A red- carpeted event was hosted at the Soweto Theatre on Friday, 3rd of February 2023. Beautiful and elegantly dressed sponsors, community members and special guests were welcomed into the ambience of the historical leisure facility.
Masters of Ceremony, Sicelo P and Zicco set the night in motion by giving a warm welcome to guests while introducing the likes of Thato Mothopeng, Chairman of Soweto Tourism, Aubrey Mhlongo, Chairperson of South Africa Tourism and Fish Mahlalela, deputy minister of South Africa Tourism. They all briefly gave an overview of the Tourism industry, while unpacking the operation of Tourism in its entirety and expanding on the greater opportunities that potentially arise to take the industry to greater heights. The theme of the Soweto Tourism Awards was “Back To Our Roots”. The theme emphasized the connection in which the Soweto Township has with its people. Imperatively, Soweto has been promoted and marketed as a friendly and welcoming environment where the historical and cultural significance is embraced. As a reminder, the community is intrigued by the interesting fact that Soweto has been known for, dating back to 1976. It is remembered for being a site of the massive uprising known as the Soweto Rebellion. The idea of the “Back To Our Roots” theme is shared within the uniqueness of Soweto, the heart of South Africa’s tourist attraction. Being a vibrant tourist hub that offers heritage sites, restaurants, clubs, taverns and interesting inexpensive accommodation that makes Soweto a must for tourists to get a full blown experience of the friendliness of the place.
Ayanda Kela (Raya Studios) organized the event, with great sponsorship from various stakeholders such as Tolokazi Beer, PMP Germ Guard, Nevrodsai Acctax and many more. Under all the 13 categories that were in nomination for award winning, three of the categories that won were under the sponsorship of PMP Germ Guard and Nevrodsai Acctax. Ntozethu Guest House won under the category of accommodation with the supply of 300 packs of branded guest amenities products. PMP GERM GUARD also supplied 50 On-The-Go travel packs to the Soweto Travel Shop, which won under the category of Tour Operators. Furthermore, under the category of camping, the Soweto Little League camp won and it too had been supplied with 50 On-The Go branded travel packs. Lastly, Saslo’Spa & Beauty Studio won the prize for Wellness Tourism, with one year complimentary bookkeeping and tax services by Nevrodsai Acctax. It is a great pleasure to see such engagement between Tourism and the association it has with businesses. The necessity to acknowledge these business associations as success factors of eradicating societal issues in the economy is one that should not be taken for granted. Tourism around Soweto is not just about entertainment but it is about informing future generations about their heritage and culture. It is all about where it all began, where it is going and what the youth can take over to pass on to upcoming generations. The history never ends, the teachings and the culture is one that ensures that people are inclined with their roots. This is how Soweto will never lose its touch.
The event was blissful to many and it was also honored by various entertainment from the MC’s as well as other arts and culture performing groups. There were dancers, a band and a vocalist, that got the crowd on their feet, dancing to the cover of ‘Shebeleza’ by Joe Mafela. It is with prodigious gratitude that such an event was honored by many with so much enthusiasm and delight. There is hope that this type of event also becomes a perpetual culture that will be exposed to other business associates and generations.