WATCH: City of Ekurhuleni to revive its tourism sector

These moves are expected to spark some sort of revival in the hospitality and tourism industry.

September 5, 2025

Fanie Mthupha 2 minutes read

Ekurhuleni’s Department of Communications, Marketing and Tourism HOD, Phakamile Mbengashe, addresses leaders from across the tourism sector about the power of the stakeholder sessions and how both the metro and captains of industry can work together to entice domestic and international tourists to the city.

In a bid to support the tourism sector and lure in more visitors, the City of Ekurhuleni’s tourism division has unveiled its plans to revitalise the tourism sector and thus develop the city’s economy.

The city briefly set out its tourism recovery plan during the launch of its stakeholder engagement session, which will serve as a platform for the city and the captains of industry to meet, discuss industry issues, identify opportunities and exercise leverage.

The launch on August 29 brought together an array of stakeholders, consisting of the captains of industry, including tourism and hospitality players, as well as local authorities.
These sessions will assist in preparations for the City of Ekurhuleni’s Tourism Indaba, where players in the sector will meet, network, foster business relations, showcase their products and services, and discuss ways to promote tourism and economic growth in the city.

Come on board

Addressing the attendees at the launch, the Department of Communications, Marketing and Tourism’s Phakamile Mbengashe reiterated the municipality’s commitment to boost tourism in the metro.
He urged more players to get behind the project aimed at encouraging the safe return of domestic and international tourists to the country’s economic hub.

City of Ekurhuleni’s Millicent Mkuchane voiced the city’s support for the tourism sector, and encouraged players to take advantage of the platform, which seeks to find ways to maintain tourist flow and attract more visitors.

Industry players call for swift government action
Tourism and hospitality players who spoke to the Boksburg Advertiser at the launch said the impact and positive effect of the initiative will depend on how well the city works with the industry players in leveraging the opportunities.

The captains of industry and the City of Ekurhuleni are hoping to revive the city’s economy by luring more tourists to the city.

Addressing major stumbling blocks identified during the stakeholder engagement sessions was also highlighted as a priority.
One of the industry players, Wellington Mkhize from the Germiston Business Forum, said: “We have a lot of opportunities to improve our city. So, I feel that this initiative is taking us a step in the right direction to talk to the powers that be to bring about a change and revive our city.”

The tourism industry players are calling swift government action in Ekurhuleni. — As part of the new plan to lure tourists to the city, Wellington Mkhize from the Germiston Business Forum calls for focusing on the city’s beautification, prioritising safety, street cleaning and reviving the facilities that have always been a lifeline for tourism.

Mkhize said many players in the sector are for the improvement of the city, and among the key issues is the long overdue revitalisation of the CBDs, issues at recreational and leisure facilities like lakes that are unused and left at the mercy of vandals and thieves.
“The leisure facilities alone are an attraction to people landing in Ekurhuleni. When people land at OR Tambo Airport, they must be able to say I want to sit next to this lake. I want to dine and experience South Africa, and I want to play golf at Germiston Golf Club.”

Clean our streets
Mkhize added that on top of reviving the facilities, the city also needs to partner with the private sector to clean pavements, carry out constant monitoring of public spaces for safety, get rid of litter and make sure the pavements and sidewalks are pedestrian-friendly and walkable.

“We have to keep our city clean, because every part of the city is a reflection of what we are. When our streets are dirty, it sends the wrong message, thus hampering tourism in the region. In Ekurhuleni, we have retailers who are willing to work with the government to make their town a safe place to work and play.