Economic Opportunities
(a) What is the progress with transformation in the provincial tourism market, (b) how many black business operate in the industry in the province, (c) how many (i) South African (black) and (ii) foreigners are employed by the sector, (d) what are the number of beneficiaries in the sector and (e) how are workers treated?
Project Khulisa has identified tourism as a focus sector for the Western Cape. Under a high growth scenario, it is estimated that the sector could add up to a further 100 000 jobs to the local economy over the next five years.
It is our objective to create an environment which ensures that all entrepreneurs and employees who are willing to work hard in this sector, are able to take advantage of its economic benefits.
To this end, we have institutionalised in our department a Tourism Sector Transformation Unit which delivers a comprehensive support and development programme for start-ups and SMME’s within this space.
This includes skills development, bursary programmes and business support for emerging entrepreneurs. Since 2009, 1 706 residents have participated in the various programmes we offer. We have invested R6.6 million in this programme. We are committed to doing more within the context of supporting a demand led approach to economic growth.
We believe our effects are having an impact.
Black-owned businesses within the Western Cape Tourism Sector are earning national acclaim.
Nisreen Bulbulia is the owner of City Hopper, an airport shuttle. In 2013, her company won the Eteya award at the national tourism Lilizela Awards. This award recognises excellence in black-owned small businesses. The previous year, the award was won by Shaheed Ebrahim, the owner of Escape to the Cape. These entrepreneurs are ambassadors for our sector.
In addition, there are 3312 tourist guides in the Western Cape, of which 788 are black.
The number of black tourist guides has increased by 46% since the period 2008/09, when the Democratic Alliance took over the provincial government.
This progress speaks to our commitment to drive transformation and we will continue to build an inclusive tourism sector.
