Author: Chukwu Godlove

Mavinga — The Minister of Tourism, Márcio Daniel, on Friday defended the need to reduce bureaucracy in the business environment in Cuando province in order to speed up private investment in the region. Speaking to the press at the end of a visit to Cuando province, the minister said that tourism in the region has great potential to boost the development of different segments of the national economy, especially agriculture, security, health and commerce. The minister defended the need to work harder at the local level to remove all the red tape that hinders private sector investment. “We have met…

Posted on 12 March 2025 The announcement of a VAT increase in the 2025 Budget, presented on March 12 by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, has disappointed tourism stakeholders, according to TravelNews. While the increase—rising in two phases to reach 16% by 2026/27—adds financial strain to the sector, the government’s commitment to infrastructure investment offers a silver lining. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. (Picture: Phando Jikelo / RSA Parliament) Godongwana revealed that public infrastructure spending over the next three years would exceed R1 trillion, with 77% allocated to transport, logistics, energy, and water and sanitation. FEDHASA Chairperson Rosemary Anderson emphasized that improved…

Kenya’s experience can help countries balance practical realities with Africa’s goal of open borders and regional connections. In January 2024, Kenya announced it would become a visa-free country for African visitors, as a step towards open borders and regional integration. However, as with many ambitious policies, the challenge lay in execution. Instead of abolishing visa requirements altogether, Kenya introduced an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system to modernise entry into the country by enhancing accessibility and security. But instead, the process became a bureaucratic obstacle, complicating travel for many. Kenya’s experience exemplifies how well-intended policies can falter without clear communication, stakeholder…

Famous for its beaches, lagoons and perfect weather, Mauritius has become a top holiday destination for travellers trying to live the island life without breaking the bank. What a lot of people neglect is the fact that the island has an equally impressive mountainous interior due to its volcanic history, and places like the Black River Gorges National Park are great for exploring rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and seeing wildlife. We’ve got a great list of things to do in Mauritius to make the most of your time on the magnificent island. 1. Black River Gorges National Park Picture: Preston…

Africa’s enchanting landscapes have long captivated explorers and tourists. From the sweeping savannas to lush rainforests and desert dunes, the continent offers travelers a tantalizing array of wildlife experiences. In recent years, sustainable safari travel has become increasingly important to protect these ecosystems and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism. Safari trips can be life-changing, offering the opportunity to see Africa’s most iconic animals—from lions and elephants to zebras and giraffes—in their natural habitats. Yet, with this privilege comes responsibility. Overcrowded parks, unethical animal encounters, and unchecked tourism can harm wildlife populations and damage local communities. By adopting a…

LILONGWE, Malawi — A Malawian court has ruled that self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, be extradited to South Africa to face charges including fraud, money laundering, and violation of bail conditions.The Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe delivered the ruling on Wednesday, marking a significant development in the protracted legal saga involving the couple. The Bushiris fled South Africa in November 2020 while out on bail, citing safety concerns, and have since resisted extradition efforts.South African authorities have accused the couple of defrauding followers of their Enlightened Christian Gathering Church of approximately R102 million through purported investment…

When you head to the Overberg, you’ll have heard of Hermanus as the ‘Whale watching capital of the world’ and that Gansbaai on the other end of the bay is the ‘shark-cage diving capital of the world.’ Situated between these two towns, Stanford has created a destination not tied to the comings and goings of marine life, which seem to be too easily scurried away by a marauding pair of orcas going by the names of Port and Starboard. Instead, Stanford invites you to do exactly what it has been doing while its neighbours became frantically concerned with being capitals…

Nairobi — Cabinet has approved a set of new initiatives aimed at enhancing the tourism sector, focusing on improving competitiveness, sustainability, and attracting more international visitors. This includes scaling up eco-tourism, expanding community-based tourism, and enhancing Kenya’s international profile, particularly in the U.S. and China. With cruise tourism increasing by 163.5 percent, the government plans significant investments in port facilities. Additionally, the cabinet contends that domestic tourism remains strong, with a 12 percent rise in bed-night occupancy recorded in 2024. “The government is committed to fostering sustainable tourism that benefits both the environment and local communities,” read the cabinet dispatch…

In most places, the way of water is predictable – it rains, rivers swell, and then things dry up. However, the Okavango Delta doesn’t play by those rules. Here, the floodwaters arrive when the land is at its thirstiest, transforming the Kalahari’s bone-dry floodplains into a labyrinth of channels and islands. This seasonal ebb and flow dictates everything – where the animals go, how you explore, and, ultimately, the best time to visit the Okavango Delta. But before you start circling dates on your calendar, let’s break down what each season brings to the table.Gliding on a mokoro is the…

Are you a digital storyteller or on the path towards becoming one? GoLive! with Orms, taking place in Cape Town on 14 & 15 March, offers hands-on access to the latest gear and activations from industry giants like Canon, Sony, Nikon, and DJI, as well as on-one-one opportunities to meet and mingle with SA’s top content creators, and the chance to WIN big!  The one-of-a-kind Content Creator showcase is a playground where where creativity meets the latest in photography, videography, and cinematography. Guests get to trry out the hottest gear before anyone else, learn insider tips from industry pros &…