The arts are an integral part of South African culture, meshing our past, present and future into a single medium. At the recent Canvas and Community celebration, we got to imagine a South Africa that does better for the art economy.

Cape Town, South Africa (21 October 2024) — Art is an integral part of South African culture. For our country, it’s a story-telling medium that often merges commentary on our socio-political, history, heritage and questions of who we could be as a nation. It’s also how we honour our unique relationship with wildlife and our natural surroundings while visualising the problems these cherished parts of our environment face. And, of course, it’s a means to inject pride into our communities through murals and public art of different mediums. It’s our past, present and future meshed into a single field.

So, if art has such an important role to play across different borders of the South African experience, the question persists: how is South Africa supporting our artists? And, are we doing enough?

Canvas and Community: An Example of an Artistically Inclusive South Africa

Recently, I attended an evening dubbed Canvas and Community as hosted by the Century City Conference Centre, writes GTG’s Ashleigh. It was an evening any art lover would’ve adored; spoiled with excellent music (from a staff member who got to perform opera to the brilliant classical trio The Muses and Cape Town’s ever-talented Jimmy Nevis), secret ‘fashion shows’ and, of course, a lot of local art.

Fadiel Herman’s street-art-infused paintings, Jaret Loggenberg’s powerful portrayals of the female form and Logan Marlon’s designs were all on full display amongst other talents. The spirit of Soweto was ever present thanks to Moeketsi Moahloli’s mixed media works, while Sarah Danes Jarrett’s portraits left mouths agape (and not just on the paintings).

It was thrilling to see so many different art forms sharing a single space outside of a designated gallery, exhibition or traditional arts festival.

I couldn’t ignore the thought that this is how more South African spaces can and should honour the arts to whom we all owe such a big thank you for preserving and pushing our culture forward.

Local Businesses, it’s Time to Step Up.

Because local art is the tangible mix that’s produced once the South African melting pot is poured out, it only makes sense that it should be shared and appreciated in more spaces beyond those traditionally designated for the arts. There are, after all, only so many galleries and so many residencies available. But how do we grow the space?

One way to do this is for more businesses, especially those up the tourism and hospitality alleys, to invest in our local artists. This isn’t just a means for aesthetic value and measure; it’s a gateway for the world to see who we are.

When businesses become platforms for creative development, wonderful things can happen. Just look at the likes of Karabo Poppy, who is a master at merging her art with branding alignments.

Plug the Art Drain

Just as it is with many students part of South Africa’s ‘brain drain’ dilemma, many of our artists are forced to travel outside of our country in hopes that they’ll get better opportunities. The Free State Art Collective rightly shared that there is a big gap in support for local artists in communities like theirs, while showcases like Alchemy aptly indicated that local artists should be given the chance to claim the spotlight before they go overseas.

The bottom line is that if South Africa wants to boost our art economy, there needs to be a push to carve out spaces for it in other avenues of business. Whether that means from a showcasing and collection curating perspective, creative connection events perspective, brand and partnership efforts, or initiatives that beautify our spaces whilst giving artists a boost.

It matters, as so fashionably highlighted at Canvas and Community, because our culture does. Because we cannot be proudly South African without the arts. And we cannot have a thriving arts economy without South African businesses proudly making room for the patrons of our culture.

Sources: GTG

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Plettenberg Bay was nominated as the World’s Leading Beach Destination per the World Travel Awards! A victory beyond tourism, Keep Plett Clean shares the community effort that went into getting this accolade for their home.

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (21 October 2024) — South Africa’s own Plettenberg Beach scooped a nomination as the World’s Leading Beach Destination for 2024 per the 31st edition of the World Travel Awards in a big feat for South Africa (Plett was the only South African location nominated for this category).

While at a surface glance, this might seem like a victory in the realm of tourism, it’s actually far more so a community victory, as Keep Plett Clean shares.

Keep Plett Clean is a community organisation whose name accurately sums up their deal. Founded by Alison Bryant, Keep Plett Clean was founded on a simple principle:

“Clean, well-maintained environments enrich not only the lives of residents but also leave a lasting impression on visitors from around the world,” Alison says.

For over a decade, Keep Plett Clean has rallied volunteers to ensure that their town and its beaches are as pristine as possible.

To put that into perspective, that’s over 12 years of showing up to tuck into clean-ups and spearheading maintenance missions, no matter the weather, circumstances or whether one particularly feels like it or not.

The kind of commitment that promises a well-kept town and natural pleasures relies entirely on consistency and collective action. And to have been able to achieve that to the point of global recognition is something the whole country should applaud as an example of what we can do when we take matters that affect all of us into our own hands!

As Alison shares:

“This nomination is more than just an accolade for our beaches; it’s a reflection of the collective effort it takes to keep Plettenberg Bay beautiful working together with Bitou’s Municipality. Our volunteers’ dedication to picking up litter, emptying bins, scrubbing away graffiti, and ensuring that waste is properly managed has helped create an environment where visitors can enjoy the full beauty of Plett’s beaches and natural surroundings. The feedback we receive from hotels, guesthouses, Airbnb hosts, and tourists speaks volumes—our town’s cleanliness is noticed, appreciated, and make a real difference in their experience.”

For Alison and the team she works with, it’s far more than a matter of aesthetic value, but memories and experiences.

“This nomination is a victory for everyone involved—from our dedicated volunteers to the residents and visitors who contribute to keeping our town clean. It’s a celebration of community spirit and reminder that environmental stewardship is key to Plett’s ongoing success as a world-class destination.”

You can keep up with Keep Plett Clean, here. 

Sources: Email Submission; Keep Plett Clean 

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The ever pretty in pink and prestigious Mount Nelson Hotel has been crowned Africa’s Best Hotel per the 2024 ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels!

Cape Town, South Africa (18 September 2024) — Ever pretty in pink, prestigious and boasting the aesthetic potential to become Wes Anderson’s next film location, the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is certainly at the top tier of eye candy in Cape Town.

But, this historic hotel has long been praised for being more than just a pretty scene. Much to the pride of South Africa, the Pink Lady has recently earned the title as Africa’s Best Hotel as per the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list!

The 50 Best Hotels awards celebrate the very best-of-the-best when it comes to the international hotel scene; just as they do in spotlighting other pride and joys from cities on rankings like the 50 Best Beaches list.

Although the 50 Best Hotels list is a new addition to the World Best scene having made its debut just last year, it has already become a coveted list to rank on; showcasing significant stays that have earned prestige for everything from their culinary offerings to service and overall vibes.

Mount Nelson (which placed 28th on the list) was praised as “an iconic African palace in the midst of a renaissance“, with nods to its focus on creative culture, personality-filled service and, of course, gorgeous offerings from visual pleasures to activities that include delightful garden picnics in the heart of the city and of course its famous high tea.

But, another South African darling also held its place on the acclaimed list– conservation and ecotourism focused lodge Singita based in the Kruger National Park!

Last year, Signita was the sole South African property listed while this year it claimed 44th position; praised for its future-forward design, nature-focused approach to accommodation and its offerings that range from Big 5 adventures to traditional African cuisine served al fresco under the candelabra tree.

You can check out the full list, here.

Sources: Supplied; World’s 50 Best Hotels 

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“That’s no tour guide; that’s an angel in uniform.”

A Cango Caves tour guide brought the heavens to the depths of the earth recently when she was showing her tour group the power of cave acoustics!

Cango Caves, South Africa (18 August 2024) — Most tour guides are remembered for their charming personalities, the ability to condense years of knowledge into a few sentences and if you’re on a particularly entertaining tour—a great sense of humour. But one Cango Caves tour guide is known for a different quality among many others—having the voice of an angel.

On a tour through the famed caves, tour guide Leigh-Ann Coetzee tested out the acoustics of the cave walls. To her group’s surprise, she did so by turning the moment into one from an opera—bursting out into the soprano’s song.

Sharon Waugh shared the breathtaking moment that left mouths agape on TikTok, where soon, a much larger audience became enthralled by the songbird doubling as a tour guide.

“Orchestra performances used to take place in this cave and it’s not hard to see (or rather hear) why,” said Sharon.

@thesharonicles Orchestra performances used to take place in this cavern and it’s not hard to see (or rather hear) why. It’s hard to tell from this video, but I was awestruck by the sheer volume of this “hall” which could easily accommodate an orchestra and an audience. It turns out there is one here that’s three times the size (but not accessible to the public). Thanks so much, Leanne, for singing for us. #cangocaves #acoustics #avemaria #chills #bucketlist #oudtshoorn #travelsouthafrica ♬ original sound – Sharon Waugh

As some users shared, Leigh-Ann is no stranger to otherworldly performances on her tours. Those who hadn’t met Leigh-Ann but were in equal awe of her voice couldn’t stop singing her praises. 

As one user shared, “that’s no tour guide, that’s an angel in uniform.”

Another wrote: “Give that woman a raise.”

And another added: “What an angelic voice. South Africa do your thing. Let’s make her famous.”

Leigh-Ann herself responded to the video, sharing that she “dearly appreciates all the comments.”

Needless to say, Leigh-Ann could easily trade the cave stage for those above the ground. If the over 70,000 views of the video of her singing are anything to go by, we’re sure she’d have South Africans lining up to hear her!

Sources: TikTok 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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One artist’s mural work, was an entire community’s tourism boost! Durban recently took to celebrate the people working hard to make the city a place people want to visit and revisit and in a special nod to the role artists play, mural artist Christine Andrews won the city’s favour!

Durban, South Africa (29 July 2024) — Here at Good Things Guy, we have a lot of love for people using their talents to uplift their communities. Public art and those behind it play a much bigger role than they know in doing this, not least because they often transform forgotten or neglected spaces into walking galleries, but also because they drive a lot of eyes and foot traffic to areas and causes that need more attention. Though the mural artist leads something of a behind-the-scenes life (not everyone digs deep enough to find out who is behind the art they are marvelling at), their work does not go unnoticed. These things considered, paint a bigger picture as to why it was extra special when mural artist Christine Andrews won a unique award celebrated by her community.

The Durban Tourism Business Awards are a relatively new prize-giving with only three years in action, but they’ve already become an important force when it comes to recognition.

It was one of the DTB accolades that went to Christine, who won the Crafters Awards for her many years of service to South Africa’s (and Durban’s) art scene. For two decades, Christine (who is based in Amanzimtoti) has transformed spaces from bridges to breathtaking walls, all while raising her children (on her own).

Christine shared that the award is “a huge blessing” and shared words of wisdom with other artists and dreamers:

“My encouragement to others is hard work does pay off, be faithful to use the abilities God has given you, whatever they may be.” 

Other winners of the DBT awards were Rural Investment and Township Development, which won the Exceptional Achievement Award for the opportunities it has brought to the rural area of Umgababa Beach, and The Bali Grand Lodge & Spa, whose owner, Garth Bogle, won the Exceptional Achievement Award: Product Owner with a Disability.

Sources: Sapphire Coast Tourism 

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The City of Cape Town’s short film ‘Choose Cape Town’ has scooped a silver award from the International Tourism Film Festival Africa thanks to the way it captured one of the world’s most-loved cities:

Cape Town, South Africa (20 June 2024) — Last week, the City of Cape Town’s ‘Choose Cape Town’ short film scooped a prestigious win at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa!

Focusing on different parts of the city’s essence guided by six themes (visit, live, work, study, play and invest), the short film understood the assignment when it came to capturing one of the world’s most-loved cities in a way that speaks to its different rhythms of appeal; inspiring people to not only visit, but keep Cape Town close to their hearts long after they’ve returned home.

Different countries around the world took different approaches to making their own campaigns. Brazil’s focus emphasised “play and study” while in Germany the focus was on “visit and work”. But when it came to little Cape Town (which is obviously not a country), the offerings are surprisingly endless (to those who aren’t familiar with the Mother City) across a spectrum of interests.

So, it only made sense for the creatives behind the campaign project to try to capture as much as possible for all kinds of adventurers, which the team did by extending the campaign beyond the short film and into shorter edits.

“We are deeply honoured to have been recognised for this film. Our goal was to capture the essence of Cape Town’s variety and inspire travellers worldwide to choose our city. I must thank our Place-Marketing team and Soapbox Films for their incredible work,” said Mayco Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, Alderman James Vos. 

Alderman Vos who accepted the silver award added that the campaign has been a priority, given the economic growth it has the power to stimulate.

Another award for Cape Town to add to its tally, and another win for South Africa to be proud of!

Sources: City of Cape Town 

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The World Economic Forum has revealed South Africa as the continent’s champion; ranking the highest in Africa for the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index!

South Africa (29 May 2024) — South Africa has been revealed as the continent’s highest-ranking country for the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) as determined by the World Economic Forum.

This means that South Africa has the largest Travel and Tourism Economy in Africa, making our country a continental leader in an industry that’s helped nurture everything from job creation to environmental responsibility and, of course, a sense of home-grown pride.

The TTDI is considered a ‘crucial benchmarking tool’ that helps indicate progress when it comes to travel and tourism. It’s both a means that helps stakeholders make decisions and one that plays a role in informing policy.

Some of the factors the TTDI uses to rank travel and tourism economies include matters like Infrastructure and Services, Travel and Tourism Resources, Enabling Environments (business environments and safety and security) and Travel and Tourism Policy and Enabling Conditions.

“We are extremely pleased with this ranking as it affirms our commitment and work to elevate the significance and contribution of the tourism sector in South Africa,” said Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille. 

“We are delighted by the growth and out mission remains to exponentially grow arrival numbers and the overall performance of the tourism sector.

“The sector already makes a significant contribution to South Africa’s GDP and job creation efforts but there is still so much more to be done. We have been working closer with the private sector and we are bearing fruit. I want to acknowledge and thank the tourism private sector stakeholders for all their hard work and collaborating with government to grow this exciting and important sector. The South Africa tourism sector’s greatest asset is our people and we will continue working to grow tourism’s contribution to the prosperity of people and the planet,” Minister de Lille added.

Sources: Media Release 

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Western Cape Tourism has celebrated another victory thanks to a record-breaking influx of tourists for the beginning of the year!

Western Cape, South Africa (04 April 2024)—The Western Cape has been on a tourism roll recently, with the latest figures showing record-breaking data!

Following the exciting news that Western Cape tourism skyrocketed this summer—seats booked for the province exceeded one million for the first time ever shared in the latter portion of 2023—more good news for South Africa’s tourism economy has come forth.

“Tourism in the Western Cape continues to grow and strengthen. I am thrilled to confirm that, according to Statistics South Africa, total international air arrivals to Cape Town International Airport between January and February 2024 surpassed the 200 000 mark and exceeded the 2019 figure of 194 058 for the same period, breaking all previous records in the last five years.” shared Mireille Wenger, Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities. 

“At key attractions in regions across the province, visitor numbers are up 20% year on year. This is yet more excellent news for the sector because we know that more tourists means more jobs across the province,” the Minister added. 

This comes by way of the monthly tourism report for February 2024 as compiled by the Western Cape Government’s tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, Wesgro.

Other Highlights From the Report

• 2-way passengers through Cape Town International Airport’s (CTIA) international terminal saw a 14% year-on-year growth in February 2024, with 294,443 two-way passengers, maintaining a steady growth rate on the back of a 13% increase recorded in January 2024, per ACSA.

• The domestic terminal recorded a 14% year-on-year growth in February 2024, with over 576,000 two-way passengers passing through the terminal, per ACSA.

• George Airport recorded over 59,000 two-way passengers in February 2024, approaching full recovery when compared to pre-COVID levels, per ACSA.

• In February 2024, 92% of the international air arrivals to Cape Town were from overseas markets (other than Africa) and 8% were from the rest of Africa, per StatsSA.

• 43 participating attractions across the six regions of the Western Cape recorded a total of 1,703,804 visitors between January and February 2024, a 20% growth in the number of visitors when compared to January – February 2023, per Wesgro.

• The top 5 participating Western Cape attractions with the highest volume of visitors between January and February 2024 were recorded for: Table Mountain National Park (641,486), Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (227,511), Table Mountain National Park: Cape of Good Hope (199,781), Table Mountain National Park: Boulders (171,754) and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (136,422), per Wesgro.

• The top 5 highest year-on-year growth rates between January and February 2024 were recorded amongst the Western Cape’s nature/outdoor attractions: Stony Point Eco Venue (476%), Grootvadersbosch Eco Venues (386%), De Hoop Nature Reserve (188%), Gamkaberg Nature Reserve (135%) and Kogelberg Nature Reserve (130%), per Wesgro.

“Data from SA Tourism shows that, for every 100 international visitors to the Western Cape, R2.1 million in direct tourist spend is generated, contributing R500 000 to the provincial Gross Domestic Product, and enabling two local jobs. Which is why the continued excellent performance is such great news for economic growth and job creation in the province and South Africa,” continued Minister Wenger.

“This success has not happened by chance and would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our local tourism industry, the curiosity and trust of our precious tourists, and the determination of this government, entities and partners. I thank each and every person who continues to work hard to welcome our visitors and to ensure that they keep coming back, helping to grow our provincial economy, and creating many more jobs around the Western Cape,” Minister Wenger concluded.

Sources: Mireille Wenger, Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Simon’s Town just got its own picture-perfect Penguin Pedestrian Crossing, and it might just be the most wholesome thing you see today:

Simon’s Town, South Africa (14 December 2023) — Penguin Town (AKA, Simon’s Town) recently got a fresh coat of art honouring the African Penguins who live there. Given that people around the world flock to see the Boulders Beach penguin colony, it was only fitting that these seabirds got their own picture-perfect walkway, the Penguin Pedestrian Crossing.

The crossing is equally practical as it is adorable, considering that in this town, it is hardly uncommon to see a penguin waddling across the street. A reminder to keep an eye out for these feathered pals and to respect them, the Penguin Pedestrian Crossing can be found on St George’s Street (a coin’s throw from Boulders Beach).

Painted by local artist Jacques Coetzee, the project is also another pavement public art special from the City of Cape Town.

“The Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach area is globally famous for the colony of African Penguins, a much loved feature of the South Peninsula, loved by locals and visitors alike,” shared mayco member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas.

He added that it was an addition to the Urban Mobility Directorate’s mission to make more creative crossings and public art “in order to create an urban streetscape energy. Or indicate heritage, tourism and cultural precincts.”

As Boulders Beach was recently named one of the best beaches worldwide and as the Western Cape’s tourism numbers continue to soar, it’s only fitting that there’s a special reminder to look out for the seabird residents that make this town quiet so special.

Sources: City of Cape Town; Jacques Coetzee

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Melville Koppies, known and appreciated for both its historical and natural significance, has won an award for ‘Preferred Heritage Site’! This is a testament to the conservation teams and volunteers who work very hard to keep the Koppies a must-visit gem:

Johannesburg, South Africa (11 October 2023) —  Melville Koppies Heritage site and its protectors are celebrating a shining victory after winning the prestigious Golden Shield Heritage Award for ‘Preferred Heritage Destination’, as awarded by the National Heritage Council recently.

The Golden Shield Heritage Awards honoured people around South Africa who work very hard as communities and in individual capacities to preserve, protect, train and support cultural and natural heritage riches.

For the conservation team who help keep Melville Koppies a sought-after gem of natural curiosity and history, the win was a big one!

There, the team work tirelessly to preserve the Koppies’ geology, flora, fauna and various historical significances—something visitors will get to know more about when adventuring through the Koppies’—a hiker’s haven just five minutes from the Johannesburg CBD.

On Visiting the Koppies

Volunteer guides with a wealth of information, fill explorers in on the significance of their footsteps.

Where museums usually have historic displays organised in an orderly and chronological fashion, the historical remains at the Koppies are random and often concealed by vegetation; making the experiences there even more of an adventure as Wendy Carstens, Chair of the volunteer Melville Koppies Management Committee shares.

“For example, in one warm north-facing area there are many traces of stone walling from the huts and kraals of early Sotho and Tswana farmers. Close by there is a Late Stone Age tool scraper tool, found by an archaeologist. This little treasure has been hidden under ‘the rock’ by guides to let visitors feel and touch such a tool. And there is a blast hole left by the Geldenhuys brothers when they tried prspecting for gold in the 1880s. Fortunately what they found was not worth the immense effort. More such remains are often found by the Conservation Team when they clear alien vegetation,” says Wendy.

For the nature curious, visitors are also introduced to the uses and curious relationships of some of the plants in the grasslands and forests like the Wild Als (AKA the ‘cure for everything’) and the underground tree affectionately known that the ‘paranoid tree’ that protects itself from fire, frost, rain, drought, snow and grazing as Wendy notes.

The prize heritage remains however, is the original 500-year-old iron smelting furnace that actually led to the site’s establishment as a Heritage Site, while the prize view is at the top of a steep rocky path where on a clear day, even the distant Magaliesberg can be seen.

And, underlying one’s explorations are the almost 3-billion-year-old quartzite ridges and shale valleys of the Witwatersrand Supergroup.

However, none of these experiences of knowledge would be possible without the Koppies’ community. As such, the award is also a reflection of the committed volunteer involvement Melville Koppies has prided itself on ever since it was established as a Nature Reserve in 1959.

Meanwhile, the Gold Shield Heritage Awards also saw other winners have their moment in the sun; including  Professor Pitika Ntuli and Mr Themba Wakashe with special awards of Lifetime Achievement among the following:

National Living Treasure: Professor Nokuzola Mndende

Preferred Heritage Destination: Melville Koppies Heritage Site

Young Heritage Activist: Sipho Hlakudi

Voice of Heritage: Monicca Thulisile Bhuda

Heritage Education: Cape Heritage Museum

Sources: Wendy Carstens; National Heritage Council

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