Tourism associations have thrown their weight behind Cyril Ramaphosa’s re-election as President of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and have offered their “unwavering support” and willingness to work with government on efforts to grow South Africa’s economy.

After the May 29 elections, no party received an outright majority to form a government on their own, and as ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula said, “the GNU emerged as the optimal approach to defend and advance our vision of a united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa”.

The five parties that have signed the statement of intent of a GNU make up 273 out of the 400 seats in NA (68%).

The ANC won 159 seats, the DA is the second-largest party with 87 seats, the IFP has 17 seats, PA has nine seats and GOOD has a single seat.

This gives the GNU a supermajority in the National Assembly, where a two-thirds majority (or 66.6%) is needed to make sweeping changes, like changing the country’s Constitution.

The ANC, in announcing the GNU said it would ensure representation in government for all participating parties and would make decisions by consensus.

After his inauguration as President in Pretoria tomorrow (Wednesday, June 19) Ramaphosa will address South Africans, outlining his vision and intent during his four-year term of office. He is also expected to soon announce his Cabinet, which will constitute government ministers from all five parties of the GNU.

“As the President readies to announce his Cabinet, we hope that the President’s appointment of the incoming Minister of Tourism will gain us a partner who will help create an enabling environment for tourism businesses to thrive, as has been our pleasurable experience with past ministers,” said Chairman of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Jerry Mabena.

‘Tourism’s potential to boost employment’

“As industry leaders in the sector, we believe that tourism has the potential to significantly boost the government’s effort to address the ongoing unemployment issues (thereby dealing with the other two intractable challenges of poverty and inequality) in South Africa. It is our view that we can also make a significant contribution in growing rural economies by enhancing interest in the under-served rural tourism.”

Mabena added that the sector’s potential to generate revenue collection for the fiscus must be cemented in the minds of national government decisionmakers.

“Tourism has and continues to play an important role in the South African economy. According to Statistics South Africa, in 2019 it contributed 3.7% to national GDP, followed by 2.1% to the GDP in 2020, and 2.3% of GDP in 2021. Its slowdown came in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about slow economic growth, globally,” he said.

Mabena reiterated that the public sector was an important partner in the tourism ecosystem. “Without the support of legislative authorities, the tourism industry would struggle to advance and play a meaningful role in building a cohesive South African society,” he said.

Home Affairs and Tourism Minister appointments ‘crucial’

National Chair of FEDHASA, Rosemary Anderson, echoed these sentiments, noting: “We eagerly await the announcement of the President's new Cabinet, particularly the appointments to the tourism and home affairs portfolios. It is our fervent hope that the President will select ministers for these crucial roles who possess a deep understanding of the immense value that tourism could bring to our nation's economy and the part they can play in catalytic job creation in our country through international tourism into South Africa.”

According to her, FEDHASA firmly believes that by appointing individuals with a keen grasp of the industry's international tourism potential, industry can action key opportunities that have the power to fast-track massive job creation in South Africa and add handsomely to the economy.

“We are currently being left behind, with competitor countries outplaying us in attracting international tourists. We need to close the gap between South Africa and our competitors in the global tourism market and claim our rightful place.

“FEDHASA has always steadfastly maintained that the tourism industry holds the key to unlocking job creation and economic stimulus in our country – quicker and with less effort and cost than any other industry,” emphasised Anderson.

She added that FEDHASA remained committed to working hand in hand with the government to create as many jobs in hospitality and tourism as possible and exponentially market the country.