South Africa is a country with diverse cultures, natural beauty, and rich history. It is no surprise that the tourism industry in South Africa is one of the largest contributors to its economy.
The Minister of Tourism plays a crucial role in promoting and developing this industry. So, who is the Minister of Tourism in South Africa? Let’s find out.
The Current Minister of Tourism in South Africa
The current Minister of Tourism in South Africa is Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane. She was appointed as the Minister of Tourism by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 30 May 2019. Kubayi-Ngubane replaced Derek Hanekom, who served as the Minister of Tourism from 2014 to 2019.
Who is Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane?
Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane was born on 30 June 1971 in Soweto, Johannesburg. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Vista University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Witwatersrand.
Before becoming the Minister of Tourism, Kubayi-Ngubane served as the Minister of Science and Technology from March 2017 to February 2018. She also served as the Deputy Minister of Communications from May 2014 to March 2017.
Kubayi-Ngubane is a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and has held various leadership positions within the party. She has also been involved in community activism and has served as a member of various community organizations.
The Role of the Minister of Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism is responsible for promoting and developing tourism in South Africa. The main role of the Minister of Tourism is to:
- Develop policies and strategies for tourism development
- Promote and market South Africa as a tourist destination
- Regulate the tourism industry
- Provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism industry
- Ensure that the tourism industry is sustainable and contributes to the country’s economy
The Importance of Tourism in South Africa
Tourism is a significant contributor to South Africa’s economy. In 2019, the tourism industry contributed R425.8 billion (USD 27.5 billion) to the country’s GDP and supported 1.5 million jobs. The industry is also a major source of foreign exchange earnings for South Africa.
South Africa has a lot to offer tourists, from its beautiful beaches and wildlife reserves to its rich history and diverse cultures. The country has also hosted many international events, such as the FIFA World Cup in 2010, which have helped to boost its tourism industry.
In Conclusion
The Minister of Tourism plays an important role in promoting and developing the tourism industry in South Africa. Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane is currently serving as the Minister of Tourism, and her responsibilities include developing policies for tourism development, promoting South Africa as a tourist destination, regulating the tourism industry, providing support to small businesses in the sector, and ensuring that it is sustainable. With her leadership and vision, we can hope for continued growth and success in this vital sector of South Africa’s economy.