The Sedibeng District Municipality takes the initiative to reposition the Vaal as a destination of choice.

12 September 2025

Puleng Nkotoe (Assistant Manager: Tourism)

Sedibeng District Municipality’s Local Economic Development and Tourism Department hosted a two-day Tourism Strategy Review Session from 3–4 September 2025 at Emerald Resort & Casino. The session brought together SALGA, the National Department of Tourism, Gauteng Tourism Authority, local and cross border municipalities, and key stakeholders to develop a new approach to strengthening tourism in the Vaal.

Under the theme “Re-positioning Tourism for Local Economic Growth and Inclusive Development,” the programme focused on aligning local strategies with national and provincial priorities, sharing best practices, and exploring models such as destination branding, township tourism, and community-based tourism. Roundtable discussions covered vision refinement, action planning, and identifying funding partnerships for implementation.

The municipality recognises tourism’s potential as a driver for socio-economic development and has embarked on a consultative process to formulate a tailored strategy aligned with national and provincial goals. SALGA facilitated participatory planning to ensure local government perspectives, while the National Department of Tourism provided policy guidance, capacity building, and technical support. The Gauteng Tourism Authority contributed marketing expertise, market research, and destination branding guidance to position Sedibeng as an attractive domestic and international destination.

The resulting strategy will focus on sustainable tourism, community engagement, and preservation of cultural and environmental assets, with key areas including heritage and eco-tourism.

“It’s important to revive our relationship with stakeholders and collaborate with them. Sedibeng wants to create people-first initiatives that give the region’s businesses opportunities to grow economically. That will guide our new strategy,” said Mr. Khulu Mbongo, Director of Local Economic Development and Tourism.

For more information please contact Puleng Nkotoe pulengf@sedibeng.gov.za

Click on the link to learn more about the Gauteng Tourism Agency.