Keep the Momentum: Invest in Women Shaping South African Tourism

As we close Women’s Month, South African Tourism invites South Africans and visitors alike to turn celebration into action. Women power much of our visitor economy, from community guides and conservation rangers to hoteliers, makers and restaurateurs, yet many still sit outside the networks and visibility that drive growth. 

The most meaningful tribute is a booking, a visit, a share, a referral. When you choose a woman-led experience, you’re investing in families, jobs, culture and place. We spotlight stories and destinations where your next trip can directly support women’s enterprise — from clay artists in Limpopo to farm-to-table innovators in Gauteng and a heritage-rich stay in the Constantia valley.

From Venda clay to Constantia vines – find your joy in her story

Deep in the heart of Limpopo, where the earth itself is an ingredient, the ancient art of Venda pottery lives on at the Mukondeni Pottery Village. This isn’t a craft shop; it’s a living museum sustained by a sisterhood of 15 women. Their story begins with the legendary master potter, Sarah Munyai, who founded this village not just to create, but to preserve a sacred, matriarchal skill.

Here, you watch as women coil, shape, and fire clay using methods passed from mother to daughter for generations. The process is raw and real. They gather clay from the local riverbed and decorate their creations with hand-ground red ochre and shimmering silver graphite, both sourced from the nearby Lalonde Mountains. The pots aren’t baked in a kiln; they’re fired in an open pit, just as they have been for centuries.

Sarah Munyai’s legacy is a powerful example of how one woman’s vision can sustain an entire community. Her story is among those being recognised during Women’s Month as we encourage South Africans and visitors to seek out and support women-led tourism experiences.

“These are the women who cultivate communities, preserve legacies, and infuse the land with powerful, personal stories,” says Thandiwe Mathibela, GM: Global PR, Communications & Stakeholder Relations at South African Tourism. “When a woman’s tourism business is chosen and supported, the impact extends beyond her doors - jobs are created, local suppliers are engaged, and cultural heritage is sustained. That’s the ripple effect of intentionally supporting her story. 

“Sarah’s story of preservation and community echoes across the country. Here are two more gateways to the authentic soul of the nation that showcase the talent and tenacity of women in the tourism industry.

Nurture the land and its people at Rosemary Hill Farm, Gauteng 

Just a stone's throw from the bustle of Pretoria, a different kind of legacy is blossoming. Rosemary Hill Farm began as a family venture and is now steered by the second generation of women, who have transformed it into a sanctuary for both nature and community.

This is a place where sustainability is more than a buzzword. Their deep commitment to biodynamic farming means the land is nurtured without chemicals, allowing the true flavours of their produce – from the fragrant rosemary to the farm-to-table vegetables – to shine. Over 100 000 trees have been planted here - a staggering pledge to the planet.

But their focus extends from the soil to the soul. By championing the up-skilling of local staff, this women-led destination embodies the spirit of Ubuntu – “I am because we are”. Choosing to visit and book here directly supports women’s leadership in hospitality and local livelihoods. A stay means waking up to fresh farm air, hiking through burgeoning forests, and enjoying a meal where every ingredient tells a story of care.

The Cellars-Hohenort, Cape Town, is the enduring vision of a trailblazer

Nestled in the lush Constantia Valley, often called “Cape Town's Vineyard”, The Cellars-Hohenort stands as a testament to timeless elegance. But its luxury isn't impersonal; it is the direct result of the impeccable taste and pioneering spirit of its iconic founder, the late Liz McGrath.

A true trailblazer in South African hospitality, Liz McGrath transformed this historic property into a world-class, 5-star hotel. Her passion is still palpable in every detail – from the magnificent, world-renowned gardens that showcase unique Cape flora to the exceptional service that defines the pinnacle of the industry. 

Experiencing spaces like this is also a way to honour the legacy of women whose leadership helped define South African hospitality, by staying, dining, and sharing their stories.

“We encourage South Africans and visitors to intentionally choose women-led experiences—book the guesthouse, join the tour, buy the craft,” Mathibela adds. “By doing so, you help ensure these stories are seen, these businesses are sustained, and these communities continue to thrive.”

Come find your joy in her story - and let your choices make a difference.