The partnership taking tourism in the Western Cape to the next level
By Jessie Taylor The Western Cape’s tourism sector continues to gain momentum as international connectivity, strategic partnerships and destination marketing drive strong visitor growth across the province. At the centre of this success is Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, which has emerged as a critical player in strengthening global tourism links and positioning the province as one of Africa’s most competitive destinations. Wesgro recently announced a major new partnership with Emirates to increase inbound tourism to Cape Town and the broader Western Cape. Signed at the World Travel Market Africa, the memorandum of understanding will see the airline and Wesgro collaborate on destination marketing campaigns, trade engagements, and promotional initiatives targeting key international markets, including the Gulf region, India, the Far East, and Europe. Partnering to build tourism The partnership is the latest example of how Wesgro is leveraging air access and global connectivity to grow tourism numbers and stimulate economic activity across the province. By working closely with airlines, tourism operators and government stakeholders, the agency has helped transform Cape Town into one of the best-connected cities on the African continent. Tourism remains one of the Western Cape’s most important economic sectors. According to the provincial government, international tourists spent approximately R25.9 billion in the Western Cape during 2025, underlining the sector’s significance to the regional economy. Tourism supports thousands of businesses across accommodation, restaurants, retail, transport, events and attractions, while also sustaining employment opportunities in urban and rural communities alike. Wesgro’s approach recognises that air connectivity is one of the strongest drivers of tourism growth. The easier it becomes for travellers to access Cape Town and the Western Cape directly, the more competitive the destination becomes internationally. Through its Cape Town Air Access initiative, powered by Wesgro, the agency has spent the past decade securing new international routes and expanding airline partnerships to boost visitor arrivals. The results have been substantial. Cape Town International Airport recorded a historic 11.1 million two-way passengers during 2025, the highest total ever achieved by the airport. International passenger growth continued to accelerate, with December 2025 alone recording almost 364,000 international two-way passengers, reflecting year-on-year growth of 10%. These increases are translating directly into higher tourism activity and broader economic participation across the province. Increasing access for tourists Wesgro’s strategy extends far beyond simply increasing flight numbers. The organisation has focused on identifying high-value source markets that can deliver long-term tourism growth. The Emirates partnership, for example, provides the Western Cape with enhanced exposure to the airline’s extensive global network spanning more than 140 destinations. This creates opportunities to attract travellers from rapidly growing outbound tourism markets such as the Middle East, India and Asia, while strengthening existing European visitor flows. While international arrivals remain a major focus, the agency also supports initiatives aimed at dispersing tourism benefits more widely across communities and regions. By encouraging visitors to explore smaller towns, cultural experiences and nature-based attractions, tourism growth can contribute more directly to local economic development. The success of the Cape Town Air Access initiative has increasingly attracted international recognition. Over the past decade, the programme has helped secure dozens of new routes and route expansions, strengthening connectivity with North America, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa. These achievements reflect strong collaboration between Wesgro, the City of Cape Town, Airports Company South Africa, the Western Cape Government and private sector partners. Ultimately, the agency’s success demonstrates the importance of strategic collaboration in building a globally competitive tourism economy. Through initiatives such as Cape Town Air Access and partnerships with leading international airlines, Wesgro is not only bringing more visitors to the province – it is helping unlock investment, create jobs and strengthen the Western Cape’s position as one of the world’s leading travel destinations. Wesgro’s successful air access partnerships Over the past decade, Wesgro has transformed international connectivity to Cape Town and the Western Cape through its Cape Town Air Access initiative. Working alongside government, airports, and airline partners, the programme has secured numerous international routes, significantly boosting tourism and economic growth. Among the most notable successes has been United Airlines’ expansion of flights, which launched direct seasonal services between Newark and Cape Town, dramatically improving connectivity between the Western Cape and North America. The route helped stimulate high-value tourism from the United States, one of the province’s fastest-growing international markets. Delta Air Lines also strengthened connectivity through direct flights linking Atlanta and Cape Town, while Air France expanded services from Paris to Cape Town, increasing European access to the destination. Cape Town Air Access also supported the announcement of a new direct LATAM Airlines route between São Paulo and Cape Town, scheduled to launch in 2026. Collectively, these partnerships have contributed to record passenger growth at Cape Town International Airport, which handled more than 11.1 million two-way passengers during 2025. The expanded connectivity has strengthened tourism, supported exports, increased conference tourism and enhanced Cape Town’s position as one of Africa’s leading international gateway cities. Sources: Emirates | IOL | Bizcommunity | Wesgro | Western Cape Government | Wesgro
How we can get digital transformation right in the public sector
By Prof. Linda Meyer, MD at Rosebank College When a government digital project fails, the post-mortem rarely points to the software. It points to the people — or more precisely, to the absence of decisive, visionary leadership at the helm. Across the public sector, from municipal councils to national agencies, a pattern has emerged: organisations that successfully harness technology to better serve citizens aren’t necessarily those with the largest budgets or the most sophisticated tools. They are the ones led by individuals who understand that digital transformation is, at its core, a human endeavour. The leadership imperative It has become fashionable to frame digital transformation as a technology problem. Procurement cycles are scrutinised, platforms are debated, and vendors are evaluated with painstaking rigour. Yet the uncomfortable truth is that most public sector digital initiatives don’t stall because of the wrong software, they stall because of the wrong leadership posture. Effective public sector leaders in the digital age are not administrators who happen to oversee technology budgets. They are strategists who understand how to align technology with public value, ethical accountability, and long-term societal outcomes. They ask not, “what can this system do?” but “what do our citizens actually need, and how does this get us there?” This distinction matters enormously. The public sector operates under constraints that private enterprise rarely faces: political scrutiny, limited budgets, entrenched legacy systems, union agreements, and a mandate to serve everyone — not just the digitally literate. Navigating this terrain requires leaders who are as comfortable in the boardroom as they are in the community hall. Setting a vision that goes beyond efficiency One of the most significant leadership contributions to digital transformation is articulating a compelling, user-centred vision. Too many public sector technology projects are sold internally as efficiency drives, cost-cutting exercises dressed in digital clothing. While efficiency matters, it is rarely sufficient motivation to carry an organisation through the inevitable turbulence of large-scale change. Leaders who succeed in digital transformation frame it differently. They connect technology adoption to a broader mission: faster access to social services, more transparent governance, better health outcomes, safer communities. When staff understand why the change is happening, and can see themselves as participants in something meaningful, resistance softens, and momentum builds. This is not idealism. It is a strategy. Purpose-driven change management is consistently more effective than top-down mandate alone, particularly in public institutions where staff are often mission-motivated rather than incentive-driven. Championing change from the inside out Even the most visionary leader cannot transform an organisation single-handedly. One of the most underrated leadership skills in digital transformation is the ability to identify and cultivate internal champions, the mid-level managers, frontline workers, and IT staff who become advocates for change within their own teams. These champions serve as cultural translators, bridging the gap between strategic ambition and operational reality. They surface the friction points that leaders in senior roles never see, and they carry credibility with colleagues who might be sceptical of directives from above. Smart leaders don’t just appoint champions, they create the conditions for champions to emerge naturally by fostering psychological safety and rewarding experimentation over compliance. Sustaining momentum through bureaucratic headwinds Executive sponsorship is not a formality, it is a lifeline. Digital transformation projects in the public sector face a unique set of institutional pressures: budget cycles that don’t align with technology timelines, ministerial changes that reset priorities overnight, and procurement rules written before cloud computing existed. Leaders who maintain visible, active sponsorship of digital initiatives signal to the organisation and to external partners that this work matters and will not be quietly shelved when things get complicated. Without that signal, projects drift. With it, teams push through. Research from the OECD and the UK’s Government Digital Service consistently shows that the single biggest predictor of digital project success in government is sustained senior leadership commitment. Not the technology stack. Not the vendor. Leadership. Building the capabilities that technology demands Finally, no digital strategy survives contact with a workforce that lacks the skills to execute it. Leaders must make deliberate, often difficult decisions about where to invest not just in platforms and infrastructure, but in people. This means budgeting for digital skills training, recruiting specialist talent, and, critically, creating career pathways that make the public sector competitive with private industry. It also means being honest about what the organisation can build internally and what it needs external expertise to deliver. That judgment call, made well or poorly, can define the outcome of a transformation programme. The bottom line Digital transformation in the public sector will always involve technology. But it will always be decided by leadership — by the clarity of the vision, the courage to champion change, the discipline to sustain momentum, and the wisdom to invest in people as much as platforms. Governments that grasp this will build services their citizens deserve. Those who do not will continue buying technology they cannot use. Prof. Linda Meyer, MD at Rosebank College
The future of e-freight is already here
In 2014, South Africa’s freight transportation brought in revenues of around R126-billion, according to Stats SA, which in 2024 grew to R215-billion. Mordor Intelligence projects it will grow to R340-billion by 2030.
The architecture of inclusive growth
“We recognise that ESG has evolved significantly over the past decade. Yet, much like many overnight successes, the foundations were laid almost forty years ago.”
The next phase of transformation: Where policy, power and progress collide
As South Africa’s transformation landscape continues to evolve, the Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference 2026 returns with a clear intention: to move the conversation beyond compliance and toward measurable, meaningful impact. Taking place this June in commemoration of Youth Day, the conference will once again convene the policymakers, executives, transformation leaders and innovators tasked not only with shaping policy, but with delivering outcomes in an increasingly complex environment. The Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference 2026 is made possible through the support of Nedbank as Platinum Partner, alongside Sanlam and SALGA as Gold Sponsors. Further support is provided by Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Ltd as Silver Sponsor, Central Energy Fund, MCPM, INSETA, Prescient Investment Management, Mashudu Tinyiko Consulting, Sourceworx, Association of B-BBEE Professionals (ABP) and ASI Financial Services as Bronze Sponsors, as well as Isanti Glass as Bronze Partner. Additional organisations contributing to the programme and conference experience include Greysun as Networking Lounge Sponsor, alongside Showcase Sponsors Dataal Africa, Maribe, 21st Century Funeral Services, Labournet, LEAP + LAB17, Avo Vision, Diversifi, Moore Holding Group, Save the Children, KEI Solutions and Care More Foundation. Afrizan People Intelligence will also participate as an Exhibition partner. Event coverage will be led by SABC, our Platinum Media Partner, alongside strategic and media partners: Glynt, Primedia OOH, Mail & Guardian, Briefly News, Sunday World, BEE Online, Good Governance Africa and BPESA. Our lifestyle partners include: Nespresso, Jenna Clifford Designs, Isanti Glass, GQ Tissues, BICS and Mvula Drops. The 2026 programme reflects a decisive shift in focus. Transformation is no longer viewed purely as a regulatory exercise, but increasingly as an economic imperative tied directly to competitiveness, investment readiness and long-term resilience. Discussions throughout the two-day conference will examine how organisations can recalibrate their strategies by prioritising high-impact interventions, embedding inclusion into decision-making structures, and ensuring that empowerment initiatives deliver measurable value in rapidly evolving economic conditions. Conversations will further interrogate how empowerment financing, infrastructure investment and ESG strategies can be leveraged not only to meet compliance requirements, but to unlock broader participation, industrial growth and sustainable economic opportunity. From supplier development funding to large-scale infrastructure delivery, the emphasis is shifting toward how capital can be structured and deployed to support measurable transformation outcomes at scale. A strong focus will also be placed on collaboration as a driver of economic inclusion. With youth unemployment remaining one of South Africa’s most urgent challenges, the programme explores how aligned partnerships between the public and private sectors can unlock funding, support entrepreneurship and create pathways into meaningful employment. Set against the backdrop of South Africa’s evolving socio-economic landscape, the 2026 conference represents both a moment of reflection and a call to action. It is a platform designed for leaders who recognise that the next phase of transformation will require sharper execution, deeper collaboration and a renewed focus on measurable outcomes. The conference will also feature the live unveiling of the 25th anniversary edition of Impumelelo: Top Empowerment Companies, marking a significant milestone in documenting South Africa’s transformation journey while reflecting on the road ahead. For leaders navigating increasing complexity across transformation, ESG, inclusion and economic development, the Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference remains a critical platform where strategy meets accountability and where the future of inclusive growth is actively shaped. For tickets and registration: https://qkt.io/TopEmpowerment2026 For remaining sponsorship opportunities across the conference and publication, contact: marketing@topco.co.za
Why nature needs the financial sector to act before it is ready
The financial sector is used to waiting for certainty – perfect data, complete models, fully formed regulations – before taking action.
A breakdown of the fuel levy
At its simplest, the fuel levy is a tax charged on every litre of petrol and diesel sold in South Africa.
Step into the spotlight with a compelling business pitch – 3 tips
By Shumirai Chimombe The challenges that women entrepreneurs encounter along their business journeys are all too familiar and well known. They range from securing funding, growing their client base, to finding a supportive network of fellow women entrepreneurs and mentors to encourage them and lift them up. It is also helpful to receive constructive feedback from successful business people who will ask the right questions about your business and your offering, helping you fine tune your ideas and grow as a business owner. This is where creating and delivering a compelling business pitch comes in. A business pitch is a brief presentation that an entrepreneur gives to an audience of potential stakeholders who may take an interest in your business. These can include potential funders, investors, partners, or clients. Also known as an ‘elevator pitch’, it requires you to develop a presentation that is concise and goes straight to the point, that captivates your audience, and successfully outlines and communicates the key elements of your business idea, product or service. Pitching dens have risen in popularity at networking events such as conferences and they have become one of the best opportunities for start-ups and small businesses to state their case to funders to support their ideas. They are also a great platform to promote your product or service to a wider audience. To get your business idea to the right people, there are some tips to keep in mind: Network, network: The thought of putting yourself on the spot and speaking to a roomful of influential people can be very daunting. Especially if you are not used to public speaking, and it’s easier to stay out of the limelight. So it’s important to understand that networking is an essential part of being a businesswoman. It opens up opportunities for you to meet and learn from like-minded entrepreneurs, while creating new and potentially lucrative connections. Finding the courage to showcase yourself and your idea could turn out to be one of the most valuable undertakings you can do for your business. Craft a compelling and authentic story: The bottom line is that you are selling a product, service or solution that addresses a problem that you have identified in the market. The pitch needs to outline the key elements of your idea with the aim of getting buy-in from potential funders, partners or clients. It needs to succinctly cover what your company does and what differentiates you. It is your opportunity to impress by giving you the chance to make a positive and lasting impression on your audience , increasing your chances of securing interest and support. Elevate your communication skills: A well-prepared business pitch enables you to effectively communicate your value proposition. Therefore it is important to work on your verbal presentation and refine it as much as possible. Boost your confidence by practising with your friends and colleagues to give feedback on your delivery. It is also essential to be very well prepared to be able to give credible answers to questions from your audience. The more professional and confident the pitch, the more likely it will receive a positive response. The EmpowHER Cape Town Pitching Den – one last chance to be seen Applications for the 2026 Standard Bank Top Women EmpowHER Cape Town Pitching Den close on Friday 12 June – and this is your final chance to put your business forward. The EmpowHER Pitching Den gives women entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses live in front of industry leaders, decision-makers, and a powerful network of business professionals. Selected winners from each regional event (Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg) will receive R50,000 and advance to the national Standard Women Conference, taking place on 8–9 September 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre. They will then proceed to attend the 23rd annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards in Johannesburg on 3 December 2026, where one entrepreneur will be crowned overall winner and receive the R100,000 cash prize. Whether you’re building, scaling, or ready to take your business to the next level, this is your opportunity to step into the spotlight and be seen. Words from last year’s Cape Town winner, Tina Long, Founder of Home Bao I entered the pitching den because I wanted to share the Home Bao journey. From rolling dumplings in my garage to building a proudly South African brand that celebrates Asian heritage. Competitions like this give entrepreneurs a platform to be heard, to learn, and to connect with people who believe in bold ideas. It was such a humbling experience being exposed to so many amazing entrepreneurs and hearing truly creative business ideas. Often, as entrepreneurs, we get so caught up in our own worlds that we forget what else is out there. The pitching den gave me the chance to make connections, and it was reassuring to see that other female entrepreneurs face the same struggles I do. It can be quite lonely at times, and this experience reminded me that I’m not alone on this journey. Honestly I feel proud and grateful for winning the pitching den. Proud of how far Home Bao has come, and grateful for the support from my team, my family, and our customers. Winning this round feels like recognition that Home Bao is more than making delicious dumplings – they can carry culture, community, and impact. Apply now to enter the pitching den. Entries close on 12 June here. To experience the conference as a delegate and participate in the conversations, book your ticket here.
Why are we stalling on clean energy?
South Africa boasts some of the world’s most abundant solar and wind resources – an untapped advantage that could supercharge our economic growth and accelerate our decarbonisation goals.
Data centres are here to stay – is the growth sustainable?
With large amounts of data constantly being processed the need for data centre capacity to match demand is a major topic for discussion and the big tech companies, also known as hyperscalers, are moving aggressively all over the world.