion, let us do so in a responsible manner. When you decide to engage in alcoholic beverages, please do so responsibly and do not drink and drive. I wish you a Happy and safe Easter Holiday”, concluded Masilela.

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The pageant marked its 15th anniversary crowning, having commenced in 2011 with its inaugural queen, Mpumi Lephoko. It has, over the years, achieved honours with some of their crowned queens, achieving national and international accolades.

The glittering ceremony was graced by the presence of its sponsors, the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, Audi, MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Nompumelelo Hlophe and Head of Department for the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation, Godfrey Ntombela among others.

The first runner-up, Charmaine Mhlongo is from the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality and the second runner-up is Glacia Mbatsane from the Nkomazi Local Municipality.

Mpumalanga Mirror had an exclusive interview with the newly-crowned queen:

What was your reaction when your name was announced as the queen?
“My raw reaction to hearing my name being announced as the newly-crowned Miss Mpumalanga, I was in complete disbelief. I mean every girl that was there, was deserving of being crowned, however, what a privilege it is to have been chosen and called to carry this crown. Leadership is a calling, ngizimisele to be the best version of myself as uMiss Mpumalanga 2025.”

As an MER Ambassador whose mission is tackling issues of irresponsible gambling and alcohol abuse, how do you think you will you fair out?
“I promise to be a vessel of transformation, serving the community of the people and carry on the amazing work that the MER has been doing for the people of Mpumalanga. This journey is bigger than me, it’s about touching lives, creating opportunities, and leaving a legacy of hope.”

Was this the first pageant you entered?
“I actually entered the very first Miss Teen Volksrust in 2016. I wasn’t even eligible due to my age, but because of the low number of applicants, they allowed me to compete and I was proudly crowned the first Miss Teen Volksrust. Since then, I haven’t entered any other pageants, making this my first pageant of such prestige. So this is a milestone for me.”

Among the projects you’ll be handling, is the Ntombazana Pads Campaign, what’s your view on it?
It is a powerful movement and initiative founded by Mam’Gugu Nyarenda, embodying leadership and the call to be the change you wish to see. It plays a vital role in restoring the dignity of young girls and breaking the stigma around menstruation by tackling period poverty. As long as sanitary pads remain inaccessible to many, this initiative will continue to be essential in both society and pageantry.”

What is your view on Gender Based Violence and Femicide?
“President Cyril Ramaphosa declared it the country’s second pandemic, I think the justice system isn’t doing enough to intervene to hold perpetrators accountable. However, with Mpumalanga’s launch of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Council is a crucial step in fighting the rising cases of GBV. During my reign, I hope to be part of the change, raising awareness, amplifying survivors’ voices, and working towards a future where women and girls feel safe, heard and protected. This fight is personal, and it’s one we must all take on together.”

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The awarding ceremony was held yesterday, March 18, at the University of Mpumalanga in Mbombela. This initiative aims to empower young entrepreneurs in the tourism sector by providing financial assistance and resources to stimulate innovation, create jobs, and promote sustainable business growth.

READ | Winter tourism campaign kicks off

The funding recipients were selected after a rigorous pitching session. Young entrepreneurs showcased their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges.

MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative. “As a provincial government, in partnership with the NYDA, we have planted a seed that will change things for the better for our youth involved in the tourism industry. I am thrilled to award R3.5 million in funding to 24 successful youth businesses.”

READ MORE | Fikani Tourism Fair

Masilela emphasised the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs, particularly in the tourism sector. “We wanted to assist these young people’s businesses to sustain growth and expand their operations. We are positively responding to the high level of unemployment among the youth.”

NYDA Board member, Thulisa Ndlela, also commended the initiative. “The duty that you are undertaking is a national duty, and it will not be an easy journey. Creating a business that provides employment opportunities for your peers is a national duty.”

The Mpumalanga Tourism Youth Fund was launched in September 2024 at Manyeleti Nature Reserve, with the goal of uniting diverse partners from government and beyond to drive tourism development and youth empowerment in the province.

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