Access, Inclusivity and Diversity (AID) in the SATSA context
During the 1990s, SATSA was recognised as one of the first multi-racial tourism organisations in South Africa. Since then SATSA has been actively involved in helping SMEs and emerging businesses in practical and tangible ways. SMEs of all kinds introduce diversity and variety into the sector and ensure our visitors the selection of unique tourism products and services they seek.
Led by SATSA’s Board, CEO and the AID Committee, we follow a dual strategy that focuses on developing & assisting small and emerging businesses to become market ready, and on assisting products to access the tourism value chain.
SATSA is committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty, ensure prosperity, and protect the planet. As such, all members are strongly encouraged to do the same.
Our SMEs and emerging members say that the strengths of the association lie in helping them build relationships with larger Tour Operators, DMCs and government by providing credibility and reassuring vendors that the business takes accountability and responsibility seriously because it has joined SATSA.
In the past six years, SATSA has assisted over 420 black-owned SMEs with training, 110 with mentorship, and 200 with market access.
Access
We believe that sustainable transformation can only become evident in SATSA’s membership when grassroots, township, rural and undiscovered urban tourism businesses are given access to information and resources needed to develop their businesses to operate in the main value chain.
One of our aims is to foster a receptive business network that is enthusiastic about working with business owners that have been previously excluded. This goes beyond class and race and extends a hand to reach out to youth, women, LGBTQIA+, and differently-abled people.
Current initiatives range from training, coaching and mentorship to specific market access projects. The latter includes SATSA’s regional growth strategy which we have successfully implemented with a number of provincial stakeholders. It incorporates hosting physical and virtual familiarisation trips which provides exposure to undiscovered products in South Africa’s rural areas, small towns and townships. At the same time, it meets the demand, as stipulated by our overseas trade partners and travellers, for new products and experiences in less-frequented destinations.
Inclusivity
Inclusion is key and it starts with lending a helping hand, not a hand-out, and walking the journey with township and rural businesses, SMEs and young entrepreneurs in partnership with public stakeholders and established businesses.
Since its inception more than 50 years ago, SATSA has stood as the mark of credibility in tourism. This is achieved by strict due diligence on registration and an annual basis, ensuring that each member is fully compliant with the legal requirements set by Government. Two additional elements are business solvency and the required insurance – both critical to maintaining the credible reputation of all SATSA members.
SATSA assists businesses of all sizes with understanding the range of requirements and assisting them to comply where necessary.
To make SATSA more accessible, a Small Business Tier was introduced in 2014 (initially called Introductory Tier) with much success. We have taken a further step recently by introducing two new tiers, Growth Affiliate and Emerging Association Membership.
Diversity
SATSA stands for the inclusion of all sexes, sexual orientations, races, cultures, geographical locations and sizes of business into its membership to reflect South Africa’s diversity.
Part of our work here is to offer training to members on becoming LGBTQA++ and Halaal friendly.
SATSA also includes in its Code of Conduct, a clause on Anti-Harassment and Discrimination and works with National Tourism Authorities to implement this at all levels of the industry.
How can you AID?
Now that you know what SATSA AID is about; join the movement towards sustainable change!
Whilst we are continuously developing and enhancing plans, we call on all members to choose to do business with suppliers and products owned by individuals who are excluded from the main value chain. If you make a connection with an AID-eligible business that is not yet compliant, you can recommend them as a Growth Affiliate or Emerging Association Member.
For further information or discussion, you are welcome to contact SATSA’s COO, Hannelie du Toit or SATSA’s Co-Vice Chair, Rob Hetem.
AID Projects
SATSA Tourism Business Incubator
Welcome to the SATSA Tourism Business Incubator, where innovation and success converge.
As an outcome of the SATSA 2022 Conference and implemented from May 2022 (onwards), SATSA proudly introduces an innovative service aimed at empowering emerging entrepreneurs in the tourism value chain to propel their businesses to new heights.
Through our enterprise and supplier development (ESD) services, SATSA members can support beneficiary companies and obtain the necessary collateral for their B-BBEE verification, specifically for the enterprise development (ED) and supplier development (SD) components of the B-BBEE scorecard.
By becoming a valued partner, you play a vital role in shaping the future of the tourism sector by contributing to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. Our programme offers a value-added, high-impact business support programme, that embraces agility, navigates easily through red tape, and infuses partners and member linkages, providing a comprehensive network of support.
Based on the proven incubator model of our partner, Sigma International, our Business Incubation program has been specially tailored and "private-labelled" by SATSA through a dedicated non-profit company. This initiative is at the forefront of driving the tourism transformation agenda, in combination with our Access, Inclusivity and Diversity Committee.
Beneficiaries of this program gain access to unparalleled opportunities for support, resources, networking, and industry expertise. Our goal is to provide emerging entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance needed to thrive in the competitive tourism market.
Together, we will shape a dynamic and inclusive tourism industry, fostering growth, diversity, and success for all.
Member Partners
We are proud to list our current partners as follows:
Beneficiaries
Currently, over 30 beneficiaries are funded by our member partners for participation in the 2023 SATSA Tourism Business Incubator.
Incubatee businesses are new enterprises and/or current suppliers and vary across sectors, from tourism services to waste management, furniture manufacturing, sweet manufacturing, and even a business that repurposes used linen into school uniforms for underprivileged children.
By engaging the services of our beneficiaries, you can rest assured that you are partnering with a reputable and supported business.
Accommodation
Camping Khapela Rethabile Guest House Gauteng Gauteng Accommodation - Camping & Outdoor Experience Accommodation - Bed & Breakfast Karabo Sepharatla Jacob Motlamme Cleaning Services
Industrial Washers - IndiWash Organic Matters Gauteng Gauteng Cleaning Services - Industrial Laundry Services Cleaning Services - Grease Trap Services Pamela Mphuthi Siya Sigcau Tendani Maintenance Wasiza Trade and Invest Gauteng Gauteng Cleaning Services - Waste Refusal Cleaning Services - Cleaning and Sanitising Koketso Sekete Wanda Sowazi Construction
Adnasah Trading KwaZulu-Natal Construction Zama Mpanza Design
Ashok Narsai Interiors Isu Elihle Projects Gauteng KwaZulu-Natal Design Interior - Interior Design Design Interior - Carpeting & Upholstery Ashok Narsai Michael Majola Morake AA Décor Top Class Landscaping Projects Gauteng Gauteng Design Interior- Upholstery & Cushions Design Exterior - Landscaping & Gardening Anna Ramokoka Solomon Phungwayo Food & Beverage
Asmara Coffee Forest Fairies Sweet Company Gauteng KwaZulu-Natal Food & Beverage - Coffee Food & Beverage - Sweets & Chocolates Buhle Magwentshu Thejes Khan Meropa Casino Banqueting Olive Ridge Holdings Limpopo Gauteng Food & Beverage - Events Banqueting Food & Beverage - Fresh Produce (fruit, vegetables, milk & eggs) Thidiela Zwotea Terrence Maluke Roska Artisan Ice-Cream Gauteng Food & Beverage - Artisan Ice-Cream, Frozen Food & Beverages Roshni Morar Health Tourism
Relax Spas Western Cape Health Tourism - Hospitality, Wellness, Travel & Tourism Noli Mini Manufacturing
Bloom Afrika Skills Academy King's Manufacturers Holdings Western Cape Gauteng Manufacturing - Linen Products (circular economy) Manufacturing - Signage Manufacturers Danolene Johanssen Selby Nkosi Kumbula Mouldings Gauteng Manufacturing - Hand Crafted & Painted Curios Alex Banda Security Services
JC Security SA LRM Protection Services Gauteng KwaZulu-Natal Security Services Security Services Edith Mahabo Derrick Moseiea Tour Operator & Transport
Gabriel On The Go Point Squared Shuttles Gauteng Gauteng Tour Operator - Transport and Tours Transport Gabriel Chauke Ashley Liddle Sussurros De Africa Theos Tours and Culture KwaZulu-Natal KwaZulu-Natal Tour Operator Tour Operator - Cultural tours and tour guide Andile Kleinbooi Xolani Gina Ubizo Tourism and Events Vomba Tours and Safaris Western Cape Mpumalanga Tour Operator and Destination Management Company Tour Operator Sabu Siyaka Dzunisani Hlongwane Zaf Travel and Tourism Zintokazi Afrika KwaZulu-Natal KwaZulu-Natal Tour Operator with wheels Tour Operator Vishal Govind Zaithoon Maziya Support Offered
Business incubation support, facilitated by Sigma International, is based on in-depth needs assessments and includes, amongst others, the following:
Support with financial, business and marketing mentorship Development of marketing collateral Assistance with financial record-keeping and management accounts Business linkages and market access support Assistance with funding plans and facilitation of business funding Zoom Couch sessions and Fireside Chats with Guest Speakers (for example Robbie Brozin, Co-Founder of Nandos)
Sigma International utilizes a partnership model of support, with key business support partners including SAICA ED, PUM Netherlands Senior Experts Programme (technical business support such as Solar Energy Coaching), and others.
Getting Involved
Should you wish to partner on what we hope will become the largest network of Tourism Business Incubators, starting with the National Department of Tourism and having been adopted by FEDHASA and ASATA, please contact us as follows:
Akash Sign, Sigma International - akash@sigmaintl.co.za
Hannelie du Toit, SATSA – hannelie@satsa.co.za
SATSA Training Academy
Welcome to the SATSA Training Academy, a beacon of excellence in skills development in Southern Africa.
We combine traditional classroom teaching with innovative online learning, offering a dynamic and comprehensive approach to professional development in the tourism industry.
Whether you are planning a career in tourism, are a new entrant in the industry, or are immersed in tourism and wish to upskill, the SATSA Academy is for you.
With world-class content crafted in collaboration with industry experts, our curriculum caters to both the time-honoured practices and emerging trends in tourism, ranging from sustainable tourism and cultural intelligence to digital marketing and customer service.
The Academy offers a blended learning approach, allowing you to learn at your own pace through engaging online modules while benefiting from hands-on experience through in-person workshops and sessions.
We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, offering accessible learning platforms for all current, new and aspiring tourism professionals.
We work closely with governments, private sectors, educational institutions, and local businesses to provide you with real-world exposure and insights from industry leaders.
All certifications are endorsed by SATSA and other key bodies, assuring excellence, integrity, and professionalism.
More information to follow shortly on our exciting offerings.
