To ensure better economic development in the tourism sector, innovation and technology start-ups in township and rural areas are more critical than ever, especially after the negative impact of COVID-19. This was highlighted during a KwaZulu Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs webinar this month.

KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, said it was important that women were not left behind in this technological change and the emergence of new trends.

“Women in deep rural areas and in the townships face triple oppression because of the lack of access to economic opportunities and the lack of access to digital infrastructure,” said Dube-Ncube.

“Our main focus is to ensure that, as we resuscitate sectors of the economy, women must be at the forefront, especially in industries such as tourism, agriculture and the informal sector.”

CEO of Innovate Durban, Aurelia Alberts, agreed. “There are a few innovative and tech starts-up that aren’t known to the general public yet many of them, even in the tourism sector, don’t make it past the conceptual stage due to lack of support and resources.”

Dr Upasana Gitanjali Singh, a lecturer at University of KwaZulu Natal, said to bridge the gender digital divide in sectors such as tourism, technology needed to be seen as an enabler of economic development for women.

“It’s important for women feel safe to participate from an economic perspective in any sector to add real value.”