Church Leaders Across Mpumalanga urged to strengthen security measures
September 1, 2025
Mathabatha Steps Down as ANC Limpopo Chair Amid Allegations of Unethical Conduct
September 2, 2025
On Monday, 1 September, Mpumalanga’s MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Ms Jesta Sidell, officially launched the province’s Tourism Month programme at the Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Mbombela. The launch was attended by media houses and broadcast live on social media, allowing thousands to tune in online.
Ms Sidell described the programme as a showcase of Mpumalanga’s “unmatched natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.” Throughout September, residents and visitors can look forward to guided tours, cultural showcases, and nature-based activities. To make the celebrations more inclusive, selected Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) reserves will open their gates free of charge during the month.
Highlighting Mpumalanga’s growing global profile, the MEC confirmed that the province is ready to host the upcoming G20 Tourism Working Group meeting. This international platform, she said, will “place Mpumalanga firmly on the global tourism map and unlock opportunities for growth and investment.”
Feedback shared on the Department’s Facebook page reflected both excitement and frustration. Many applauded the initiative, saying it would boost domestic tourism and create much-needed jobs. Others raised concerns over the state of some tourist sites, illegal mining threatening historic towns like Pilgrim’s Rest, and the absence of a publicly available full programme online.
Community voices called for more transparency and accountability, urging the Department to not only celebrate Tourism Month but also address persistent challenges that hinder the sector’s growth.
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism, however, maintains that Tourism Month is not a ceremonial gesture. “It is about stimulating the economy, creating jobs, and encouraging South Africans to rediscover Mpumalanga — the place of the rising sun,” a spokesperson said.
With a packed programme, global exposure on the horizon, and a renewed focus on inclusivity, September promises to be a defining moment for Mpumalanga’s tourism sector.
