By William Baloyi
The beauty of South Africa lies in our identity as a champion of peace, with the spirit of ubuntu serving as our defining signature to the world.
The world is once again arriving on our shores for the 6th South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), scheduled to take place on 31 March 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has indicated that participation from over 50 countries positions South Africa as a gateway to Africa and an attractive investment destination.
Since its inception by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018, this results‑driven platform has successfully mobilised approximately R1.51 trillion in investment commitments. Over R600 billion in investments has been mobilised, resulting in new factories, mines, and industrial projects that are driving job creation and economic development.
Importantly, South Africa continues to affirm its global standing through events of this scale, delivering exceptional hospitality, as demonstrated by the successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which earned a worldwide acclamation. SAIC will further elevate the country’s global tourism profile and provide a significant boost to the hospitality sector.
SAIC also presents an opportunity for all South Africans, from all walks of life, to showcase the country’s unique offerings. Central to this is the tourism sector, which continues to serve as a strategic driver of economic growth. South Africa’s tourism strengths remain unmatched from iconic wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cultural heritage.
This was clearly demonstrated in 2025, when South Africa recorded a historic milestone of 10.5 million international tourist arrivals, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time since global travel disruptions. These figures signal a sustained recovery and the growing resilience of the tourism sector.
As tourism numbers rise, it becomes increasingly important to understand who is travelling and why, particularly as we position South Africa as a destination of choice for both travel and investment. In this context, tourism remains a cornerstone of government’s agenda to drive inclusive growth, attract investment, and create jobs.
This momentum is further supported by an increase in regional tourist arrivals, as South Africa assumes the role of interim Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), strengthening its position as a regional hub for tourism and economic cooperation.
Government has introduced measures to simplify entry for international tourists. The online eVisa system offers a convenient and secure platform for travellers to apply through the Department of Home Affairs. This service enables direct engagement with the responsible authority, ensuring that visa applications are processed efficiently and in full compliance with legal requirements for entry into South Africa.
Government’s goal is to position South Africa as a distinctive global destination. To support this, strategic interventions have been implemented, including increasing flights to key destinations. These efforts enable tourism to contribute meaningfully to inclusive economic growth. The growth in the sector reflects a positive trajectory, placing it in a strong position to achieve the 15 million arrivals target set out in the National Development Plan.
SAIC takes place during a period when South Africans will be travelling to various destinations for the Easter holidays. Government encourages citizens to visit local cultural and heritage sites, support traditional festivals and local crafts, and explore natural landscapes and rural tourism offerings.
South Africa stands as a diverse and unique tourism destination, offering rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class experiences. Tourism is not merely about travel; it is a strategic economic sector that creates jobs, boosts GDP, supports local economies, and enhances the country’s global image, positioning South Africa as a competitive and attractive destination on the world stage.
*Baloyi is the Deputy Government Spokesperson at the Government Communication and Information System.
