A warm welcome to new members!
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Monthly Update from the Chair Chairperson’s Letter: Every Story Matters| Susan Marais
Earlier this month, the Tshwane Tourism Association was invited to a special afternoon at the Voortrekker Monument, a rare opportunity to hear the stories behind one of our city’s most visited landmarks.
What stood out most was not only the view from the top, but the story of growth, innovation and community behind it. It’s a reminder that every tourism product in our city has a story to tell, one that connects people and creates shared understanding when told with authenticity and heart.
A few days later, we gathered again, this time at the Pioneer’s Museum, for the City of Tshwane Tourism Development Forum, where stakeholders shared progress, challenges and ideas for building a thriving tourism ecosystem. The City outlined several bold priorities for the future: inner-city revitalisation, township experiences, signature events, empowerment programmes for youth and importantly, a renewed focus on safety as a foundation for tourism growth.
Safety remains one of the most important enablers of visitor confidence. I want to encourage all members to take part in the Safest Capital Campaign by signing up your teams on the CASI Safety App, helping to make Pretoria not only beautiful and welcoming, but also the safest capital city in the world. To get started, please contact the TTA office for assistance, we are standing by!
The Forum also highlighted key traveller trends shaping our market, including the rise of digital nomads, bleisure travel, and the growing experience economy, where travellers seek deeper, more meaningful connections through storytelling, culture and engagement. To help members and their teams adapt to this shift, TTA has partnered with the Adventure Institute to offer a practical one-day workshop on The Future of Hospitality. It’s a wonderful opportunity to build skills and align with what travellers are looking for today.
As we enter the final stretch of the year, I encourage you to keep telling your story, at your reception desk, at your events, and at the upcoming Tshwane Tourism Showcase, where exhibition bookings are now open. Come share your work, your impact, your voice, because every story contributes to the bigger story of our beautiful city.
The year isn’t over yet, so hang in there. Keep sharing, keep serving, and keep believing in the power of connection. I’m incredibly proud of the engagement and energy shown by our members this year. Together, we are writing a story worth celebrating.
With appreciation and anticipation,
Susan Marais
Chairperson, Tshwane Tourism Association
Enrol Now: Event Architecture Principles of Event Management in Practice Course
Enrol Now: Event Architecture Principles of Event Management in Practice Course
Are you ready to elevate your event management skills to a professional standard? The Event School of Southern Africa is now accepting enrolments for the next intake of the 6-month, online “Event Architecture: Principles of Event Management in Practice” course for working professionals.
The upcoming intake begins on 2 March 2026, with enrolments closing mid-February 2026 or once all seats are filled, so don’t delay!
This comprehensive online programme is designed to equip learners with 31 key competencies and 76 essential skillsets in professional event management. Whether you’re already in the industry or looking to formalize your expertise, this course will help you plan and deliver events that stand out for their excellence and impact.
Special Offer for TTA Members
Tshwane Tourism Association members in good standing qualify for a 10% preferred member discount using promotion code TTAC3, a professional courtesy saving for qualifying applicants.
Scholarship Opportunities
A limited number of partial scholarships are also available, supported by the Gauteng Conventions & Events Bureau. To apply for a scholarship, contact Lashika Chinsamy, Course Coordinator, at lashika@eventschool.co.za.
This course is ideal for:
- Venue teams planning to host their own events
- Event professionals seeking to enhance their practical expertise
- Individuals passionate about building a career in event management
At the Event School, age or experience is not a barrier, it’s all about passion, commitment, and mastering the craft of event management.
Secure your seat today and join the new generation of event professionals, trained the right way!
Visit www.eventschool.co.za to learn more and apply.
Don’t Miss Out on a Christmas Lunch Feast & Early Bird Festive Rates
Celebrate this festive season in true holiday spirit with a special Christmas Lunch Feast at one of Tshwane’s beautiful countryside venues. Enjoy the warmth of good company, delicious food, and scenic surroundings the perfect way to end the year on a joyful note.
Guests will be welcomed with a refreshing fruit punch on arrival, followed by a harvest table filled with favourites such as buffalo wings, bruschetta, artisanal breads, and Mediterranean salads. For the main course, indulge in honey-glazed gammon, slow-cooked lamb casserole, baked stuffed chicken, and a variety of hearty sides that capture the flavour of the season.
No festive celebration would be complete without dessert, from chocolate brownies and marble cake to a traditional Christmas trifle and a decadent chocolate fountain served with marshmallows and fresh fruit.
Families are in for a treat with live entertainment and fun activities for kids, making it an experience everyone will remember.
Lunch will be served from 11:00 – 15:00
R400 per adult | R200 per child (under 12)
Bookings are essential – Reserve your spot early (events@ritsakogl.co.za) to take advantage of exclusive festive rates and ensure your seat at this unforgettable dining experience.
For more information visit www.ritsakogamelodge.co.za
Make this Christmas one to remember, surrounded by nature, laughter, and great food.
Host Your Next Event in Style at The Blades Hotel
Looking for an elegant venue that blends professionalism with natural tranquility? The Blades Hotel, set in the peaceful bushveld along the Roodeplaat Dam, offers exceptional conference and catering facilities tailored to meet your every need.
Whether you’re planning a half-day meeting, full-day seminar, or an all-inclusive 24-hour conference package, The Blades provides a sophisticated environment that inspires productivity and relaxation.
The hotel features versatile indoor venues and picturesque outdoor spaces — ideal for team-building sessions, private celebrations, and corporate events. As the year draws to a close, it’s also the perfect destination for your year-end functions or awards ceremonies, surrounded by nature’s calm and outstanding service.
Book your next event today!
Email: info@theblades.co.za
Call: 012 161 0802/3 (Ask for Sales)
Take Your Team to New Heights This Year-End!
Wrap up the year with a sunrise adventure your team will never forget.
Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris invites companies and corporate groups to celebrate success and teamwork with a truly uplifting experience: a hot air balloon flight over the magnificent Magalies River Valley.
Enjoy pre-flight coffee and hot chocolate at dawn, followed by a peaceful one-hour flight with your colleagues, ending with a glass of sparkling wine and a full English breakfast served at the Clubhouse Pavilion overlooking the Magalies Mountains.
For a limited time, discounted group rates are available for corporate, team-building, and incentive bookings on select weekday dates before mid-December 2025.
This is your chance to swap the boardroom for the big blue sky and reward your team with an unforgettable experience that’s both thrilling and classy.
Perfect for:
- Year-End Functions
- Corporate Incentives
- Team-Building Adventures
- Client Appreciation Events
To book visit www.balloon.co.za
Limited weekday availability – book early to secure your preferred date!
Celebrate Your Team in Style This Year-End Season
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your team’s hard work, celebrate shared accomplishments, and look forward to new beginnings. Treat your colleagues to a well-deserved year-end function filled with laughter, good food, and festive spirit.
Enjoy a 3-course set buffet menu designed to delight every guest, featuring hearty favourites such as lasagne, roasted chicken, beef, and seasonal vegetables, followed by classic desserts like tiramisu and chiacchiere.
Each guest will be welcomed with a complimentary Christmas cracker and a refreshing Martini Fiero & Tonic, setting the tone for a relaxed and joyful gathering.
Available October – December 2025
Only R390 per person (Minimum of 30 guests)
Décor available on request
For more information visit www.vsg.co.za
Make this year-end celebration one to remember, filled with flavour, laughter, and togetherness.
Growth Through Storytelling – Lessons from the Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument stands not only as an architectural landmark but as a living example of continuous growth and adaptation in tourism. After facing a deeply challenging period during and after COVID-19, the team behind the monument undertook in-depth visitor research, reconnected with tour operators and trade partners, and reimagined how their heritage story could connect with modern travellers.
The result is remarkable. The site now welcomes more than 70 000 visitors a year, with another 45 000 people attending markets, festivals and events on the surrounding grounds. It’s a story of perseverance, teamwork and a willingness to keep earning their place in the hearts of visitors, rather than relying on reputation alone.
The lesson for all of us in tourism is clear: a good story is never finished. Success requires constant reflection, adaptation and hard work. Whether you run a guesthouse, manage a museum, or operate a tour company, your story grows stronger every time you listen, learn and refresh your approach.
The Voortrekker Monument’s success is proof that when we understand our visitors and continue to innovate, we create experiences that stand the test of time.
Discover Luxury and Festivity at Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate
This season, one of Tshwane’s most celebrated destinations, Kievits Kroon, is unveiling a series of exciting updates and offers, from newly renovated luxury suites to elegant conferencing packages and festive dining experiences. Here’s what guests can look forward to when visiting this stunning estate.
Newly Renovated African Suites
Kievits Kroon has officially introduced its newly renovated African Suites, formerly known as the Zulu Huts. These six suites have been beautifully reimagined to offer a more luxurious and modern accommodation experience, while still embracing the vibrant design and bold character of Africa.
Each suite features a refreshed room layout, upgraded facilities, and private terraces overlooking a signature African fountain, creating the perfect balance of comfort and cultural elegance.
Rates start from R3 650 per night for two guests, including breakfast.
For bookings and enquiries, contact info@kievitskroon.co.za or call 012 819 8600.
You can also book directly via www.kievitskroon.co.za/hotel.
Explore more at www.kievitskroon.co.za.
Vintage Overnight Package
- Single Occupancy – R4 750 per person
- Sharing – R3 570 per person
Available for a minimum of 10 guests, with venue capacities varying per option.
For more details, view the full package brochure here.
Bookings and enquiries can be made via info@kievitskroon.co.za or by calling +27 12 819 8600.
Celebrate the Season with the Celebration Table Buffet Lunch
End the year on a high note with Kievits Kroon’s Celebration Table Buffet Lunch — a festive feast filled with delicious flavours, cheerful décor, and holiday music. Perfect for family gatherings, corporate year-end lunches, or festive celebrations with friends.
Offer Details:
- Christmas-themed Carvery Buffet
- Festive cocktail on arrival
- Holiday music and décor
- R650 per person
- Available from 01 November to 16 December 2025
- Lunch served from 12:00 – 15:00
Bookings are essential. Contact info@kievitskroon.co.za or call +27 12 819 8600.
For more special offers, visit www.kievitskroon.co.za/offers.
Escape the Ordinary: A Christmas Lunch Feast in the Heart of the Bushveld
Tired of the same traditional Christmas dinner in the same four walls? This year, swap the tinsel for tamboti trees and the carols for the call of the wild. Kwalata Game Lodge invites you and your family to an unforgettable festive experience with their Christmas Lunch 2025: Buffet in the Bushveld.
Imagine celebrating the most wonderful time of the year under the vast African sky, surrounded by the serene beauty of the bush. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a full-sensory escape, a chance to create new holiday traditions that are as unique and vibrant as South Africa itself.
A Festive Feast for Every Palate
Kwalata’s culinary team has crafted a sumptuous buffet that perfectly blends classic festive flavours with exciting, contemporary twists. Your Christmas journey begins with a selection of fresh and inventive salads, including a Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad, a refreshing Peach and Prawn Pasta Salad, and a truly unique Summer Strawberry & Biltong Salad that celebrates local produce.
For the main event, prepare to be delighted by a magnificent spread. Carve yourself a slice of succulent Roast Beef in a rich Red Wine and Balsamic Jus or indulge in the sweet and savoury perfection of Orange and Honey Glazed Gammon. For those seeking a touch of spice, the Mild Thai Chicken Curry with Sambals offers a deliciously exotic alternative.
These magnificent mains are accompanied by a symphony of sides: a creamy and comforting Potato Bake, fragrant Moroccan Rice, Green Beans & Mushrooms, Savoury Spinach, and a festive Cranberry Butternut that brings a burst of colour and flavour to your plate.
No Christmas feast is complete without dessert, and Kwalata’s selection is a sweet finale indeed. Delight in warm Apple Crumble with Ice-cream, a slice of moist Carrot Cake, or a delicate Mini Pavlova topped with fresh Fruit Salad.
The Ultimate Christmas Getaway
Event: Christmas Lunch Buffet in the Bushveld
Date: 25 December 2025
Time: 12:00 – 14:00
Venue: Kwalata Game Lodge
Pricing:
R520 per adult
R260 per child (3-12 years)
With its stunning setting, incredible food, and family-friendly atmosphere, Kwalata Game Lodge offers the perfect solution to a stress-free Christmas. Leave the cooking, cleaning, and hassle behind and focus on what truly matters: joy, connection, and celebration.
Spaces for this magical bushveld Christmas are limited. Booking is essential to secure your spot at this festive table.
Contact Kwalata Game Lodge today to make your reservation:
Phone: +27(0) 10 007 3749 / 064 753 5068
Email: info@kwalata.co.za
Website: www.kwalata.co.za
Make this Christmas one for the storybooks. Join us at Kwalata for a feast in the bushveld
Just 1 Month Left to Grab This Epic Deal!
Adventure lovers, the clock’s ticking! You’ve got ONE month to lock in our Mid-Week Team Building & School Outing Special before it’s gone. Round up your crew and swing into unforgettable treetop fun at HALF the price!
- 50% Off Team Buildings, School Outings & Year-End Functions
- 2 hours of pure adventure and laughter
- Valid for Mid-Week bookings only (Wed–Fri)
- Open Mon & Tue for groups of 25+ participants on request
- Offer ends 30 November 2025
Don’t let this adventure slip away – gather your team, your class or your colleagues and experience the ultimate outdoor challenge!
Book now with  promo code: AcroMad50 and #GETHOOKED at Acrobranch!
For more information VISIT, | Tel: 021 201 1121 | Email: rbodenstein28@gmail.com
Tshwane Tourism Development Forum – Building Together
At this month’s Tourism Development Forum, hosted at the Pioneer’s Museum, city officials and tourism stakeholders came together to explore ways of working more closely for the benefit of our destination.
The City’s presentation highlighted several game changers on the horizon:
- Establishing a Bid Fund for business events (MICE)
- Inner City Revitalisation and improved public spaces
- A Market Intelligence Hub linking academia and industry
- Township and niche tourism developmen
- Signature events that invite private-sector collaboration
- Empowerment programmes for youth, women and people living with disabilities
They also reflected on key traveller trends shaping our market: the rise of digital nomads, meaningful experiences, and the Bleisure blend of business and leisure. These insights reaffirm that Tshwane is well-positioned to grow as a city of innovation, education and diplomacy.
The tone of the meeting was encouraging, open, collaborative and future focused. Tourism has been acknowledged as a key priority for Tshwane’s growth, and the City thanked the TTA for its ongoing partnership, initiatives and leadership.
We strongly encourage our members to attend future Tourism Development Forum meetings. It’s the best way to stay informed, make your voice heard and ensure our collective experience continues to shape the city’s tourism journey. Together, we can keep building, steadily, creatively and with purpose.
Final Weeks to See the 2025 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition at Pretoria Art Museum!
There are just two weeks left to immerse yourself in the creativity of South Africa’s emerging artistic talent! The 2025 Sasol New Signatures Visual Arts Exhibition is on display at the Pretoria Art Museum until Sunday, 2 November 2025.
This prestigious exhibition showcases the work of all 103 finalists, including the celebrated Top 7 award winners.
Celebrating the Winners
This year’s competition was a stunning display of diverse mediums and powerful concepts. The top honours were awarded to:
- Overall Winner: Juandré van Eck for his ceramic and wood piece, Cycles of the mind. The 25-year-old honours student from Nelson Mandela University takes home R100,000 and a solo exhibition at the museum in 2026.
- Runner-Up: Thabo Treasure Mofokeng for his poignant acrylic painting, Still Standing, which celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. He receives R25,000.
- Merit Award Winners: Five artists each received R10,000 for their exceptional work:
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- Tammy Lee Baikie (Book worms, mixed media)
- Beck Glass (Sell – Fish, etching)
- Snelihle Asanda Maphumulo (Ngaphansi kwesithunzi sakhe, sheep hide on canvas)
- Vian Roos (*2916*, cotton thread)
- Sarah Volker (Taut, tethered and torn, ballet tights, stones and cement blocks)
Don’t miss this final opportunity to witness the future of South African art. For more information, visit www.sasolsignatures.co.za or follow @sasolnewsignatures on Instagram.
Other Must-See Exhibitions at the Museum
Your visit to the Pretoria Art Museum offers a chance to explore several other compelling exhibitions:
- Solo Exhibition: Augury After Autogogues by Miné Kleynhans
(Until 2 Nov | South Gallery)
A playful and satirical exploration of “personal truth” and speculative mysticism from the winner of the 2024 Sasol New Signatures. - Group Exhibition: Shadows and Mirrors by Thomas Masingi & Neo Mlangeni
(Until 18 Jan 2026 | East Gallery)
A powerful exhibition of photography, video, and multimedia that investigates identity and gender. Join artist Thomas Masingi for a workshop, Art Making as a Conversation with the Self, on 15 November. - Permanent Collections: Be sure to also visit the Corobrik Ceramic Collection in the Ceramic Gallery and A Story of South African Art in the Albert Werth Hall.
Exciting Forthcoming Workshops
Get creative this November with our hands-on workshops:
- 1 Nov: Holiday Edition – Make Your Own Ornaments (10:00-12:00)
- 8 Nov: Protea Paper Flower Workshop (10:00-14:00)
Bookings: Contact Melissa Lindeque at 012 358 6749 or melissal@tshwane.gov.za
Pretoria Art Museum Details:
Cnr Francis Baard & Wessels Streets, Arcadia Park, Arcadia
Open: Tue-Sun, 10:00-17:00 | Closed: Mondays & Public Holidays
Admission: Adults R30 | Pensioners & Students R15 | Learners R10 (Cash only)
Contact: 012 358 6750 | art.museum@tshwane.gov.za
Reconnect. Rejuvenate. Reward Yourself – Only at Mangwanani African Spa
Step into a world of pure indulgence at Mangwanani African Spa, South Africa’s premier destination for luxury pampering and authentic African wellness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a corporate event, or simply taking time to unwind, Mangwanani offers the perfect escape designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
At Mangwanani, every experience is infused with the rich spirit of African heritage. Enjoy award-winning full- and half-day spa packages featuring authentic African-inspired therapies and massages, designed to restore balance and serenity. With stunning locations across South Africa, from tranquil riverside retreats to chic urban escapes, each visit promises a unique and unforgettable experience.
Looking for the perfect gift? Mangwanani’s gift vouchers are ideal for spoiling someone special. The spa also caters to custom group bookings and team-building experiences, with the option of bringing the spa experience directly to your venue.
Thousands have already discovered the magic of Mangwanani. Isn’t it time you did too?
Mangwanani River Valley: 010 822 8539
Mangwanani Royal Elephant: 012 658 8000
Call now to book your appointment
For more information, visit www.mangwanani.co.za
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