Voices of Impact: Stories from Changemakers & Trailblazers
Soweto Tourism Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence and Innovation in Township Tourism
Soweto Tourism Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence and Innovation in Township Tourism
The Soweto Tourism Awards, held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, showcased the best of Soweto’s vibrant and ever-evolving tourism industry. The event brought together key players from various sectors, highlighting the significance of township tourism in driving economic growth and fostering cultural preservation. Entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and government officials gathered to celebrate excellence and recognize those making an impact in this dynamic sector.
Honoring the Stories of Soweto
Ernest Jr Thamane, founder of Unpolished Pixels, emphasized the importance of documenting Soweto’s business landscape through multimedia. His company provides services such as videography, photography, web design, and social media marketing to capture the essence of local businesses. “Tourism in Soweto is a beautiful experience that invites people to see the township for what it truly is. Digital platforms allow us to share these stories with a global audience, ensuring that the rich culture of Soweto is never forgotten,” he said.
Tamani also called for stronger collaborations between local creatives and tourism businesses, citing culturally rich spaces like Sawubona Music Jamz and historically significant sites like Vilakazi Street as crucial storytelling hubs.
A Unique Township Tourism Experience
An attendee at the awards highlighted the diverse experiences available in Soweto beyond its historical significance. “Township tourism is vibrant and ever-evolving. From birdwatching to exploring the vast culinary offerings, visitors get an authentic taste of Soweto beyond what’s usually perceived,” they said. The vast range of food options, spanning various cultures and cuisines, remains a major draw for tourists, and continued marketing efforts are essential to keep this sector thriving.
Empowering Entrepreneurs in Township Tourism
Among the nominees was Dipuo Maloi, founder of the clothing brand Yummy Mommy, who expressed her gratitude for the recognition. “Being nominated is a huge motivation. As a female entrepreneur in Soweto, this award proves that my hard work is paying off,” she shared. Maloi also highlighted the financial challenges township entrepreneurs face, emphasizing the need for greater access to funding and sponsorship opportunities.
Maloi’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs was clear: “Have an ‘I can do it’ attitude. Push yourself, believe in your dreams, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t succeed.”
The Role of SATOVITO in Promoting Township Tourism
Thulani Nzima, Chairman of the South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO), underscored the organization’s mission. “SATOVITO was created to advocate for township tourism businesses and ensure they receive the support they need to thrive,” he stated. The association aims to provide structure and a unified voice for township entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses.
The Impact of the Soweto Tourism Awards
Soweto Tourism Chairman, Thato Mothupeng, emphasized the significance of recognizing businesses contributing to the township economy. “These awards encourage excellence and motivate entrepreneurs to offer even better services. Past winners have experienced increased business opportunities and recognition, which translates into job creation and economic growth,” he said.
Mothupeng also stressed the importance of marketing township tourism more effectively. “We must identify and promote the incredible services young black entrepreneurs are providing. The more we package and promote these experiences, the greater the support they will receive,” he added.
Government’s Commitment to Growing Township Tourism
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Makhotso Magdeline “Maggie” Sotyu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to grading establishments in Soweto ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit in November 2025. “Tourists want to experience authentic food and accommodation, but they also need quality assurance. Grading establishments will help visitors make informed choices,” she said.
She further stressed the need for increased awareness of government funding opportunities. “We must ensure that small businesses in the tourism sector have access to financial support. The current requirements need to be revised to make funding more accessible,” she stated.
Soweto Kota Festival: A Winning Example
One of the night’s biggest winners was the Soweto Kota Festival, which took home the award for Best Event. Lesego Tshite, the festival’s acting operations manager, expressed immense pride in the achievement. “Winning this award means more opportunities and more jobs created. The Kota Festival has grown into a massive platform, bringing together food lovers from across South Africa,” she shared.
The festival, which has been running for eight years, has not only celebrated the iconic township dish but has also provided employment for nearly 200 people in the past two years. Tshite emphasized the need for more funding and government recognition for township events. “Food tourism is a major industry, and the Kota Festival has proven to be an essential part of the township economy. We need the tourism sector to invest in these types of initiatives,” she added.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Soweto Tourism Awards reinforced the township’s status as a thriving tourism destination driven by entrepreneurial spirit, cultural pride, and innovation. As Soweto prepares to welcome international visitors for the G20 Summit, stakeholders must work together to ensure sustainable growth and continued investment in the township’s tourism industry.
From the resilient entrepreneurs to the vibrant tourism businesses, the Soweto Tourism Awards celebrated the township’s unique identity and its invaluable contribution to South Africa’s tourism landscape. The message was clear: township tourism is not just about history—it’s about the present and future of a community that continues to thrive against all odds.
Building a Fashion Empire: An Exclusive Interview with Musa Simka
Building a Fashion Empire: An Exclusive Interview with Musa Simka
At Township Impact Hive, we celebrate and amplify the voices of township entrepreneurs who are making an impact. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Musa Simka, a talented fashion entrepreneur whose clothing brand is making waves in the industry. Musa shares his journey along with his partner Hloni Mukansi, challenges, and the inspiration behind their brand, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
A Passion for Fashion and a Purpose to Inspire
Musa Simka’s journey into the world of fashion is deeply rooted in his natural talent and passion for art. “What inspired me to start my business is my God-given talent,” he explains. “I’ve always been gifted when it comes to art and design, so I decided to start my own clothing brand.”
Beyond creating stylish clothing, Musa sees his brand as a platform to inspire young people in his community. “I wanted to show other kids that you can do anything you set your mind to. If you have a passion for something, go for it.”
Staying Innovative in a Fast-Paced Industry
The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and staying relevant requires adaptability. Musa emphasizes the importance of consistency and staying ahead of trends. “To remain innovative, you have to stay consistent. You need to know what’s trending and what’s new. I follow social media trends and observe what’s happening in the streets to ensure my designs are fresh and relevant.”
Overcoming Challenges in Entrepreneurship
Like many entrepreneurs, Musa has faced significant challenges, particularly when it comes to dealing with customers and pricing. “One of the biggest struggles has been dealing with clients who don’t want to pay the full price,” he shares. “Some people expect discounts or even free products, which is bad for business, even when they claim to support you.”
To navigate this challenge, Musa has adopted a strategic approach. “I try to work with clients who don’t have a personal connection to me. This helps maintain professionalism and ensures that my work is valued for its true worth.”
Defining Success and Future Aspirations
For Musa, success is not just about financial gain—it’s about growth and impact. “I measure success by the growth of my business. When I reach a point where I can hire people, that means my brand is expanding. It’s not just about making money; it’s about showcasing my talent to the world.”
Looking ahead, Musa envisions taking his brand to a global stage. “I want to grow beyond South Africa. I dream of having my designs recognized in countries like China and Japan. My goal is to make my brand internationally known.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Musa’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: “Don’t give up. Everything has its own time. Keep pushing, stay consistent, and trust the process.”
He also emphasizes the role of marketing in business success. “I’ve used social media marketing to reach people beyond my neighborhood. By investing in quality materials and ensuring customer satisfaction, I’ve been able to build a loyal customer base.”
Conclusion
Musa Simka’s journey is a testament to the power of talent, resilience, and vision. His story serves as an inspiration for young entrepreneurs looking to break into the fashion industry or any other creative field. With his dedication and innovative approach, Musa is set to leave a lasting impact on township entrepreneurship and beyond.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities, only on Township Impact Hive!