Being awarded a certificate in a pink dress is Ms Annah Phetla flanked by CEO of LTA, Mr. Moses Ngobeni on the left, LTA Board Deputy Chairperson, Ms. Grace Sibara and in a black golf shirt on the right, MMC for LED at Fetakgomo -Tubatse Municipality, Cllr. Owen Mashego.

The small village of Phiring at the border of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces in the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Municipality, Sekhukhune, was a hive of activity when Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) collaborated with other key stakeholders to officially launch Phiring Village Homestays.

Key stakeholders included Fetakgomo-Tubatse Municipality, Kruger to Canyon, Traditional African Homestays-South Africa (TAH-SA), Sekhukhune Development Agency (SDA), Sekhukhune District Tourism Association and Phiring Traditional Authority.

The purpose for the introduction of the concept in this part of the province is to expose visitors and tourists to authentic traditional and cultural experience. This is the first in Sekhukhune District since the introduction of this award-winning concept by TAH-SA under the stewardship of Ms. Kyle Murray.

The first was established in Makushu village in Vhembe district and the second was introduced at Mashishimale Village in Mopani District and this was the third in the province.

According to this award-winning concept, instead of visitors staying in conventional hotels, they are hosted in homestays, where they live with local families. This allows for a more intimate and personal experience, as guests become a part of the family for the duration of their stay.

Visitors are encouraged to participate in traditional and local activities, which could include joining in on traditional dances, floor making using cow dung or soil, learning how to cook local/traditional dishes, engaging in traditional craft-making, or taking part in religious or cultural ceremonies. This is authentic experience that leaves visitors with lasting memories.

In her outline of purpose of the event, the CEO of TAH-SA, Ms. Kyle Henn Murray, who also got herself a new name as Hunadi and her husband Mr. Cameron Murray, as Malope, thanked every stakeholder who made efforts to ensure that the event was a success. She indicated that the Community has 12 Homestay Hosts who are predominantly women. “All mothers owning these homes are retired and very hospitable, like a true mom or a granny. They will make sure that our guests are well taken care of and feel part of their families. Most of the moms have two to five family members staying with them, mostly their children or grandchildren. As the experience is unique, each homestay mom’s home is beautifully different. Most of the moms have two guest rooms with either two double beds or one beautifully decorated. Homestay owners will be awarded with certificates as proof that they are qualified to host guests from all over the world after training they received. The moms pride themselves in welcoming families and guests from all over the world”, said Ms. Kyle Henn Murray.

The community of Phiring is also fortunate to have 11 brilliant local guides who are all young adults that grew up in the community. The guides will always be alongside guests to ensure they feel welcomed and part of the community. They are well trained and can assist with communication as guests immerse themselves within the communities.

The Deputy Director General (DDG) of Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Ms. Keleabetswe Tlouane, who also directed the programme indicated that “People should be proud of their heritage and culture which they can share with other people from other countries visiting Limpopo Province and the country, thus growing the footprint of the homestays we are launching here today”.

Messages of support were delivered by Sekhukhune Development Agency (SDA) represented by Board Chairperson Mr. Tšhabedi Serote, who congratulated Phiring Homestays owners and indicated that the launch of the structure is putting them under tremendous pressure as the SDA was not visible for some time and then got overtaken by events. “We are proud of the people of Phiring and we will work with you as partnerships will be key to us,” said Serote.

Ms. Hazel Motshwene represented Limpopo Provincial Tourism Association (LPTA) and she indicated how excited she was to be part of the successful launch of Homestays which would pave a way for hospitality and cultural exchange. “Not only did you open your homes to people you do not know but you also opened your hearts for them. For that we thank you and the sky is the limit.”

On the other hand, Ms. Reshoketswe Mafogo representing Kruger to Canyon, congratulated the Homestay owners and said they would continue to work with them as they always did previously with the support of LEDET in respect of Sekweneng Tufa. Mr. Teddy Motshoane, the Chairperson of Ba-Dinkwenyane Tourism Association (BTA) also thanked TAH-SA for the contribution. He emphasised the importance of actively belonging to structures like tourism associations.

The MEC. Of LEDET, Mr. Rodgers Monama was not in attendance to give a keynote address and he was represented by the LTA Board Deputy Chairperson, Ms. Grace Sibara, who also congratulated the Ba-Dinkwenyane Tourism Association for the milestone achievement of officially launching the Homestays in Phiring.

She said, “As I congratulate Phiring Tourism Association, I would further urge the community of Phiring to be innovative to ensure that as many overseas visitors come your way, you should have a myriad of activities to keep them busy with. As LTA and LEDET, we are proud of the bold step you have taken to grow tourism but continue working hard for us to receive more international arrivals as they are on their way coming here after this launch. We all should rally behind this community for this concept to work and succeed in this community. With major attractions, like the Sekweneng Tufa and Sethunyeng (Gunrock), we should not fail but feel encouraged to work with all stakeholders for the success of this concept”.

The Local Mayor of Fetakgomo-Tubatse Municipality, Cllr. Eddie Maila, was represented by Member of the Mayoral Council (MMC) for Local Economic Development (LED) who is also the local leader in the area, Cllr. Owen Mashego, who thanked everybody for their contribution to the success of the launch. Attractions in the area were also visited including some homestays. The community of Phiring was also praised for keeping their environment clean and members of the community were encouraged to keep that up as visitors like visiting clean destinations.

Board Chairperson of SDA, Mr. Tšhabedi Serole, Chairperson of BTA and CEO of LTA, Mr. Moses Ngobeni congratulating Ms. Peggy Ngele of Homestays Moms in Phiring.

The Secretary of Limpopo Provincial Tourism Association (LPTA), Ms. Hazel Motshoane, Board Chairperson of SDA, Mr. Tšhabedi Serole and LTA Board Deputy Chairperson, Ms. Grace Sibara.

Chairperson of Sekhukhune Development Agency (SDA), Mr. Tšhabedi Serote, CEO of LTA Mr. Moses Ngobeni, LTA Board Deputy Chairperson, Ms. Grace Sibara, Chairperson of Ba-Dinkwenyane Tourism Association, Mr. Teddy Motshoane, MMC for LED at Fetakgomo -Tubatse Municipality, Cllr. Owen Mashego and CEO of TAH-SA, Ms. Kyle Henn-Murray.

Deputy Director General (DDG) of LEDET, Ms. Keleabetswe Tlouane, programme directing the programme during the launch of Phiring Homestays.