The Temba Local Tourism Association made its landmark debut at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) from May 11 to 14. The appearance marks a significant achievement for the local body at one of the continent’s most vibrant showcases of tourism destinations and associations.
Temba Tourism stepped onto the global stage as one of the standout new entrants at this year’s Indaba. As a newly founded association located near Dinokeng Game Reserve and the N1 that leads to Limpopo and destinations such as the Kruger National Park, its participation in Africa’s premier leisure travel trade show represents not only its first major public platform but also a defining moment in its journey.
Africa’s Travel Indaba, organised by South African Tourism, is regarded as one of the continent’s leading tourism marketing events and among the most attended globally in the leisure tourism sector. The event brings together international buyers, industry experts and media, serving as a key platform for showcasing products and forming strategic partnerships.
Chairperson of the Temba Local Tourism Association, Mr Cliff Mashishimane, shared his experience:
“I haven’t attended such a show before, being in the tourism space, so I wanted to get a feel of how other tourism associations operate, to network and to see how best we can package Temba as a tourist destination.”
The association was founded out of a passion to highlight the town’s hidden gems and rich cultural heritage, with a strong focus on community-based sustainable tourism. Its goal is to promote the area’s wildlife offerings, including its nearby game reserve, while showcasing local culture.
Mr Mashishimane emphasised Temba’s geographical advantage:
“Our position geographically is a seller. People go to Vilakazi Street in Soweto because the community preserved Mandela’s home — those are man-made attractions. Here, we are about six kilometres from Dinokeng, where people can see the Big Five.”
South Africa’s tourism sector continues to grow, driven by increasing demand for responsible, community-linked destinations. The Temba Local Tourism Association aligns with these trends, positioning itself to attract niche and specialist markets seeking authentic local experiences.
Beyond exhibition space, the event offered valuable networking and partnership opportunities. Mr Mashishimane highlighted the importance of representation:
“Although we are situated within the Tshwane Municipality, you realise that even officials in the tourism space don’t really know our places because we haven’t actively marketed them. It was important for me to be there and introduce Temba to people who showed keen interest in what it is and what it can become.”
This milestone serves as a reminder that growth in the tourism industry often begins at the grassroots level. Local tourism associations play a vital role in community development, shared economic opportunities and collaboration with other towns across South Africa. Through initiatives such as Africa’s Travel Indaba, emerging destinations like Temba are gaining the exposure needed to build sustainable tourism and unlock their full potential.
