South Africa’s tourism and leisure industry has boomed since 1994, and enjoyed a steady growth curve until the start of the covid-19 crisis in 2020. The country’s human diversity, bustling cities, wildlife, natural scenery and quality infrastructure have been major attraction points for tourists from all over the world. Between 2000 and 2018, international tourist arrivals in the country grew from 6 million to 16 million, generating revenue of around 145 billion rand (US $ 9 billion) and accounting for around 709,000 jobs by 2018. However, only a fraction of that revenue has directly benefited the poorest and most excluded South Africans.

While the covid-pandemic and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have been serious blows, the medium and long-term prospects of South Africa’s tourism industry remain positive. Since mid-2022, the recovery has been steady and strong, and international air links to South Africa have been restored and expanded.

In a number of South African townships, entrepreneurial individuals have been seeking to get a share of the tourism revenue by opening travel agencies, restaurants and bed & breakfasts, or by offering guided tours and diverse packages to visitors from all over the world.

Ncumisa is the proud co-owner and general manager of Nomase’s Guest house. The bed and breakfast, named after Ncumisa’s late mom Nomase, was founded in 2008 and caters mainly for the domestic market, with some occasional bookings from overseas guests.

There is much potential for growth and expansion, as the BnB could position itself to cater for the growing market, especially of overseas visitors keen on including Langa on their South African trip.

Ncumisa is actively seeking to develop this potential, and wants to develop a marketing and pricing strategy adapted to the different market segments she caters for. Her immediate aims over the next year are to revamp the guesthouse’s rooms and make some practical improvements to the car parking facilities of her BnB.