Limpopo routes development convention concludes in Hoedspruit

Limpopo routes development convention concludes in Hoedspruit

The Limpopo Tourism Agency concluded its two-day routes development convention held in Hoedspruit under the Maruleng Local Municipality. 

The event was for different stakeholders in the torsion industry to have robust discussions on opportunities and concerns affecting the industry. The main focus is on routes that are utilized by the tourism sector. 

Tsheko Musolwa, Rodgers Monama, Andrew Dipela and Moses Ngobeni
Tsheko Musolwa, Rodgers Monama, Andrew Dipela and Moses Ngobeni at Limpopo routes development convention concludes in Hoedspruit

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It was attended by amongst others the MEC for LEDET, Rodgers Monama, Mayor of Maruleng Municipality, Cllr. Tsheko Musolwa. Chairperson of LTA Board Andrew Dipela, and members of the Board. Acting HOD of LEDET Matodzi Rathumbu, CEO of LTA Moses Ngobeni drivers of the tourism industry. 

MEC Rodgers Monama addresses Limpopo routes development convention concludes 

“Since my appointment as the MEC for Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), I emphasized the importance of resuscitating the routes we have in the province. But also to develop new ones in other parts of the province for purposes of balancing the geographic spread of tourists in the province,” said MEC for LEDET Rodgers Monama during the opening speech.

“Limpopo has distinguished itself as an investment destination for many and we, therefore, invite others to explore and take full advantage of what Limpopo province has in store. It is an exercise worth undertaking by any investor to take advantage of this massive opportunity.”

A speaker during the Limpopo routes development convention concludes in Hoedspruit

“We welcome the announcement by the Premier of our province Ntate Chupu Stanley Mathabatha that he has instructed the MEC for Transport to initiate negotiations with the parties in the flight industry for the granting of the international airport licence to Hoedspruit Airport. Just a stone throw away from where we are here now.

Also read: Limpopo Tourism Month officially launched

“This is music to our ears as the Department because this airport receives a high number of flights per day. From both O R Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. The positive spin-offs from the international status of this airport outweigh the risks. 

“We are happy that in terms of visitors to the province, Limpopo is doing well. The ball is now in the court of the Limpopo Tourism Agency to make sure that this positive growth is kept on the upward spiral so that it benefits and improve the socio economic conditions of our people, who happen to be Black and poor.”

Limpopo routes development convention concludes in Hoedspruit Small Gallery:

LTA announces the appointment of Moses Ngobeni as the new CEO

LTA announces the appointment of Moses Ngobeni as the new CEO

The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) Board have announced Moses Ngobeni as its new CEO for the next five years starting from the 24th November 2022. The announcement was made on behalf of the LTA Board by the Chairperson Andrew Dipela on Monday.

Dipela emphasized that the Agency has ended the acting capacity of various positions affected by the lack of the CEO in the Agency, which has been its worry for some time.

LTA BOARD DELIGHTED

“We have been with Mr. Ngobeni for twelve (12) months as our Acting CEO and we felt he should be given time to complete what he has started,” he said.

“We are excited to work with him again and optimistic he will take the Agency to greater heights. By ensuring that Limpopo reclaims its highest spot as the most visited destination in the country. It is this extensive experience that Mr. Ngobeni possesses that made us conclude he is the relevant candidate.”

WHO IS MOSES NGOBENI?

Moss Ngobeni is not a newcomer in the tourism circles. He was the first Head of Marketing of the former Northern Province’s Tourism and Parks Board in 1994. He later became Limpopo Tourism and Parks in the advent of democracy until 2004. In the same year, he returned to the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET). This time as a Senior Manager in the tourism wing.

New LTA CEO Moses Ngobeni
New LTA CEO Moses Ngobeni

Mr. Ngobeni will be known for several programmes in the department such as managing, Limpopo Marula Festival. One of the major flagship events of the province. He continues to lead major programmes even amidst the outbreak of Covid-19 such as a recovery plan to assist the tourism sector to be back on its feet again.

“Ngobeni brings with him impeccable experience from various portfolios including his previous position as Director Tourism Planning and Development. His former acting capacity as Interim Chief Executive Officer at the former Northern Province Tourism Board as a marketer and Interim CEO.”

HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Ngobeni as a new CEO holds a variety of qualifications such as BA Degree with the University of Limpopo (Formerly University of the North). Higher Education Diploma from UNISA, Diploma in Economic Development Management, from Galillee College (Israel). Course in Introduction to Marketing Management, from UNISA and Executive Management Programme from Turfloop School of Leadership.

“I am excited to be back here again and wish to thank the LTA Board for believing in me. I will not disappoint, as I know the obligation ahead of me is huge. But I will be with this hard-working team of executives to take this organization to another level. I am also excited that I joined the entity at a better time after the negative impact of COVID-19, which was not only our country’s challenge but a worldwide scourge. With the festive season upon us, and so many massive events taking place in the province. I am confident destination Limpopo can surge through to grab its top spot in the country again,” said Ngobeni. 

Limpopo Tourism Agency Summer campaign 2022 officially launched

Limpopo Tourism Agency Summer campaign 2022 officially launched

The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) successfully launched its summer campaign as an initiative to promote and drive domestic tourism during this festive season. The campaign was launched on the 10th November 2022 at Meloding Guest House, Bela-Bela.

The Agency collaborated with Limpopo Economic Development and Tourism (LEDET), National Department of Tourism (NDT), South African Tourism (SAT), Limpopo Provincial Tourism Association (LPTA) to drive tourism numbers to the province.

LIMPOPO TOURISM AGENCY SUMMER CAMPAIGN

The campaign was officially launched by the MEC of Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Mr. Rodgers Monama. He was supported by the Executive Mayor of Waterberg District Municipality, Cllr, Morris Mataboge, Mayor of Bela-Bela Local Municipality, Cllr. Gloria Seleka. LTA Board Chairperson, Mr. Andrew Dipela and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Limpopo Legislature on Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mr. Donald Selamolela.

Present also was the Chairperson of LPTA, Mr. Gerhard Franken, Acting Head of Department of LEDET, Mr. Matodzi Rathumbu, and LTA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sello Maleka.

Limpopo Tourism Agency Summer campaign 2022 officially launched
Limpopo Tourism Agency Summer campaign 2022 officially launched

“Limpopo province is so rich as it is endowed with minerals, which other people mine but do not benefit. The province also has agriculture and tourism, which is big in the Waterberg District,” said MEC for LEDET, Mr. Rodgers Monama.

COVID-19 IMPACT

“Last year this event coincided with COVID-19 pandemic, Which hit the tourism industry and other related sub-sectors in the tourism value chain. To this end, much effort was and still is required to recover the limping tourism industry.

“The central objective is to increase domestic tourism trips to the province by creating awareness about destination Limpopo. This is further to encourage local citizens to travel and explore various tourism experiences in the province. To ensure that Limpopo is top of mind to all South Africans. As people come to the province in their numbers, that will create employment, to fight poverty and inequality,” he further said.

“The main objective of the campaign will be to position destination Limpopo as a year-round leisure, business, and special interest destination. This has recently been proven when Peter Mokaba Stadium was used as a home ground for Mamelodi Sundowns FC. This was during the 2022 MTN Cup Semi-final game against Orlando Pirates FC whereby the stadium was packed to capacity. That also contributed to tourism and will go down as an historic event in the province. It also boosted our economy benefiting several sectors including informal traders in the province,” Monama said as he concluded.

MEDIA TOUR

The media personalities in attendance were taken to Lerato’s Grill House for a taste of the township tourism experience. The following day they were taken on a tour of two internationally acclaimed attractions.

The first was Nylsvley Nature Reserve. It is a RAMSAR Site with over 390 bird species that annually flock to this wetland. A haven for birds from many parts of the world including Asia and Europe. The second was Makapan’s Valley World Heritage Site, outside Mokopane. This is where the Voortrekkers under Piet Potgieter and the Ndebeles under King Mghombane Gheghana waged war in the 1800’s.