What a month August has been! The 2025 Tshwane Tourism Awards reminded us all why our city and our industry are so special. Congratulations once again to each finalist and category winner! Your commitment to excellence, creativity and care is inspiring.

A heartfelt thank you must also go to our judges who dedicated their time to reading every submission carefully and scoring each one with fairness and integrity. I have to admit I am thankful that we as Tshwane Tourism Association had no part in deciding the winners! Each finalist was incredible and scoring their evidence is not a job for the fainthearted. A huge thank you also to our auditors who reviewed, verified and added up all the judge’s scores. This process will be in place every year and ensures that the awards remain a true reflection of merit and industry best practice.

At the heart of the judging were four key areas of excellence:

• Community Contribution & Sustainability
• Internal Environment & Team Culture
• Industry Collaboration & Engagement
• Business Growth & Improvement

These are not just award criteria – they are goals for us all to pursue in our own businesses. Let’s keep growing in these areas, supporting one another and setting the bar higher for tourism in Tshwane.

Looking ahead, we are excited for the rest of the year. This week we come together for the first annual Tshwane Tourism Golf Day! A day of sunshine, networking and shared purpose as we promote our city together. If you couldn’t join us this year, please make sure you don’t miss next year’s opportunity.

We will also be focusing strongly on training opportunities in the coming months. Investing in our teams is one of the best ways we can strengthen our industry. A highlight on the calendar is the Future of Hospitality Workshop taking place this Saturday, 6 September. There is still time to book! It is designed for everyone from front-of-house to management, and you’ll find more details and a link to book on the training calendar further down in this newsletter.

Tshwane is truly the wildest capital city in the world. The last months of the year are always wildly hectic, but let’s also make them wildly exciting, filled with fun, excellence and purpose.

With appreciation
Susan

The Tshwane Tourism Awards, held on Saturday 16 August at Batter Boys Village, was a glittering celebration of resilience, innovation and excellence in the Capital’s tourism sector. The evening brought together more than 300 entrepreneurs, hoteliers, tour operators, educators, restaurateurs and public leaders in an atmosphere filled with hope and inspiration for the future of tourism in Tshwane.

Chairperson of the Tshwane Tourism Association (TTA), Susan Marais, welcomed esteemed guests with a nostalgic walk down memory lane, reminding everyone of the incredible variety of experiences that Tshwane has to offer: from rich heritage and outdoor adventure to fine dining, world-class conferencing, quality education and outstanding accommodation. She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the TTA Board for their selfless commitment and hard work in serving the Association, which operates as a non-profit organisation.

Master of Ceremonies Janis Ellis, radio presenter and founder of the Fame Factory, guided guests through the programme with flair, while keynote speaker Boshoff Grobler, Chairperson of Heal our Land and co-founder of the Adventure Institute, reminded the industry of the power of intentional experiences. His call to move from serving “that client” to truly honouring “the client” resonated deeply with every professional in the room.

MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Cllr Sarah Mabotsa, also addressed the audience, highlighting tourism as a key driver of Tshwane’s economic revival strategy. She emphasised that the sector not only creates jobs but positions the Capital City as a destination of choice for investors and visitors alike.

The finalists and winners were evaluated on four pillars that are vital to the growth of the industry:

Community Contribution & Sustainability, Internal Environment & Team Culture , Industry Collaboration & Engagement, Business Growth & Improvement

“These principles are more than judging criteria: they are values that must be embedded in the daily life of every tourism business. The TTA is immensely proud that the 2025 finalists not only embraced these values but lived them out in ways that uplift communities, strengthen teams, build partnerships and drive long-term growth.” Said Marais

An esteemed panel of judges, each an expert in their field, ensured that the process was thorough, credible and completely independent. Their knowledge and dedication guaranteed fairness and gave entrants the assurance that recognition was earned with integrity.

The night celebrated the remarkable diversity of Tshwane’s tourism landscape, from grassroots enterprises to five-star hotels, from vibrant local attractions to world-class training providers. Each finalist was proof that the Capital City continues to rise, adapt and inspire.

The awards ceremony was not only about recognising excellence: it was also a reaffirmation of Tshwane’s unique place as a tourism destination with global significance. With an air of hope, inspiration and renewed commitment, the 2025 Tshwane Tourism Awards shone a spotlight on the people and places building the wildest, most wonderful capital city in the world.

2025 Finalists and Winners

• Guesthouse of the Year
  Winner: Noxolo Guesthouse
  Finalists: 137@ Murray Street Guesthouse, Casa Toscana Lodge
• Tour Operator of the Year
  Winner: Ulysses Tours & Safaris CC
  Finalists: Famba Famba Tour Design Specialists, La Luonde Tours
• Restaurant of the Year
  Winner: Capital Craft Beer Academy
  Finalists: Eat In Italian, LeSi Restaurant at Casa Toscana Lodge
• Spa & Wellness Provider of the Year
  Winner: Mangwanani Spa
  Finalists: Incognito Spa and Events Pty Ltd, L’abri Day Spa Pretoria
• Lodge of the Year
  Winner: Kwalata Game Lodge
  Finalists: MELA Luxury Game Lodge, Ritsako Game Lodge
• Supplier of the Year
  Winner: eCom
  Finalists: Albacoxe Productions, Q2B Solutions, Travelex
• Education & Training Provider of the Year
  Winner: The Capital Hotel School and Training Academy
  Finalists: School for the Art and Science of Event Management (by Conference Consultancy South Africa)
• Hotel of the Year
  Winner: Menlyn Boutique Hotel
  Finalists: City Lodge Hotel Hatfield, Garden Court Hatfield, The Maslow Time Square Hotel
• Tourist Attraction of the Year
  Winner: Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris
  Finalists: Acrobranch Adventure Park, Adventure Zone Africa, DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History, Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum, Sundowner Flyfishing Adventures at Oxbow Country Estate, Time Square, Voortrekker Monument
• Conference & Events Venue of the Year
  Winner: Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate
  Finalists: CSIR International Convention Centre, Inani Hotels Morning Star, Menlyn Boutique Hotel, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Southern Sun Pretoria, Sunbet Arena Time Square

In today’s fast-changing experience economy, success in the hospitality and events industry hinges on delivering memorable, high-quality experiences that keep guests engaged and coming back. This course equips you with strategic insights and practical tools to effectively manage, market, and promote hospitality venues and special events.

You’ll explore the core elements of exceptional guest experiences, including innovative event design, customer service excellence, sustainable operations, and brand differentiation. Learn how to maximise your venue’s potential and create unforgettable moments that set your offerings apart.

Whether you’re an event planner, facility manager, entrepreneur, or regularly hosting events, this course will help you lead with creativity, operational efficiency, and a deep understanding of guest expectations in a world where experiences define success.

Who is this for?

• Anyone hosting events, conferences and experiences
• Lodge and hospitality property owners, management and staff
• Adventure centres, school camps, church groups and experiential learning facilitators
• Lodges, guest houses and tour operators
• Companies that offer experiences

Cost: R1500

Address: TBi – Team Building Institute, Diep In Die Berg, Wapadrand, Pretoria

Snacks and light meals will be provided.

Contact us at hello@adventureinstitute.co.za for more information.

More information: Adventure-institute.co.za

September is Tourism Month, and it gives us the perfect opportunity to pause, look back, and celebrate all that we have accomplished together so far this year.

From the start of 2025, our focus has been on progress and partnership. At the Tshwane Showcase, over 60 exhibitors and more than 400 visitors engaged in meaningful conversations, sparking collaborations that strengthen our city’s reputation. Our Tshwane Tourism Guide, with more than 6,000 copies already distributed nationally, continues to put our members on the map — and we look forward to launching a special 25-Year Anniversary edition in 2026.

We’ve also seen the power of strategic partnerships with the City of Tshwane, TMPD and academic institutions, ensuring that tourism has a strong and respected voice in our city. Our GMs meeting at Capital Hotel School delivered practical value with sessions on legal, labour, and AI trends, while campaigns such as the Wildest Capital and Safest Capital continue to position Tshwane as a unique and forward-thinking destination.

And then came the highlight of our year so far — the Tshwane Tourism Awards. More than just an evening of recognition, the awards reignited hope and brought fire back into our hearts. They reminded us that excellence, collaboration and resilience are alive in our city’s tourism industry.

The Tshwane Tourism Golf Day is this week. Once again, it’s all about bringing people together, building relationships, and sparking conversations that matter.

At the heart of tourism lies the gift of relationships: welcoming others, making our own feel at home, and serving both visitors and one another with care. Tourism is not only for the benefit of our guests; it enriches the lives of everyone in our city. Together, we are building a Tshwane that thrives on connection, excellence and a shared sense of purpose, this tourism month and beyond.

It gives us great joy to share that The Capital Hotel School has been awarded Education and Training Provider of the Year at the Tshwane Tourism Awards 2025!

The awards evening, hosted at the beautiful Batter Boys Village, was truly inspiring. It brought together leaders and visionaries from across Tshwane’s dynamic tourism sector – hoteliers, restaurateurs, tour operators, educators, and public representatives – all united under the theme “Tshwane – The Wildest Capital.” The energy and passion in the room reminded us of how far our industry has come, and how much potential lies ahead.

This recognition is not only a reflection of our institution, but of the unwavering dedication of our staff, the passion and determination of our students, and our shared belief that education lies at the heart of shaping the future of tourism and hospitality.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Susan Marais, Chairperson of the Tshwane Tourism Association, for her professionalism, commitment, and unwavering drive to make a difference. Her passion for the tourism sector is evident in everything she does, and her efforts played a vital role in making this event possible. Our thanks also go to every nominee and attendee – your contributions and presence made the evening even more meaningful.

At Capital Hotel School, our mission remains clear: to nurture the next generation of hospitality leaders and equip them with the skills, knowledge, and values to thrive locally and internationally.

This award belongs to all of us, and we are deeply proud of what we have achieved together. Here’s to many more milestones as we continue walking this journey of excellence, side by side.

For more information about Capital Hotel School, please contact us at 0124305539 or visit our website www.capitalhotelschool.co.za

The City of Tshwane is set to host a prestigious Investment Summit on 10 September 2025 at the Capital Menlyn Hotel, where global business and government leaders will converge to explore new opportunities in Africa’s capital of innovation and governance.

The Summit is strategically timed to coincide with the G20 and U20 conferences, taking place in Gauteng, ensuring the presence of influential international delegations. The event will provide a dynamic platform for high-value investment discussions across key sectors, with a strong emphasis on Tourism as one of the city’s three identified pillars for growth.

Tshwane is calling on both public and private sector players to put forward mega investment projects that require international capital support. Projects should demonstrate not only strong commercial viability but also embody principles of inclusivity and transformation. Submissions must align with Tshwane’s broader development goals, empowering youth, women, and local communities, while fostering meaningful private sector participation.

Selected projects will be profiled in an official investment booklet, which will be presented to international investors attending the Summit. Each participating project will also be represented by two executives, who will receive exclusive invitations to the gathering. Attendance will be strictly by invite, with on-site RSVP and security vetting.

The Summit represents a rare opportunity for project owners, entrepreneurs, and investors to engage directly with global decision-makers and position Tshwane as a leading hub for investment in South Africa.

Stakeholders and organisations interested in participating are encouraged to submit their projects using the provided template and seize this opportunity to connect with international capital and strategic partners.

Projects identified for profiling for at the Tshwane Investment Summit https://www.tshwanetourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Projects-identified-for-profiling-for-at-the-Tshwane-Investment-Summit-002.docx

For more information https://www.tshwanetourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/THE-TSHWANE-INVESTMENT-SUMMIT.pptx

The Tshwane Tourism Association is delighted to welcome Sunelle van Heerden to the Board.

Sunelle brings with her a wealth of experience across the marketing, sales, and hospitality sectors. Originally from Barberton and a graduate of Stellenbosch, she has called Pretoria home since 2002.

Her career journey began in the pharmaceutical industry, where she excelled in marketing and sales, before fully transitioning into the hospitality sector in 2010. Since then, she has built a strong reputation in tourism, communication, marketing, sales, and event management.

Currently, Sunelle serves as Business Developer for Hospitality Chatbot Solutions, where she drives innovation in guest engagement through cutting-edge technology. She also supports Inani Hotels as a Marketing Consultant, contributing to brand growth and market presence.

Her combined expertise, passion, and dedication make her a valuable addition to the TTA Board, and we look forward to the insights and innovation she will bring to advancing tourism and hospitality in Tshwane.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Sunelle!

The Tshwane Tourism Association is excited to share that our Chairperson, Susan Marais, has been invited as guest speaker at the upcoming Pretoria Sakekamer monthly networking event on Wednesday, 17 September 2025 at Centurion Golf Club.

The morning will focus on tourism in Tshwane and the unique role our sector plays as part of the broader business community. This is a wonderful opportunity not only to hear more about tourism’s impact but also to connect with fellow business leaders across a wide range of industries.

We are also delighted that Soza Simango, the new Divisional Head of Tourism at the City of Tshwane, will be joining us. Together, we will showcase how collaboration between business and tourism can strengthen our city’s growth and reputation.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Time: 07h45 for 08h00 – 10h00
Venue: Centurion Golf Club, John Vorster Avenue, Centurion
Cost: R200 – R300 per person (depending on membership)

The programme includes time to meet, network, and enjoy coffee and refreshments, followed by a keynote session and more opportunities to connect.

This event is an excellent chance for TTA members to broaden networks, build relationships beyond tourism, and position our industry as a central contributor to Tshwane’s business success.

Book your seat via Quicket to join us in shaping the conversations that matter for our city.  Book tickets for NETWERKGELEENTHEID / NETWORKING EVENT | Pretoria Sakekamer

Spring has arrived in Pretoria, and with it comes fresh air, longer days, and plenty of reasons to get outside and make memories with the people you love. This September, the city is bursting with events. From the Tshwane Tourism Golf Day and Future of Hospitality Training to the Pretoria Skou, Rosemary Hill Spring Fair, and Fijnwyn Innie Lente festival. Whether you’re looking for food, music, family fun, or simply time in nature, there’s something for everyone.

It’s the perfect season to gather friends and family, enjoy good company, and explore the amazing experiences Tshwane has to offer. Tourism is about more than destinations: it’s about connection, joy and creating stories that last.

Members, we’d love to hear from you! Send us your favourite upcoming events so we can feature them each month in our Events Calendar. Together we can inspire locals and visitors alike to discover just how much Pretoria has to offer.

Celebrating Camaraderie and Conservation at Sundowner Fly fishing Adventures at Oxbow Country Estate

Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng – On Saturday, 12 July 2025, the beautiful Sundowner@Oxbow Country Estate (affectionately known as SunOxFishing) hosted 54 fly fishers for the 12th Annual Sundowner Adventures Winter Flyfishing Competition. Held in the frosty yet picturesque Bronkhorstspruit countryside, this flagship event delivered a full day of friendly competition, environmental awareness, and flyfishing excellence. There is a mixture of experienced, and novice fly fishers but no professional or current Protea fishers are allowed as this is an fun amateur competition.

The event is organized by Sundowner Flyfishing Adventures and led by founder Wayne Sinclair, who brings over 30 years of flyfishing experience across Southern Africa.

Each angler’s entry included welcome coffee & muffins, goodie bag, mid-morning snack and a delicious 2 course lunch with the awards. Many of the anglers and partners spent the night before the competition; to enjoy the luxury accommodation and ensure they were ready for the early start the following morning.

“It’s not just a competition,” said Sinclair. “It’s a gathering of passionate anglers who respect nature, share knowledge, and celebrate the sport. The art of fly-fishing attracts a unique array of like-minded folk, and many friendships are cultivated because of this and other events we host”

Competition Format

Competitors, registered upon arrival and were assigned fishing beats by random draw. They rotated through these during the day, testing their skills across a variety of prime and more challenging waters.

The event featured three categories:

• Men’s
• Junior
• Species

Plans are already underway to relaunch the Ladies’ Division in 2026 to further grow participation and inclusivity in the sport.

Notable highlights included the highly anticipated Tagged Trout Cash Prize, along with prizes awarded for:

• Overall Performance
• Most Species Caught
• Largest Trout Landed

Competition Results

Trout Competition – Top 10

• Overall Winner – Walter Keanly (10 Rainbow)
• 1st Runner-Up – Dustin Martin (9 Rainbow)
• 2nd Runner-Up – Ronnie Varkevisser (8 Rainbow)
• 3rd Runner-Up – Matthew Burgess (7 Rainbow)
• 4th Runner-Up – John Kenyon (7 Rainbow)
• 5th Runner-Up – Dylan de Klerk (7 Rainbow)
• 6th Runner-Up – Dale Moore (12 Rainbow)
• 7th Runner-Up – Quinton Marx
• 8th Runner-Up – Wayne Tennant
• 9th Runner-Up – Marc Vicente
• 10th Runner-Up – Calvin Leppan

Junior Competition

• 1st Place – Neil van der Westhuizen

Species Competition

• Winner – Geoff Filby

Largest Trout

• Calvin Leppan – 46.5 cm

Team Competition

• 1st Place – Rolly Pollies
  (Dale Moore, Matt Burgess, Marc Vicente, Gary Cloete)
• 2nd Place – DDD
  (Dustin Martin, Walter Keanly, Trevor Tonkinson, Carlu Swart)

Supporting Conservation

Sundowner Adventures proudly supports:

• Sterkfontein Dam Yellowfish Anti-Poaching Project
• FOSAF Yellowfish Working Group (One Fly Initiative)

Lucky Draw Winners

• Sterkfontein Project: Emron Balich & Darren Ryall
• FOSAF One Fly: Neil van der Berg & Ter Joubert

“Conservation is central to our values,” added Sinclair. “We’re committed to protecting rivers and fish for generations to come.”

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Financial:

• Loves Electrical

Adventure & Accommodation:

• Sundowner Zambezi Lodge
• Ichingo Chobe Island Lodge
• Shearwater Adventures Vic Falls & Explorer Village
• Jozini Tiger Lodge (Dream Resorts)
• Little Switzerland Resort (Dream Resorts)
• Wild Fly Fishing in the Karoo
• Air Ventures Hot Air Balloon Safaris
• Qwantani Resort
• Valley Lodge & Spa Magaliesburg
• Arendnes Vaal Fly Fishing Resort
• Zeekoe Vaal River Fly Fishing Resort
• 26 Degrees South Boho Hotel Muldersdrift
• Shayamanzi Houseboat
• Sundowner Flyfishing Adventures small stream guided trip
• African Fishing Adventure
• Tidal Loops Garden route guided fly fishing

Flyfishing & Outdoor Gear:

• Venture Fly Fishing
• River Gear
• Greys Fly Fishing
• Xplorer Flyfishing
• Scientific Fly
• Solly’s Anglers Corner
• Mia’s Angling & Scuba
• Flyz Inc.

Hospitality & Lifestyle:

• Outdoor Warehouse
• Black Horse Brewery & Distillery
• Gavin Erwin Fly Fishing Art
• Soleo, BA & Betech
• BM Management
• Lunsklip Trout Fisheries
• Hokaai Meat
• Gas 2 U

Printing:

• TIC Printing

About the Venue

SunOx lies 25 km from Bronkhorstspruit and 40 minutes from Pretoria, Witbank, and Benoni. Nestled in the foothills of the Magaliesberg, this tranquil estate offers six fishing dams that follow a unique oxbow system, with Brown & Rainbow Trout, Bass, and over 130 bird species across landscaped gardens and scenic beats. The water in the dams is pristine and generally crystal clear for most of the year.

Most people associate trout fly fishing destinations with Dullstroom, Drakensberg and KZN midlands. Here we have the unique scenario of an authentic trout fly fishing experience in Gauteng, right in on the doorstep of Tshwane & East Rand. “We are proud to have been selected as a finalist for the 2025 edition of the Tshwane Tourism Awards,” said Sinclair.

Plan Your Next Flyfishing Experience

Experienced and beginner fishers are invited to visit our venues for day fishing or to stay over. There are also fishing lessons for leisure or corporate guests plus guided multi fly fishing trips on offer.

“We look forward to continuing this legacy of the Winter Fly fishing competition and encourage fly fishers to watch out for the dates for next year’s event. Get your entry in as soon as possible, places fill up quickly,” said Sinclair.

gofish@sundowner.co.za
+27 83 414 0301
www.sundowner.co.za
Facebook: SundownerFlyfishingAdventures
Instagram: @sundowner_flyfishing_adventure

Wayne Sinclair
Founder & Event Coordinator
Sundowner Flyfishing Adventures

More information regarding the event please contact 0834140391 or wayne@sundowner.co.za

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