Patricia de Lille was appointed as the Minister of Tourism by President Cyril Ramaphosa in March 2023.

De Lille is a seasoned politician and public servant having has served in all three spheres of government since South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994.

De Lille has been fighting injustice for more than 45 years and was part of the team which led the constitutional negotiations and the team which drafted South Africa’s Constitution.

She is the only South African female politician to start her own political parties and win seats in all three spheres of government. De Lille achieved this feat twice, in 2003 with the Independent Democrats and in 2019 with the GOOD Movement.

De Lille served as the Mayor of Cape Town between 2011 and 2018 where accountability and clean governance were the cornerstones of her term. De Lille served as the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) from June 2019 to March 2023 where she drove the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment Plan, repurposing government’s assets for greater socio-economic value, clamping down on corruption and ensuring that public land and public buildings were used for public good.

In her role as the Minister of Tourism, De Lille will focus efforts on destination marketing, increasing air access and visitor numbers to South Africa and efforts to increase the number of jobs created by the sector.

His Excellency Albertus Aochamub has accumulated 27 years of experience in executive management and senior communications leadership roles, with expertise spanning academia, telecommunications, retail banking, public broadcasting, and diplomacy.

Between 1999 and 2019, he held several board-level roles in the financial services and non-profit sectors. As Director General/CEO of the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation from 2010 to 2015, Mr. Aochamub is recognized for his notable achievements in achieving financial sustainability and overseeing the transition to digital broadcasting. He also served as the Namibian President’s Press Secretary and Media Advisor from 2015 to 2018. In December 2018, he was appointed as the Namibian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the French Republic, with concurrent accreditation to Monaco, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, as well as to UNESCO (Paris), OECD (Paris), BIE (Paris), CPLP (Lisbon), and UNTOURISM (Madrid).

Ambassador Aochamub was a member of the Executive Board of UNESCO from 2019 to 2023 and currently serves on the Executive Council of UNTOURISM (Madrid) and the African World Heritage Fund (South Africa). In these capacities, he plays an active role in promoting tourism across Africa and advancing North-South dialogue.

In addition to his professional endeavours, the Namibian diplomat is a keen reader of current and global affairs, engages in poetry and prose as a hobby, and enjoys exploring wide open spaces around the world.

He holds an MA (Hons) from Glasgow University and an MBA in International Marketing from Sunderland University.

Maureen Masuku is currently employed by the FirstRand Bank Heading corporate travel, she is also a chairman of Global Business Travel Association of South Africa (GBTA), before joining RMB she was a group Head of Travel for Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC), she worked for different corporates and SOE’s where she led group Travel commodities. Maureen also won a title of the Travel buyer of the year 2016 not forgetting Amadeus award – molding the future of Travel in Africa

Masuku has vast managerial experience gained through formal commercial training (Travel & Tourism, B. Comm in supply chain and BBA); and involvement at high level in both private, governmental and industry bodies. She has over twenty years’ experience in the Travel and Tourism industry and is well versed in the requirements for business management and strategy, corporate governance, compliance (PFMA) and transformation, in both private and public sectors. Masuku has also transferred her knowledge by writing few articles like: how corporate can learn from government; what is customer care within the Travel and Tourism sector, prioritize industry relationships etc. Maureen’s desire and drive in the sector is to see real transformation and woman taking over top positions in the Travel and Tourism sector.

A Mozambican Agripreneur Transforming Rural Lives

Rukssana Ismael Saide, a Mozambican mother, businesswoman, and Agripreneur, is passionate about agriculture and dedicated to improving the lives of rural communities. With over 20 years of experience, she is committed to revolutionizing agricultural production in northern Mozambique by implementing sustainable techniques to increase local farmers’ incomes. Her journey began in 2016 when, as Managing Director of Dream Agrobusiness Limited, she was inspired by nature to dedicate herself to agribusiness.

Today, Rukssana is a leading figure in the sector, spearheading projects with various International Organizations that help strengthen rural communities, promote social inclusion, and drive economic development, while also addressing hunger. With a promising vision for the future, Rukssana aims to build a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable agribusiness sector in her country.

Her philosophy is rooted in equity, compassion, and community development. By supporting numerous farming families, she is working to improve rural livelihoods. With
the support of international donors, Rukssana is establishing a Dream Agrobusiness industrial complex to complete the entire agricultural value chain, from production and technical assistance to processing and market linkage.

Her strategic plan initially aimed to reach at least 10,000 farming families through training, support, and market connections by 2028. This ambitious goal has been revised,
and she now seeks to reach 50,000 small-scale farmers by 2028 through a new project starting in 2025.

Rukssana is passionate about environmental restoration and its benefits to communities. As part of her assistance package, she provides each farming family with two fruit trees. By the end of 2028, she aims to plant 100,000 trees, to help the reforesting of rural areas and help these rural communities achieve a sustainable future!

As a Senior Consultant, Speaker, and Trainer, Rukssana is actively involved in the agricultural sector. She is a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Mozambique and the Confederation of Economic Associations of Niassa province, where she chairs the Agribusiness department. She also serves on the Interministerial committee of the Special Processing Zone for Agro-industry.

Driven by her commitment to social responsibility, Rukssana has initiated various inclusive projects. These include recruiting young people from the community for employment, empowering rural women, promoting education through school supplies and snacks, supporting the elderly, and building classrooms and a youth entrepreneurship
incubator.

Linda is an accomplished Public Relations, Sales and marketing executive who possesses over a decade of exceptional industry expertise. She is recognized as a team player and a formidable leader in her business acumen. Linda is also a devoted Christian, mother, and wife, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Communications coupled with an Honours degree in Marketing from the Namibia University of Science and Technology. She also holds a diploma in Public Relations from the University of Namibia along with a certificate in Marketing obtained from the University of Cape Town. Linda is a diligent professional who ensures all project targets are meticulously met from inception to delivery, carefully monitoring all key performance indicators (KPIs).

Moreover, Linda is a talented Master of Ceremony who captivates audiences with her scintillating aura, leaving them enticed for more. Her linguistic proficiency is noteworthy, and she takes pride in her natural ability to control a crowd and put people at ease. Linda’s passion for all things communications is evident, and she strives to offer the best version of herself at all times, serving with grace, elegance and professionalism.

Contact Details: Cell: +264 812865062

Email: lindamasterce@gmail.com/ Ingololo86@gmail.com

Motlatsi John Tsatsi is a Lesotho-based expert in tourism development, youth empowerment, and business innovation. As Hub Manager at Sky Business Inc., he has led impactful incubation programs under the World Bank and Government of Lesotho’s CAFI project, providing strategic support to enterprises in tourism, agribusiness, and manufacturing. He is a certified GrowthWheel Business Advisor and a lead trainer in Systematic Inventive Thinking (SIT), equipping entrepreneurs with structured tools for innovation. As ecosystem builder, he organizes sector-specific trainings and bootcamps on various themes under hospitality and championing guest-centred sales strategies that drive higher revenue, guest satisfaction and hospitality excellence. He is the founder and managing director of T-Vibes Travel & Tours, a hybrid tour operation business.  

As Vice Chairperson of the Tour Operators Association of Lesotho, he continues to influence policy and strengthen local value chains. With over a decade of experience and a background in International Business, Mr. Tsatsi is committed to building inclusive, innovation-driven ecosystems across Southern Africa.

Keotshepile Mphusu is a distinguished Tourism Development Specialist with over 18 years of experience spanning government institutions, NGOs, and the private sector. He currently serves as the Tourism Development Manager at the Botswana Tourism Organisation, where he leads business incubation and investment promotion initiatives to foster a thriving and inclusive tourism economy.

Mphusu is deeply committed to advancing sustainable tourism enterprise development through business coaching, mentorship, and strategic planning. He is passionate about regional integration and is a strong proponent of collaborative development across borders.

Until recently, Mphusu was Chairman of the Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Tourism and Communications Working Group, where he led and coordinated multiple cross-border tourism initiatives within Africa’s largest Transfrontier conservation area. His leadership in KAZA significantly strengthened regional cooperation and tourism value chains across five countries.

Academically, Mphusu holds a Master of Science in Project Management from the University of Bolton, UK, with a focus on operational risk management in the tourism sector. He also holds an Honours Degree in Tourism Development from the University of Johannesburg, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Development from the former Rand Afrikaans University.

At this conference, Mphusu will be in position to share practical insights into enterprise development, investment readiness, and the power of regional collaboration in shaping the future of tourism in Africa.

Ednah Rosen is a self-taught chef, culinary entrepreneur, and internationally awarded cookbook author from Mahalapye, Botswana. Her journey began in her family kitchen, where an early fascination with food sparked what would become a lifelong mission to preserve and celebrate Botswana’s culinary heritage. After more than 30 years in Sweden’s health sector, Ednah returned home with a renewed purpose. She set out to use food as a medium for cultural storytelling, innovation, and empowerment.

In Maun, she founded Akacia Café, a beloved restaurant known for its creative takes on traditional Botswana dishes, community warmth, and commitment to local sourcing. More than a dining space, the café became a launchpad for young talent, particularly women, offering hands-on training in food preparation, service, and small business operations.

Her book, Taste of Botswana, has received two Gourmand World Cookbook Awards twice, including “Best African Cookbook of the World” in 2023. Combining recipes with cultural insights and evocative photography, the book has become both an ambassador for Botswana’s cuisine and a tool for food diplomacy.

Ednah is a passionate advocate for grassroots economic development through gastronomy. She mentors aspiring chefs and speaks publicly on food’s role in cultural preservation and community connect with their heritage through food.

Recognition and Global Impact
She was a featured speaker at the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, held in Arusha, Tanzania in 2025, where she participated in the “Women in Gastronomy” panel.

From remote villages to international forums, Ednah Rosen’s work bridges tradition and innovation. Her efforts show how culinary storytelling can inspire pride, create opportunity, and empower the next generation of African change-makers, one meal at a time.

Contacts: EDNAH ROSEN
Phone / WhatsApp: +267-76646373
E-mail: pinkierosen@gmail.com 
Web: www.ednahrosen.com

Zime Nxumalo is a trailblazing South African entrepreneur, a world-renowned public speaker, and a recognised disruptor. As the Founder and CEO of Decentreal, a blockchain development company based in Gauteng, South Africa, she is revolutionising the real estate industry through innovative technology.

Drawing on over five years of experience in business development and sales, Zime has a proven track record of success, having closed multi-million rand deals across the mining, education, and property sectors. Her expertise has led to collaborations with prominent organisations such as Schneider Electric and Mzansi Web3.

A participant in the 2024 BRICS and 2025 World Bank summit, Zime’s accomplishments include being a Mail and Guardian Top 200: Tech & Innovation 2023 winner, a Harvard Business Review Advisor, a Durban Chamber of Commerce Trail Blazer Winner, the Rising Female in STEM of the Year 2023, Most Improved Business of the Year 2022, a Top 100 Young Mandela 2023, an Insipiringly winner, and one of 100 Shining Stars South Africa. She was also recognized as a United Nations Young Entrepreneur in 2024. Zime previously served as a Business Developer for Mzansi Web3 and was an ambassador for Huawei and Schneider Electric.

Bongiwe Nzeku holds a Masters Degree in Marketing from the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She also holds a Management Development Program from the University of Stellenbosch. She serves on the Marketing Department’s Advisory Committee of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She is currently ,the Head Business Development and Support Services at the South Africa National Convention Bureau, a division of South African Tourism.

Jabu Matsilele is a respected thought leader in the tourism sector, with over 15 years of
experience championing sustainable tourism, with a particular emphasis on inclusivity and
accessibility. He is the founder and Director of Buja Tours, a Destination Management
Company established in 2005, where he leads business development and strategic growth.
Jabu’s influence extends beyond his enterprise. He has served on several prominent tourism
industry boards, including the Tshwane Tourism Association (TTA), Southern Africa
Tourism Services Association (SATSA), Tourism Empowerment Forum (TEF),
Tourism Dialogue Group, and the Laerskool Adleen School Governing Body (SGB).
Currently, Jabu serves as the Chairperson of the Small Tourism Enterprise Association
(STEA), where he continues to advocate for the development and support of small tourism
businesses across the region.
With a proven track record of impact and leadership, Jabu remains steadfast in his
commitment to transforming the tourism industry through innovation, empowerment, and
sustainable development.

Katlego Mphahlele CA(SA) is a senior deal maker in the Tourism and Services Unit within the IDC. Katlego has over ten years’ experience in sourcing, structuring and leading investment proposals in Tourism. Katlego is also a director in a clean-tech innovation company as well as a member of the adjudication committees for the DTIC’s SPII and THRIP programmes. 

Prof Leid Zejnilovic serves as the Associate Dean for AI and Digital Transformation at NOVA School of Business and Economics. In addition, he holds positions as Academic Co-Director of the Digital Data and Design Institute and Academic Director of the Open and User Innovation Knowledge Center. He holds a dual Ph.D. in Technological Change and Entrepreneurship from Carnegie Mellon University and Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics, and two master’s degrees: one in Information Technology and the other in Engineering and Public Policy. He is also a Dipl. Ing. in Telecommunications. He has co-founded multiple ventures and non-profit organizations and is dedicated to leveraging technology to empower individuals and promote social innovation. Associate Professor and Associate Dean for AI and Digital Transformation.

Nonnie Kubeka currently Heading the Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau (GCEB) in South Africa. Nonnie has 25 years of experience Destination Marketing within the Business Events Industry.  Highly skilled project management with a Bachelor of commerce, MBA in strategic Marketing degrees. Before heading the GCEB, she held various positions in including being a Commercial Director of the Cape Town International Convention Centre.  Her current role is to create and execute business strategies to position Gauteng as a Premier international MICE destination. 

In her current role, Nonnie has been recognised by Forbes Africa Woman her influential role in Business events industry, nominated in the Africa Business Leadership Awards, named amongst the Top 40 Women in MICE and recently awarded the ICCA Inspirational Woman Award 2018 by the International Conference and Convention association. She served on the several Association boards in Africa, SAA, Airchefs, Cape Town Tourism, Sandton Tourism, SA Travel Centre, Southern African Association of Convention Industry, and currently serving in UNISA Tourism Advisory Board, Vaal University  of Technology advisory board, SAAIA Advisory board and ICCA Educational Committee.

Nonnie has also served as a deputy chairperson in the ICCA Africa Chapter, assisted in increasing Africa chapter membership by supporting the launch of the African Society of Association Executives to encourage meetings to be held and rotate around the Africa continent and contributing to co-creating the first ICCA Africa Client supplier workshop. She has been a panel member in several discussions about how the South African business events sector can create jobs and boost the economy.

Under the direction and leadership of Nonnie, the Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau is tasked to market, promote, foster and develop business tourism and events in the province.  Within her scope of work, Nonnie developed a business events strategy for the province and initiating and implementing bidding, hosting and marketing activities nationally and internationally that have generated over 44 000 employment opportunities for women, youth a, assisted in growing SMME businesses and contributed over R10bn to the Gauteng Economy. Additionally, she is responsible to develop strategic partnerships with suppliers such venues, airlines, associations, educational institutions, professional  conference organizers, tour operators, event and exhibition planners in South Africa and other countries, as well as support establishments and events that help put the province on the map.

Zainab Azumi Muntari is a leading Pan-African tourism product strategist, advisor, speaker, and visionary championing the revitalization of Africa’s tourism, investment, and development sectors through deep-rooted diaspora engagement. With a core focus on Sustainable tourism, Wellness tourism, Agritourism, Culinary Tourism, and leveraging tourism for Women and
Youth Empowerment, Zainab Azumi Muntari has become a recognized voice on how tourism can serve as both an economic driver and a cultural reconnection tool for Africa and its global diaspora.
As Founder, and Executive Director of the Sixth African Region Initiative (SARI), Zainab Azumi Muntari leads transformative tourism development programs and platforms that center
young Africans and the African diaspora as co-creators in Africa’s future.

Mmoloki is the Founder & Director of Story at Lowapi Drone Light Shows, a Pan-African destination experience company that blends storytelling with advanced drone technology to create immersive experiences that offer a new benchmark for global visitor engagement at our culture and heritage sites. He has launched a flagship experience called “The Portal” , an after-dark open air theatre visual story living experience that sees 1,000 drones take to the sky and choreograph stories of our myths and legends associated with our culture & heritage destinations. This new tourism product invites tourists to engage with African heritage in a new way that solidifies and reinforces our position as a global hub for innovation in culture and entertainment. His expertise in weaving destination storytelling with technology makes him a trusted partner for DMOs, National Tourism Boards, and Cultural Institutions seeking to enhance visitor engagement, amplify global visibility, and champion sustainable tourism while safeguarding cultural heritage through stories that are local in truth but global in reach.

Nouran Farouk is a social entrepreneur and the Co-founder of Dosy Bikes, a tech-driven platform that empowers women in Egypt through sustainable micro-mobility. With a mission to break barriers in gender and transportation, Nouran launched Dosy to provide women with scooter and bicycle training, job opportunities as instructors, and access to safe, eco-friendly transport solutions. Since its founding in 2019, Dosy has reached over 7,000 customers and trained 300 women as certified riders. Nouran combines her background in healthcare and operations with a passion for inclusive innovation to drive social and environmental impact. She is committed to scaling Dosy’s model across Africa to create safer, greener, and more accessible mobility for women.

Winfred Gakii is a Pan-African tourism consultant, impact entrepreneur, and the visionary founder of Chiavis Ltd, a consultancy firm championing community-based development and impact tourism across Africa. With nearly a decade of experience in the tourism ecosystem, she is passionate about youth empowerment, mentorship, and fostering intergenerational partnerships that drive sustainable growth. Her tourism journey began in pageantry, where she was crowned Miss Tourism Kenya Meru County 2016, later representing Kenya at Miss Tourism International in Malaysia. Ever since, she has represented her country,community in numerous global tourism and youth leadership platforms, including the: Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit – Namibia Africa Tourism Leadership Forum – Botswana World Travel Market (WTM) – London & Cape Town UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum – Arusha Magical Kenya Travel Expos Youth Assembly – New York Building on this global exposure, she founded a program called Zuru, an impact tourism initiative designed to promote cultural exchange, community empowerment, and sustainable travel experiences across the continent. She has journeyed across East Africa and Southern Africa, gathering insights into the continent’s tourism strengths and developing strategies to position Africa as a unified, premier travel destination. She also leads grassroots initiatives like Cheka and Cheza, which provide essential health education and youth mentorship within marginalized communities. Affectionately known as Madam Ambassador in her community, Winfred’s mission is to bridge generational divides through mentorship, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Her commitment to building platforms for youth voices and cross-generational collaboration is transforming tourism into a force for unity, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa.

Winfred’s work is grounded in one belief: that when young people are mentored, equipped, and heard, they become unstoppable forces for change.

Tes is president of the Africa chapter of SITE (Society of Incentive Travel Excellence), being the only global association dedicated to the development of incentive travel programmes and founded Crystal Events Africa in 2008 – a Cape Town based African Destination Management Company.

She is also Chair of the South Africa Events Council, which was founded in April 2020, comprising of 14 South African Event Associations, collaborating in the quest to reopen the events and hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her DMC (Destination Management Company), Crystal Events Africa is the proud recipient of the SITE Crystal Award, for Best Motivational Programme (Middle East/Africa) and Tes was also awarded the Kevin Forde Spirit Award for industry engagement during the COVID-19 global lockdowns.

Tes works closely with various African tourism authorities and convention bureaus, running hospitality workshops and master classes, developing service excellence and creating superb guest experiences.

Sifiso is a business leader with professional work experience in management consulting. He has a demonstrated history of the entrepreneurial landscape, having setup and operated two leading South African franchise brands. He is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and a Global Changemaker. He is driven by impact and a passion for emerging markets. He is enthusiastic about business strategy and leadership. He recently completed his MBA, with the focus of his dissertation on: “Strategic Leadership and Business Model Innovation in a Rapid Changing Environment of Business”.

An economic development public policy researcher by professional background, Septi Bukula has been involved in the inbound business events industry since 2012 when his company hosted its very first international conference, the 37th International Small Business Congress (ISBC), which attracted 744 delegates from 34 countries. Rendzo Network Africa, the organisation he now leads, is actively involved in bidding for international business events, with Its largest event, hosted in 2019, attended by 1,150 delegates from 160 countries. As a collaborative and business-sharing commercial network, Rendzo Network Africa works with several business events-related SMEs that supply a range of goods and services in support of the hosting of its business events, guided by its mantra: “If it can be done by an SME, it must be done by and SME”.

Rudi van der Vyver is an industry patron and the Chief Executive Officer for We Are Events and We Are Virtual, an in-person, virtual and hybrid Event Management and Production company focused on delivering unique and innovative in-person, virtual and hybrid eventing solutions to clients. Prior to this role Rudi served the industry through his tenure as CEO of the Southern African Association for
the Conference Industry (SAACI). Rudi having successfully completed the international masterclass on the Neuroscience of Event Design and Architecture is one of only 18 event practitioners in Africa to hold this distinction. He holds the designation of Certified Event Management Professional (CEPA). He
is the current chair of CEPA (Council of Events Professionals Africa) and have served on the CEPA Council for the last 7 years. He is also a board member of the South African Communications Industry Association (SACIA). He has also served on the boards of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa and The Event Greening Forum. In 2024 he has received awards as Best Virtual Event CEO in Africa by both the CEO Global Excellence Awards as well as the Middle East CEO of the Year Awards. We Are Events were also crowned as the “Most Innovative Events Company” by the Travel & Tourism Awards and received “Event Management Company of the Year” in the Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards.
He previously served as a member of the Minister’s Tourism Leadership Forum, the National Department of Tourism’s National Tourism Stakeholder and Transformation Forum and the National Tourism Department’s Tourism Service Excellence Forum. Bringing a wealth of management and eventing experience from the financial services, business consulting and hospitality industries as well as having played a crucial role in driving the events sector
forward in Southern Africa. Rudi is passionate about event strategy, psychology, creating unique and memorable experiences and driving return on investment for clients through effective and creative event management principles.
A driven, innovative and creative individual with a comprehensive management and leadership background, Van Der Vyver brings to the table more than 20 years of extensive and diversified experience, a comprehensive training foundation and an exemplary career at leading international organisations. Rudi van der Vyver holds a BCom (Hons) degree in marketing with the designations of Chartered Marketer CM (SA) and Virtual Event Institute Professional (VEIP). He is a Professional Business and Life Coach who has successfully implemented various strategies while with the industry association to drive growth and collaboration within the Southern African events industry and was instrumental in driving the brand of the association into international markets to have SAACI seen as the official industry body for Africa and further drive the image of South Africa as an events destination of choice. He is an advocate for the events industry and the business of events.

Ross Volk is a SAICA qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) and currently holds the role of Managing Director at MSC Cruises South Africa, a position that he has held for nine years. 

He leads and is responsible for a staff compliment of 447, across a total of 6 entities in the region and looks after the commercial operations, port operations, crewing and island operations in Mozambique.

Prior to the Managing Director role, Volk served as the Chief Financial Officer for the company for a period of a year. 

Although a CA by profession, Volk has a passion for people and has travelled to over 75 countries around the world and has a deep understanding of diversity and different cultures. 

He is passionate about South Africa and its positioning as a premium holiday destination, about the world of cruising, growing cruising in the Southern African region, providing quality holiday experiences to the company’s customers and to taking South Africa to the world. 

He holds a BComm (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from the University of Witwatersrand. 

Prof. Diane Abrahams holds a BSc Hons, an MSc, and PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand. She has acquired a wealth of skills and expertise during her different roles in the corporate, non-profit, government and academic sector. Throughout her career she has demonstrated commitment to economic and social development in South Africa, holding various senior positions in strategic development and governance.

Prof Diane then transitioned into academia, leveraging her expertise in her role as Director of the School of Tourism and Hospitality in the College of Business and Economics at the University of Johannesburg, where she provides academic stewardship and oversight to both academic departments and the commercial operations unit. Her talents lie in driving significant transformative change initiatives with profound success, through passion, commitment, and effective stakeholder engagement.  Prof Diane notes the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship as important in terms of transforming the sector and in creating opportunities for the many talented youngsters starting a career in Tourism and Hospitality.

Nomasonto Ndlovu is a dynamic African tourism strategist with over two decades of experience in destination marketing, brand development, and public-private partnerships. As CEO of Beacon Africa Tourism, she champions tourism as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth across the continent.

A seasoned executive, Nomasonto has held leadership roles at iconic institutions including South African Tourism, the Limpopo Tourism Agency, and The Blue Train (Transnet). Her tenure at SA Tourism saw her serve as Acting CEO, Acting CMO, and COO — roles in which she led high-impact campaigns that repositioned South Africa on the global tourism map. At Transnet, she broke new ground by establishing the Tourism, Heritage & Hospitality Business Unit. She was also the first black woman CEO of the Limpopo Tourism Agency, where she spearheaded transformative strategies to boost regional travel.

Her academic foundation in Social Sciences from the University of Natal underpins a career that blends public sector influence with private sector agility. Her marketing pedigree includes senior roles at Unilever (South Africa and Kenya), Standard Bank, and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority. As Strategic Executive Director at the City of Tshwane, she launched and led the Communications, Marketing & Events Department.

Beyond her executive track record, Nomasonto is deeply committed to developing future leaders. She serves as Deputy Chairperson of the MBA Advisory Committee at the University of Limpopo’s Graduate School of Leadership. A mentor and thought leader, she inspires emerging tourism professionals and advocates for innovation, sustainability, and intra-Africa travel.

Passionate about Africa’s growth story, Nomasonto uses tourism to tell the continent’s truth, celebrate its people, and unlock its potential. Her mission is clear: to elevate African destinations through bold leadership, brand excellence, and strategic action that leaves a lasting legacy.

Mahi is a dynamic entrepreneur with a proven track record of launching and growing innovative business services. She is highly customer-focused, building lasting relationships that have led to over a decade of repeat clients.

Passionate about positioning Africa as a premier MICE destination, Mahi brings a unique perspective to the industry. Seven years ago, she relocated to the DMV area through a treaty program designed to support young entrepreneurs in expanding their startups to the U.S.

Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with her husband, daughter, and loyal dog.

Luckson Zambuko is a dynamic and visionary leader dedicated to empowering Africa’s youth through tourism and hospitality. As the founder of the African Youth in Tourism and Hospitality Association (AYTHA), he has become a leading voice in advocating for youth capacitation and championing Human Capital Development across the continent. His mission is to unlock the potential of young people by creating pathways to education, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and leadership in the tourism sector.

With a strong background in tourism development, Luckson has positioned AYTHA as a pioneering platform that connects students, young professionals, and emerging entrepreneurs with opportunities for growth and impact. Under his leadership, the association has spearheaded initiatives focused on skills development, innovation, and inclusive participation within the African tourism value chain.

Luckson’s influence extends across some of the most prestigious industry platforms. He has proudly represented youth interests and thought leadership at high-level forums such as the World Travel Market Africa, Future Hospitality Summit Africa, and Meetings Africa Future Leaders Forum, where he consistently advocates for youth inclusion in policy-making, workforce development, and sustainable tourism.

In recognition of his leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation, Luckson also serves as the Country Manager for the MEA Future Leaders Challenge – Zimbabwe, a program aimed at nurturing rising talent and innovation in hospitality across the Middle East and Africa region.

Known for his energy, authenticity, and commitment to progress, Luckson continues to inspire and mobilize young Africans to become changemakers in one of the continent’s most promising sectors. His work is not only reshaping the narrative of African tourism but also ensuring that youth are not left behind in its growth.

Gumbo Mhandeni is a seasoned professional with several years of experience in the aviation, nautical tourism , travel and ultra-luxury travel sectors. Born and raised in Tanzania, his passion for tourism was inspired by the abundant wildlife and scenic vistas of his homeland. This enthusiasm drove him to acquire his professional development in Conservation Science as well as Tourism Management, which he supplemented with specialized training in Wildlife Management. He began his career in the travel and tourism industry, working in various operational and leadership roles, where his deep understanding of customer needs propelled him through the ranks.

In his current role, as a Founder and CEO of Experiential Travel Africa, Gumbo’s leadership has proven to be invaluable in sustaining the commercial success of the company as well delivering ultra-luxury travel services. Combined with his strategic acumen, his insight into tourism trends and tactical sales approaches have consistently bolstered the revenues of the company, helping to achieve fiscal milestones and enhance company brand reputation. His expertise at the crossroads of customer satisfaction, brand management, and profitability keeps Experiential Travel Africa competitive and ready to embrace changes as and when they occur.

Gumbo Mhandeni is more than an industry expert; his dedication to promoting responsible ultra-luxe travel and wildlife conservation reflects his commitment to sustainability. His leadership, vision, and passion for tourism continues to shape the success of clients, securing their rightful places in the global travel and tourism landscape. As he masterfully combines his extensive industry knowledge with a strong commitment to responsible travel ,unique travel design and sales growth, his ability to translate market trends and behaviors into actionable business strategies have resulted in him being entrusted with greater responsibilities that are vital to performance.

Bheki Dube is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of CURIOCITY Africa — a pioneering hospitality and travel brand redefining the African narrative through design, experiences, and connection.

What began in 2013 as a single hybrid backpackers’ hostel in Johannesburg’s inner city has evolved into a South African movement curating meaningful travel experiences for the next generation of explorers.

Today, CURIOCITY operates in Cape Town and Johannesburg, with a growing network and a vision to expand across the continent built for culturally curious Gen Z and Millennial travelers. Under Bheki’s leadership, CURIOCITY has pivoted from being accommodation-focused to becoming a new hybrid of African DMC, connecting travellers to the soul of the continent through art, food, people, and place.

Bheki now 33years of age, raised his first capital in his early twenties with no trust fund, no safety net — just vision, grit, and an instinct for storytelling that resonated with both guests and investors. He has since grown CURIOCITY into a brand recognized by the likes of Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Guardian, and was selected as a Desmond Tutu Fellow and a speaker at global forums including Travel Indaba and WTM Africa.

At his core, Bheki is driven by a desire to shift perspectives — not only of how the world sees Africa, but how Africa sees itself. On this panel, he brings lived experience of raising capital as a young, Black founder in a space historically defined by exclusion, offering insights that are raw, practical, and rooted in purpose. CURIOCITY is more than a business; it’s a blueprint for building an African brand that speaks to the world.

Daphine Natacha Lekipaika is a Trade in Services Expert with over four years of specialized experience in international trade law, regional integration, intellectual property (IP) issues, and trade in services. Her work has focused on advancing legal and policy frameworks that support cross-border trade, particularly within the context of regional and continental trade agreements in Africa.

She currently serves as a Trade in Services Expert at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat Trade in Services Division, where she contributes to the development and implementation of strategies to liberalize and promote trade in services across the African continent. 

Daphine Lekipaika brings expertise in international trade law and an understanding of multilateral and regional trade systems, having worked on legal and policy issues that underpin sustainable economic integration.

Afia Donkor is an Associate in the Corporate and Commercial Department at Adams & Adams. She holds both a Bachelor of Laws Degree and Master of Laws Degree with a specialisation in Intellectual Property, obtained from the University of Cape Town in 2021 and 2022, respectively, and is an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa. 

In addition to her academic qualifications, she has obtained certificates in Advanced Company Law from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), further strengthening her expertise in corporate legal matters.

Her legal areas of practice include Intellectual Property Commercialisation, Technology, Media & Telecommunications, Mergers & Acquisitions and Commercial Real Estate, where she advises clients on the strategic and legal aspects of complex transactions and commercial arrangements across these sectors.

Adele is currently serving as the CEO of Dogan Exhibitions as well as the Johannesburg Expo Centre. Her core expertise lies in strategic development, with a strong emphasis on driving sales growth, enhancing brand value, and optimising operational efficiency. She specialises in business turnaround, leveraging her extensive experience in sales, marketing, and operational best practices to deliver measurable results and sustainable success. She has 17 years C-Level experience in Sales and Marketing across various disciplines with a total of 11 years of dedicated experience in the MICE industry. Originally employed by the GL events group for her Marketing, Bid Management, and Business development expertise in 2014 she has made great strides in establishing her career growth path within the international Group.

Adele has a keen interest in the development of the broader MICE sector; she actively pursues opportunities to play a part in developing the industry and enhance its overall economic contribution. She has served 3 years as the Chairperson of the Young Professionals Forum at EXSA and is currently serving her 3rd term on the board of AAXO.

Adele is deeply committed to talent development within the organizations she leads. She prioritizes retaining and nurturing existing talent by aligning individuals with roles that enable them to grow and thrive. Her inclusive leadership style fosters a supportive and “safe” environment where team members feel empowered to contribute ideas, experiment, and apply their skills to drive the company’s success.

Chef Lebo Phala was born and bred in Mohlaletse Village, Ga Sekhukhune in Limpopo. She
trained at Capsicum Culinary Studio. She is currently founder and Executive Chef at HL
Culinary where she specialises in fine dining indigenous, epicurean experiences.
Throughout her career she has advocated for indigenous/heritage ingredients and the
farmers who grow them.
Lebo’s cooking style is based on pre- colonial indigenous food systems, using ingredients
that are native to South Africa and mixing them up with current methods in order to create
mouth- watering, nutritious and flavourful dishes to create a fine dining experience
Through her activism and advocacy, Lebo is helping to reclaim and celebrate the rich
culinary heritage of indigenous communities around South Africa
She aims to tackle the root causes of deep, persistent problems of unhealthy eating habits.
Through her travels, Chef Lebo has had the opportunity to build connections with tribal
communities, academic institutions, culinary leaders and thought leaders from local to
international. She has witnessed the varying degrees of indigenous food knowledge across
many communities and has seen the need for change.
Our ancestors had a thorough understanding on how to live in balance with the natural
world, and it is from this premise that we need to recognise and start celebrating indigenous
foods. Lebo’s story is quite the journey, born out of the connection to her culture. She grew
up cooking with her family and this increased her curiosity and passion for the culinary arts.
Chef Lebo has been called upon to shed light on indigenous foodways on several platforms
including radio i:e Metro FM, Thobela FM and Alex FM. She has also featured on SABC 2’s
morning live just to name a few.

Mbekezeli Khumalo is a seasoned strategist and innovator with over 12 years of experience in business development, startup acceleration, and enterprise growth. Holding a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Quantity Surveying from the University of the Witwatersrand, Mbekezeli has also sharpened his expertise through prestigious programmes including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Global Start-up Labs, the Richard Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship, and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS).

Through MIT, Mbekezeli focused extensively on crafting start-up strategies and technologies tailored for developing and third-world nations. His involvement in rapid acceleration initiatives such as hackathons has cemented his reputation as an innovation coach dedicated to solving complex business challenges through design thinking and rapid prototyping.

Mbekezeli’s career spans mentorship, incubation, and the strategic transformation of corporate supply chains, with a special emphasis on preferential procurement and supplier development. He has successfully supported over 500 small to medium enterprises across diverse industries, helping businesses at different stages to unlock funding opportunities, strengthen market linkages, and scale operations effectively.

His deep expertise includes corporate supply chain and category strategy, enterprise and supplier development strategy design and execution, as well as coaching innovation through hackathons. Mbekezeli is known for his hands-on approach to mentorship and business incubation, providing practical guidance that drives measurable growth and sustainability.

With a strong commitment to fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems and driving economic transformation, Mbekezeli continues to be a key player in accelerating start-ups and enabling inclusive business development. His strategic vision and operational know-how empower businesses and corporates alike to innovate, collaborate, and thrive in competitive markets.

Brandon Elijah is a dedicated builder of businesses, people, and programmes with a deep passion for entrepreneurship and youth development. As the Head of Youth and Business Development at YIEDI (Youth Innovation Entrepreneurship & Design Institute), Brandon plays a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting over 200 entrepreneurs through strategic enterprise and supplier development initiatives.

With extensive experience designing and delivering accelerator programmes, mentorship sessions, and corporate partnerships, Brandon’s approach is practical and impact-driven. He doesn’t just focus on ticking boxes but on creating real growth opportunities that empower entrepreneurs to scale sustainably. His work bridges the gap between emerging businesses and corporate South Africa, unlocking access to markets, funding, and skills development.

Brandon believes entrepreneurship is a key driver for economic transformation in South Africa. His commitment to uplifting youth and women entrepreneurs through tailored programmes under the YIEDI and WomX brands demonstrates this conviction in action. He thrives on helping founders navigate challenges like funding, marketing, and operational growth with clear, actionable strategies.

Beyond his professional work, Brandon is a natural connector and leader, known for his warm, approachable style and ability to inspire teams and entrepreneurs alike. He’s also passionate about continuous learning, personal growth, and building strong relationships across the business community.

Driven by purpose and a strong sense of responsibility, Brandon is focused on delivering programmes designed by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs—ensuring relevance and real-world impact. His vision is to build a thriving pipeline of successful small businesses that contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economy and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Caroline Smallwood is the General Manager at Amadeus, Southern Africa where she oversees Amadeus’ commercial and operational strategies for the markets across Southern Africa and leads initiatives to grow the brand across the region whilst driving technological innovation.

With over 30 years of experience in the Travel Industry, Caroline joined Amadeus in 2006, was key in growing the market share thus changing the landscape for Amadeus in the region. Caroline has seen the Travel Industry in Southern Africa evolve almost beyond recognition. 

She has extensive experience in offline and online travel technology and has a proven track record in business development and retention.

Sandile Chipunza is IATA’s Manager – External Affairs & Sustainability and is based in Johannesburg, South  Africa. His responsibilities include ensuring that IATA’s members’ priorities and needs are met,  implementing IATA policies and promoting its products and services to contribute to meeting Industry expectations set out by IATA’s Board and Leadership. Central to this role is solid Advocacy for the value 

that Aviation contributes to the African Continent and contributes expertise in Aviation Industry solutions. 

Prior to taking up the role of Manager – External Affairs & Sustainability – Africa, Sandile was Manager,  Advocacy & Strategic Relations, Africa from being an Aviation Solutions Manager for Southern Africa. Before IATA, Sandile worked with Airlink as a Regional Manager – Africa for seven (7) years, after spending seven  (7) years with SAA, setting up new SAA managed operations in Zimbabwe and Zambia. He has over 25 years’ Experience in both Aviation and Travel & Tourism Sector. Sandile holds a Bachelor of commerce Degree in Managements from the University of South Africa and holds various Diplomas with IATA.

Matsetsebale Tleane is a seasoned multisectoral stakeholder manager on numerous national projects. He leads Agape Youth Movement (AYM), a youth-focused social innovation organisation in South Africa. 

Matsetsebale has managed national youth development projects with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), and supports government partnerships. 

He serves on the Social and Human Sciences Commission of UNESCO South Africa and has chaired the Social Cohesion pillar of South Africa’s national structure on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. A social entrepreneur and advocate of decolonial thinking, he promotes youth agency in shaping Africa’s future, including through tourism and intercultural exchange.

Dr. Sipho Ngomane is a dynamic public sector leader with a proven track record in driving transformation across government and state-owned institutions, including SANParks, SARS, and PSETA. With a PhD in Public Management and Administration from the University of Pretoria and qualifications in education, human resource development, labour law, and public management, he brings both academic depth and strategic insight to his work. As Chief Director at the National Department of Tourism, he leads the national agenda on tourism skills development and digital transformation—two pillars vital to unlocking inclusive economic growth.

A passionate advocate for youth empowerment, Dr Ngomane champions innovation as a catalyst for sustainable change in Africa’s tourism sector. His participation as Guest of Honour at the 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge reflects his commitment to shaping a tourism landscape that is future-ready, skills-driven, and inclusive. His leadership continues to inspire emerging talent and reinforce the role of public institutions in creating meaningful opportunities for Africa’s youth.

As a seasoned Digital Transformation and Strategy executive with over 20 years of commercial
experience in Management Consulting, Banking, and Public Sector. Siya is passionate about helping
businesses improve customer experience through Corporate Strategy Formulation, Artificial
Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Digital Transformation across sectors.
Prior to joining SA Tourism as a Chief Strategy Officer, Siya was employed at DeloiLe Africa as an
Associate Director responsible for driving business development using Digital Transformation,
Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity within financial sector and telecommunications.
Prior to joining DeloiLe Africa in 2020, Siya worked for Standard Bank – Africa Regions where he led
the Customer Insights capability that delivered “fit for purpose” AI solu2ons across 14 countries within
the retail business. This capability was instrumental in the rollout of the digitised Customer Insight 360
solution which improved customer engagement both in relationship and executive banking.
Prior to joining Standard Bank, Siya was a Chief Technology and Data Officer at Knowledge Factory
where he was responsible for the development and deployment of data processing activities, the
customer web portal, GIS Spatial data, and other solutions presented.
Siya has successfully completed a Master’s degree in Digital Business at Wits Business School, a Post
Graduate Diploma in Digital Business with MIT and Columbia Business School and a Fintech Program
with Oxford Suid Business School.