The 1970s-inspired drinking and dining destination introduces a new concept to Johannesburg’s Rosebank precinct, combining precision mixology with reimagined comfort food in an intimate, after-hours setting.

Johannesburg, South Africa – 17 December 2025: Nine Lives, a hidden speakeasy tucked between the HYDE Johannesburg Hotel’s fourth and fifth floors, has officially opened, marking the first venue of its kind in the city’s hospitality scene.

The 1970s-inspired drinking and dining destination introduces a new concept to Johannesburg’s Rosebank precinct, combining precision mixology with reimagined comfort food in an intimate, after-hours setting.

Key features:

• Hidden location between hotel floors creates an exclusive atmosphere.
• Menu features fusion dishes like smoky bonito risotto, tuna tostada, and pork dumplings.
• Curated back bar stocks rare international labels unavailable elsewhere in South Africa.
• Signature carbonated martinis and clarified classics headline a contemporary cocktail programme.

“What excites us most is creating a space the city hasn’t seen before: a one-of-a-kind, after-dark hideaway built on mood and intention. We called it Nine Lives for its feline spirit – curious and adaptable. A place where people can comfortably slip into their ‘other’ selves. The after- work self, the night-self, the version that wants sound, smoke, and an air of mystery,” said HYDE Johannesburg General Manager Jessica Redinger.

The venue represents HYDE Johannesburg’s expansion beyond traditional hotel dining,targeting both guests and local clientele seeking distinctive nightlife experiences.

Behind the vision, two culinary forces bring Nine Lives to life

Chef Marc Robert, Group Executive Chef at Colada Hospitality, who also helmed the award- winning Proud Mary, explains the vision of ‘accessible luxury’ on the menu at Nine Lives. “It brings a new and exciting culinary energy to Johannesburg, offering elevated dining without the intimidation. Our dishes blend global influences, and our signature plates showcase this contemporary cuisine philosophy.”

The bar matches the kitchen’s energy at Nine Lives. “We set out to redefine the bar experience with an unmatched spirits selection and a striking back bar. Our drinks echo Nine Lives’ 70s- inspired spirit, reimagined with contemporary twists,” adds Martin Strobos, Group Bar Beverage Manager at Colada Hospitality.

The opening forms part of HYDE’s broader culinary strategy, complementing the award-winning Proud Mary Restaurant and Proud Coffee on the ground floor of the HYDE Johannesburg hotel.

Nine Lives is open Monday – Saturday from 16h00, accepting reservations through dineplan and walk-ins at HYDE Johannesburg, Rosebank.

OPEN NOW

24 Cradock Ave, Rosebank

@ninelives.sa | Bookings | mytable@ninelives.co.za

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JOHANNESBURG – Remember January 2025? You probably thought your biggest travel worry would be whether the hotel Wi-Fi actually worked. Fast-forward eleven months, and you’ve navigated everything from geopolitical chess games to having AI transform how you plan and manage business trips.

If you’re a South African business traveller reading this as we close out 2025, chances are you’ve got stories. The missed connections during the FlySafair strike. The last-minute rerouting when Middle East airspace closed. That moment when you realised your visa appointment for Toronto was scheduled for some time in 2027.

“We have identified nine defining moments of 2025 that make it clear we’re not going back to the old way of doing business travel,” says Mummy Mafojane, FCM General Manager. “The visa chaos, geopolitical shocks, and technology revolution have fundamentally changed what success looks like. Companies that adapted to this new reality are already ahead of the game for 2026.”

Here’s a roundup of the year when business travel grew up…fast.

The Trump tariff chaos

Trump’s return wasn’t just American news. When he slapped 10-60% tariffs on global imports in April, South African companies felt the uncertainty immediately. “Suddenly, that routine New York sales trip wasn’t just about closing deals; it was about navigating trade policy uncertainty and potential supply chain disruptions,” explains Mafojane.

The aviation sector was among the most impacted by the tariff announcement, with airline stock prices dropping as much as 15% the following day. Companies started reconsidering US travel because of what might be coming next in an increasingly unpredictable trade environment.

The visa wait-time showdown

If you tried applying for a US or Canadian visa this year, you know the pain. Interview wait times in 2025 stretched to over three months in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, with estimates between 100 and 120 days for non-immigrant visas, and even longer for other categories. Applications to Canada have taken as long as 568 days in some cases, with consultants reporting near standstills and extreme frustration.

For South African business travellers, tight schedules and last-minute deals suddenly seemed impossible if a North American visa was required. Companies were left booking appointments well in advance, often factoring in extra months just for paperwork, and sometimes re-routing meetings to markets with easier entry requirements. The message? Spur-of-the-moment trips to the US or Canada became all but impossible; strategic, long-term planning was the only way to guarantee face time with international partners.

When geopolitics crashed the party

The Gaza conflict and ongoing Ukraine war meant flight cancellations, rerouted itineraries, and 3am calls from stranded colleagues. Middle East airspace closures in June meant that routine business trips suddenly required creative routing through Istanbul or Athens.

GPS spoofing incidents affecting up to 900 flights daily became the new normal, keeping South African risk managers permanently on edge. “Risk management stopped being the travel manager’s problem and became everyone’s problem,” notes Mafojane.

The FlySafair strike that shook domestic travel

July brought home the reality that disruption doesn’t always come from abroad. FlySafair pilots went on strike for two weeks, temporarily limiting seat availability and driving domestic prices up just when business travel was hitting its stride. The strike served as a wake-up call about South Africa’s vulnerability to labour disputes affecting critical travel infrastructure.

In-flight batteries, Wi-Fi & new realities

Two major changes transformed the flying experience this year. First, IATA’s new lithium battery rules banned power banks from checked luggage and prohibited charging devices mid-flight. For South African business travellers on 14-hour flights to London, this initially felt like a productivity nightmare.

But then came the game-changer: airlines finally cracked the code on free Wi-Fi. Suddenly, nowhere was safe from that urgent Teams call; but it also meant you could actually work productively at 35,000 feet (as long as your power bank was in your carry-on and fully charged before take-off).

“We started seeing specific requests for ‘power management strategies’ and ‘offline flight preferences’ in travel bookings,” laughs Mafojane. “Some execs embraced the always-on connectivity; others desperately wanted their enforced downtime back.”

AI takes its seat at the corporate travel table

While everyone was watching the geopolitical drama, artificial intelligence quietly revolutionised how South African companies actually managed travel. According to industry data, 90% of business travel managers were using AI by year-end, though many struggled to scale their efforts effectively.

AI started predicting disruptions, suggesting alternative routes, and providing real-time safety updates. Companies using AI-enhanced travel management experienced significantly fewer disruptions and faster rebooking times during crises.

“AI took us from reactive to proactive,” explains Mafojane. “When FlySafair went on strike, smart systems were already suggesting alternatives before clients even knew there was a problem. It’s not about replacing human expertise – it’s about making that expertise more powerful and responsive.”

Business travel boomed

Despite all the chaos, South African business travel hit remarkable heights in 2025. The market grew 17%, more than double any other African market, driven by pent-up demand for face-to-face connections and new opportunities across the continent.

Companies weren’t just travelling more; they were travelling smarter. Bleisure became budget line items, wellbeing got written into policies, and sustainability moved from nice-to-have to must-have. “Demand was back with a vengeance,” says Mafojane. “But so was competition for seats, rooms, and visa appointments.”

G20 was our moment to shine (despite Trump’s theatrics)

November will be remembered as the month South Africa hosted its first-ever G20 Summit, and absolutely nailed it, despite some diplomatic tensions with the new Trump administration. “The G20 effect was immediate and lasting,” notes Mafojane. “We saw international focus on Africa as a business destination reach levels we’d never experienced before.”

The summit catalysed investment in MICE infrastructure and positioned South Africa as a serious player for international conferences. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille emphasised how the summit drove demand for conference hotels, guided tours, cultural experiences, and luxury accommodation. Even with some political drama around trade policies, the business community recognised Africa’s potential, leading to a surge in follow-up meetings and investment discussions that will extend well into 2026.

Sustainability got serious

South Africa’s Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 was a wake-up call. Suddenly, every corporate travel policy needed carbon budgets, emission tracking, and supplier accountability.

Smart technology helped companies navigate this shift, with AI algorithms suggesting lower-emission routes and providing real-time insights into travel footprints. “Sustainability went from nice-to-have to must-have overnight,” notes Mafojane. “The companies that got ahead of this curve are the ones thriving as we head into 2026.”

What 2025 taught us about 2026

As we head into the new year, the lessons are crystal clear:

• Agility beats everything. The companies that succeeded weren’t those with the cheapest travel policies – they were the ones that could pivot fastest when plans changed.
• Technology amplifies human expertise. AI-enhanced services didn’t replace consultants. They made them more effective, responsive, and valuable to their organisations.
• People matter most. All the tech in the world doesn’t matter if you’re not taking care of your travellers. Wellbeing, flexibility, and genuine support became table stakes.

“2025 was the year we learned that business travel isn’t just about getting from A to B anymore,” reflects Mafojane. “It’s about getting there safely, sustainably, and with your sanity intact. The companies that figured that out are the ones thriving as we head into 2026.”

The bottom line

2025 threw everything at business travel: tariffs, conflicts, strikes, visa chaos, and technological revolution. Yet South African companies not only survived but grew stronger. They embraced AI, prioritised wellbeing, and learned that in an unpredictable world, the best strategy is building resilience, not just cutting costs.

As you plan for 2026, remember: it’s not about predicting the next crisis. It’s about being ready for whatever comes next. Because if 2025 taught us anything, it’s that the only constant in business travel is change, and the companies that thrive are those that turn disruption into opportunity.

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Johannesburg – Business travel in 2025 was characterised by disruption: regional conflict, extreme weather, strikes and, most recently, an unexpected Airbus software update which grounded more than 6,000 flights worldwide.

On a positive note, business travel is showing strong momentum heading into 2026, with 46% of companies across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) planning to increase their travel spend in FY26 – up from 39% last year – according to the Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) latest State of the Market survey.

Significantly, 36% of FCTG’s business travel customers around the world plan to raise their travel spend by as much as 20% – seeing business travel as an integral part of growth, innovation, opportunity and career development.

There’s no doubt the corporate travel landscape has changed. Demand is up, booking windows have shortened, and external factors will continue to impact even the best laid plans.

So, we spoke to Herman Heunes, GM of Corporate Traveller South Africa about what business travellers can really expect as we go into a brand new year…

HOT ROUTES

A new year ushers in new routes and while there are far too many to mention, notable examples include:

• Qantas’ new direct Johannesburg-Perth route, which cuts travel time to under 11 hours, boosting business and leisure opportunities between South Africa and Western Australia.
• LATAM Airlines’ direct São Paulo-Cape Town flights, launching September 2026.

• Airlink’s new Johannesburg-Nacala service from February 2026, providing increased connectivity to Mozambique’s north-eastern region.
• Air France’s seasonal Paris-Cape Town route, which has been extended into May 2026 due to high demand.
• Air Europa’s highly anticipated Johannesburg-Madrid route, which could launch early 2026.

“More international carriers are expanding into underserved regions and emerging markets,” says Heunes. “It’s good news for Africa, and we’ve seen United, Delta and Air France launching new routes to destinations like Dakar, Accra, Marrakech and Lagos.

HOT HUBS

According to the IMF, 11 African economies rank among the world’s twenty fastest-growing economies this decade, with Senegal (projected to reach 8.8% growth in 2025), Côte d’Ivoire (6.4%) and Ghana (4%) leading the charge. West Africa’s major hubs are driving growth through oil & gas, agriculture, ICT and logistics infrastructure, while secondary cities like Kumasi (Ghana), Lomé (Togo), and Tamale (Ghana) are also playing their part – meaning business travel is on the up.

The only thing missing? True connectivity. Limited air access, high travel costs and visa restrictions are all barriers to growth – and Heunes hopes 2026 will see more progress.

“Regional connectivity remains our biggest challenge. African businesses deserve the same aviation infrastructure as other regions, including multiple daily frequencies, dependable service, and real competition – rather than the high fares and limited choice available now.”

HOT INTEL

According to International SOS’s Risk Outlook report, 2026 risks include weather events, geopolitical conflict, sudden visa rule changes, cyberattacks, misinformation, health outbreaks, and capacity shortages during major events.

Heunes agrees. “Disruption is no longer the exception. Companies will need to relook their corporate travel policies and service level agreements (SLAs), prioritising quick response times, 24-hour travel support and duty of care.”

HOT TOPIC

Will price still trump convenience and wellbeing in 2026? Heunes believes things are beginning to shift.

“Convenience, wellness, and wellbeing are taking centre stage as companies recognise that supported, comfortable travellers are more productive, engaged, and loyal. This means policies that allow for bleisure opportunities, build in downtime, accommodate neurodivergent needs, and prioritise practical support over penny-pinching are the way forward,” says Heunes. “Put simply, 2026 is all about the traveller experience. Think easy, efficient systems, flexibility, and fair travel policies that focus on the human experience. It’ll be your competitive advantage.”

HOT BUTTON

Sustainability. And business travel’s progress – or lack thereof.

Speaking at the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Southern Africa Conference back in August, Gerrit Davids, Lead Advisor at TaranisCo Advisory, was clear: business travel is yet to make meaningful strides when it comes to sustainability. In fact, most corporate travel policies and supplier agreements haven’t been touched in years. They’re simply not fit for the era of real, urgent climate action.

But South Africa’s landmark Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 is about to shake things up.

The Act introduces legally binding climate actions for anyone doing business in South Africa. Carbon budgets, caps on greenhouse gas emissions, mandatory measurement, supplier accountability – the works. And here’s the kicker: most travel and procurement policies will have to be updated to align with the Act’s requirements, which means sustainability will move up the agenda in 2026.

HOT RULES

IATA’s new safety guidelines around lithium batteries and portable power banks mean you can no longer pack batteries or power banks in your checked luggage (carry-on only) or charge your devices mid-flight.

“More and more airlines are introducing restrictions on transporting, using and charging devices in the aircraft, especially when it comes to the use of power banks” says Heunes. “It’s better to be forewarned, so double-check your airline’s specific regulations before traveling to avoid surprises at the gate.”

HOT HACKS

Again, too many to mention. But Heunes’ favourites?

• Download your TMC’s app and airline app for instant alerts and updates – and travel support during disruptions.
• Instead of buying a physical local SIM card or paying for expensive roaming, use an eSIM. There are various apps that you can now use.
• If you do not have a Samsung Smart Tag or Apple Air tag, get one for your checked luggage. Always knowing where your luggage means extra piece of mind!

HOT EVENT

Mining Indaba in Cape Town (February 2026) is Africa’s largest mining investment conference, attracting thousands of executives and investors just as global interest in African minerals reaches a fever pitch. Book early, as flights and accommodation will be hard to come by.

HOT TAKE

For Heunes, agility and flexibility matter more than ever. Ensure 24/7 support is part of your travel programme, not an add-on. Update traveller profiles with current contacts, preferences, and medical needs. Review your travel policy against new regulations and sustainability requirements. Partner with TMCs who understand regional complexities and can respond quickly when plans change.

“The companies set to succeed in 2026 aren’t just booking trips – they’re protecting people, managing risk, and making informed choices about where and how their teams travel,” says Heunes.

This regenerative tourism initiative supports local job creation, strengthens community pride and ensures safer, more enriching engagements between visitors and residents. In addition to two students from the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA), eight new trainees proudly serve the town as Tourism Assistants after completing their training on 23 October at the Bergzicht Training Centre. 

The programme is designed to transform talented local youth into the warm, welcoming faces of Stellenbosch – skilled ambassadors equipped to guide, inform and ensure a safe, authentic and memorable experience for the thousands of visitors Stellenbosch receives each year. 

“Sustainable tourism starts with people,” said Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch. “Through the Tourism Assistants Programme, we are investing in our youth while simultaneously elevating the quality of the visitor journey. This project embodies our commitment to regenerative tourism – tourism that leaves communities stronger, more skilled, and more connected than before.”  

Backed by Visit Stellenbosch and SITI, the initiative aligns with the town’s broader strategies for job creation, visitor safety and transformative public/private collaboration. A key goal is to create inclusive opportunities that enable local youth to take ownership of their future while playing a meaningful role in the tourism sector – one of the region’s largest economic drivers. 

“Through projects like the Tourism Assistants Programme, SITI is proving that impact-driven innovation doesn’t only belong in boardrooms – it belongs on our streets, in our communities, and in our people,” said Marinus Louw, Project Lead at SITI. “This is a practical step toward regenerating Stellenbosch’s tourism economy from the ground up – by empowering young people to step into visible, respected, and critical roles as ambassadors of our town.”  

This latest youth-focused initiative reflects Stellenbosch’s visionary approach to sustainable development and echoes the success of collaborative efforts like the recently launched “Rent-a-Cop” programme, also driven by SITI and Visit Stellenbosch partnerships. 

Executive Mayor Jeremy Fasser praised the Tourism Assistants Programme as “a shining example of what happens when communities, government and business work together with a shared purpose.” He continued: “In Stellenbosch, we don’t just talk about job creation – we create real, tangible pathways for young people to thrive. By supporting initiatives like this, we ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared, inclusive and sustainable.”   As the initial group of ten Tourism Assistants takes to the streets of Stellenbosch, their presence symbolises a new era of tourism – one rooted in local pride, inclusive economic participation and unforgettable visitor engagements. This is tourism with purpose.

In addition to leading the tourism industry, Mrs. Bernstein’s portfolio will also include Culture.

Mrs. Bernstein, a resident of Baie Lazare, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Journalism from Kingston University, London, and a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.

Her career began in the United Kingdom with the International HIV and AIDS Alliance, where she also served as Liaison Officer for the Commonwealth HIV and AIDS Action Group. These early roles honed her expertise in communication, advocacy, and awareness-raising on global health issues.

Upon returning to Seychelles, Mrs. Bernstein joined the Department of Foreign Affairs as Press Attaché, a role she held for three years. During this time, she collaborated closely with the Minister’s Office and national stakeholders to enhance public understanding of the department’s work and strengthen Seychelles’ presence on the international stage.

She later served as Principal Counsellor at the Seychelles Embassy in Addis Ababa, where she was instrumental in establishing the new diplomatic mission and advancing Seychelles’ engagement with the African Union. Upon completion of her mission, she returned to Seychelles to continue her service as Principal Counsellor in the Consular Division, coordinating with consuls worldwide and assisting Seychellois citizens abroad.

In her remarks to the National Assembly, Mrs. Bernstein described her years in the Foreign Affairs service as “deeply fulfilling and formative,” highlighting how the experience contributed to her professional and personal growth.

Beyond her diplomatic career, Mrs. Bernstein brings a wealth of experience from Seychelles’ private sector, having held senior positions at Barclays Bank (now ABSA) and within the wider commercial and financial services industry. During her tenure at Barclays, she contributed to the bank’s major rebranding initiative to ABSA—one of the most significant projects undertaken at the time. She has been involved in various technical, strategic, and financial projects, with her work consistently emphasising community engagement, stakeholder relations, and corporate social responsibility.

“My journey and experience in both the private sector and diplomacy, coupled with my drive and perseverance, have shaped my commitment to share the knowledge I have gained across the various fields I’ve worked in. I am ready to keep learning, to challenge the status quo, to make a difference, and to leave things better than I found them. Most importantly, I am ready to work hand in hand with every stakeholder,” she said during her presentation to the National Assembly.

Mrs. Bernstein’s background in communications, marketing, diplomacy, and partnership development aligns strongly with the Department’s strategic priorities, particularly in strengthening destination branding, advancing sustainability, and fostering innovation within the tourism, culture, and heritage sectors.

This recognition stands out as Denis Private Island is the only locally owned, independent hotel among the Seychelles awardees – a line-up that includes major international brands. This is a homegrown hospitality success story, sustained by a team that has cultivated a tradition of doing things differently — quietly, thoughtfully, and with a deep respect for the environment.

The MICHELIN Key is the hospitality world’s benchmark of excellence, introduced in 2024 by the same trusted authority behind the MICHELIN Star for restaurants. It celebrates hotels that offer not just a place to stay, but an experience to remember — where architecture, service, character, value, and connection-to-place converge to create truly extraordinary experiences.

Denis Private Island’s Two Key distinction signals an exceptional stay: a hotel “unique in every way,” where “a memorable experience is always a guarantee.” According to MICHELIN, if you’re anywhere near a Two Key hotel, “do whatever you can to get there for a night.”

Luxury, Reimagined

Denis Private Island is not your typical luxury resort. It is a living, breathing island community, where barefoot luxury meets purpose-driven hospitality. With just 23 beachfront cottages, no in-room WiFi or televisions, and a commitment to conservation that spans land and sea, Denis offers guests a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature — and themselves.

From handcrafted furniture made in the island’s own carpentry workshop to farm-to-table dining sourced almost entirely from Denis Island’s own organic farm, every detail is designed to reflect a deep respect for place. Guests wake to the call of sea birds, snorkel pristine reefs, and dine on line- caught seafood and seasonal produce grown just steps from their cottage.

A Destination to Visit — and to Watch

The MICHELIN Key recognition comes at a time when Denis Private Island is expanding its conservation footprint. The island recently launched a coral reef restoration initiative using Reef Star technology, built on-site to reduce emissions and empower local craftsmanship. Its surrounding waters, part of a designated Marine Protected Area, are a biodiversity hotspot — home to manta rays, nesting sea turtles and even migratory whale sharks and blue whales.

Denis Island is also the only place in the world where guests can spot three of Seychelles’ most endangered bird species — the Seychelles Magpie Robin, Paradise Flycatcher, and Warbler — thriving thanks to decades of habitat restoration.

“This recognition is not just a win for Denis Private Island,” says Alan Mason, part of the family legacy behind Denis Private Island, “it’s a win for sustainable tourism, for local craftsmanship, and for the idea that luxury can be thoughtful, connected, and deeply rooted in place.”

As one of only four hotels in Seychelles to receive MICHELIN Key status — and the only one that is locally owned and independently operated — Denis Private Island continues to set the bar for eco-conscious luxury in the Indian Ocean.

Wake up here. Leave enriched. More information at denisisland.com.

Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has signed a master development agreement with Mayan Properties, a subsidiary of Resources Investment, to further expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa. The partnership strengthens Accor’s presence in Africa while underscoring the strong contribution of UAE-backed investment to Africa’s tourism future.

Under the agreement, Accor in partnership with Mayan Properties will develop five hotels across Sub-Saharan Africa, adding over 1,100 keys to the Group’s regional portfolio. The collaboration builds on the signing of Novotel Nouakchott in Mauritania,a 154-key new-build project, and Mövenpick Moroni in Comoros, a 159-key conversion,with four additional projects to follow in key destinations.

The agreement reinforces Accor’s long-term strategy to accelerate growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Mayan’s vision to strengthen Africa’s tourism sector through sustainable investment. By combining Accor’s global expertise and diverse brand portfolio with Mayan’s investment leadership, the two groups are supporting both business and leisure demand while creating jobs and driving local economic development.

“This development agreement with Mayan Properties is a strong step forward in our commitment to grow across Sub-Saharan Africa. With Novotel Nouakchott and Mövenpick Moroni signed, and three more hotels to follow, we are creating the foundation for a diversified portfolio that addresses real market needs and supports the long-term growth of Africa’s tourism industry,” said Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor.

Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Resources Investment, and Chairman of Mayan Properties, commented “As a subsidiary of Resources Investment LTD, Mayan Properties is proud to extend its partnership with Accor through this development agreement. As a UAE-backed initiative, this agreement underscores the pivotal role the Emirates plays in driving sustainable investment and creating meaningful connections with Africa’s fast-growing tourism economies.” Accor currently operates more than 175 properties across Africa, representing over +33,000 keys across 15 brands and 60+ properties in development. This agreement further cements the Group’s position as a leading international operator in the region, with a focus on expanding its brands into fast-growing and emerging markets.

Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, chair of the judging panel and founder of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT), said responsible tourism is about making better places for people to live in and visit.

“All of the Global Responsible Tourism Award winners have explained what they took responsibility for, what they did and with what impact. We hope they will inspire other organisations to follow in their footsteps,” said Goodwin.

This recognition caps a breakthrough year in which T&V has so far channelled more than R1,000,000 in cash payments directly to local community partners – guides, hosts, cooks, artists and other entrepreneurs – through paid bookings and donations from guests, T&V and our partners.

“This award belongs to the people who make the experiences – our guides, hosts, cooks, musicians and storytellers,” said René Momberg, Head of Growth, Experiences & Partnerships at T&V. “The Global Silver recognises a consistent, collective effort by our community entrepreneurs, the Greater Stellenbosch Trust and other strategic partners that powers the work we do.”

“Our model for T&V is simple: co‑create with communities, keep the economics fair, and sell to the right buyers,” added Leana Kotze, Head of Strategy & Implementation at Greater Stellenbosch Trust (GST), T&V’s sole shareholder and long‑term backer. “With the right ecosystem support, responsible tourism amplifies every rand invested into community earnings. In 2025 we’ve seen this backing translate into at least five times that value in real local earnings.”

“Township and Village proves that responsible tourism isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s a powerful economic engine that creates dignity, ownership and sustainable livelihood,” said Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch. “As Stellenbosch’s tourism offering expands, T&V gives us the blueprint for ensuring that growth serves everyone, from the storytellers of Kayamandi to the artisans of Ida’s Valley. The T&V enterprise creates pathways to prosperity that honour our communities’ heritage while providing unique, enriching visitor experiences. That’s community tourism leadership at its finest!”

Powered by people and partners

None of this is possible without our community partners across Kayamandi, Ida’s Valley, Kylemore, Pniël and Jamestown – the entrepreneurs who open their communities and homes, share their stories and co‑own the experiences.

We also acknowledge our current and historic strategic partners whose patronage makes inclusive tourism work: the Greater Stellenbosch Trust, Cause Development Agency, Visit Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands District Municipality, Stellenbosch Municipality, Department of Economic Development and Tourism in the Western Cape (DEDAT) and Old Mutual Foundation.

The story of this year (highlights)

• Quality demand, real earnings: Large group bookings from Edwin Doran Sports Tours and Fairfield Tours, plus spectacular craft‑shop sales put consistent money into local hands.
• Experiences made with – not for – communities: Constant renewal and refinement of offers across home dining, heritage walks, music and craft in all communities we work in.
• People before product: A new guide cohort trained and mentored with regional partners – building careers, not just shifts.
• Doing it right: Completion of the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism-sponsored Sustainable Tourism Enterprise Programme (STEP) and adoption of a robust policy suite.

About Township & Village

Township & Village is a community‑based tourism initiative in Stellenbosch that co‑creates and delivers experiences led by local residents – from heritage walks and storytelling evenings to home dining, music and craft. The model prioritises dignity, ownership and fair economics for community partners and aligns with international responsible tourism standards.

Media enquiries & bookings
Website: townshipandvillage.co.za
Email: reservations@townshipandvillage.co.za
Insta and FB: @townshipandvillage

Notes to editors

• Awards: Responsible Tourism Awards 2025 – Global Silver (Peace, Understanding & Inclusivity; sponsored by Sabre); WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2025 – Gold (same category).
• 2025 milestone: R1,000,000+ paid in cash directly to community partners (Jan–Oct 2025).

Media assets: High‑res images and interviews on request.

• Year-round connectivity from Johannesburg to Jamestown
• Seasonal boost with weekly flights from Cape Town between December and March
• Allows long-term planning for travellers and tourism industry
• Flights can be booked up to 360 days in advance

South Africa – St Helena Tourism is pleased to announce, in partnership with our airline partner Airlink, the release of an 18-month forward flight schedule to St Helena Island. This schedule provides visitors and residents with enhanced visibility of planned flight operations, offering greater confidence and flexibility when planning travel to one of the world’s most unique and remote destinations.

Under the schedule, Airlink will continue to operate its regular weekly Saturday service between Johannesburg (JNB) and St Helena (HLE), maintaining consistent connectivity between the island and mainland Africa.

In addition, from mid-December 2026 through to the mid-March 2027, Airlink will introduce a seasonal Tuesday return service between Cape Town and St Helena, catering to increased travel demand during the southern summer months.

While the published schedule extends 18 months into the future, it is important to note that flights can only be booked up to 360 days in advance, in line with Airlink’s booking system. Travellers and tourism operators can therefore plan ahead with confidence, knowing flight timings and service frequencies well beyond the current booking window.

This expanded scheduling horizon marks a significant step in supporting the island’s growing tourism sector and strengthening links with South Africa and beyond. By offering longer-term visibility of flight operations, the island’s businesses, tour operators, and hospitality partners can better prepare for upcoming travel seasons.

“This 18-month schedule demonstrates our continued collaboration with Airlink and our shared commitment to making St Helena more accessible to travellers from across the globe,” said Minister Karl Thrower, Minister for Economic Development for St Helena. “It reflects the island’s steady growth as a distinctive, authentic travel destination offering a unique blend of history, culture, marine, hiking, conservation, and adventure activities.”

Katherine Whelan, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlink, added: “We are proud to continue connecting St Helena to the world through our Johannesburg and seasonal Cape Town services. The release of this extended schedule gives travellers the confidence to plan well in advance and supports the island’s ongoing tourism and economic development. St Helena is a remarkable destination, and Airlink is delighted to play a role in opening it up to more visitors.”

Bookings can be made directly via the Airlink website or through your local travel agent.

JOHANNESBURG – The next frontier in ‘always-on’ connectivity has well and truly arrived. Across the aviation industry, airlines are racing to eliminate one of travel’s last disconnected spaces, by integrating free Wi-Fi into their loyalty programmes.

The momentum is remarkable. Delta Air Lines recently expanded its free Wi-Fi service to South Africa, offering complimentary high-speed internet to SkyMiles members flying between South Africa and the US (with additional connectivity on the new Atlanta/Marrakech route launching at the end of October). American Airlines will roll-out free high-speed Wi-Fi to AAdvantage members from January 2026, Turkish Airlines offers a complimentary internet service to business and first-class passengers as well as Miles&Smiles members, while Starlink is in talks with Middle Eastern Airlines, like Emirates, to grow their in-flight Wi-Fi business.

These are just a few examples. As Mummy Mafojane, GM of FCM South Africa explains, free in-flight Wi-Fi has shifted from a premium perk to a baseline expectation.

“It’s become a routine part of the passenger experience,” says Mafojane. “Whether you’re looking to work, stream or just keep in touch, passengers expect fast, free, reliable Wi-Fi to follow them from the lounge into the cabin.”

For airlines, the business case is clear. A 2024 Passenger Experience Survey by global tech and communications company, Viasat, shows that one in three airline passengers believe having no Wi-Fi is one of the most frustrating things about flying today. According to Viasat, these elevated expectations are prompting airlines to think of connectivity as a strategic asset – one that can drive loyalty more than any other.

But this is where things get interesting: digital detox travel was booming in 2025.

The great disconnect paradox

Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report acknowledged this paradox (calling it “High‑Tech Travel Meets Digital Detox”), saying technology can be the hero or the villain in your travel story. In other words, digital tools, including online check-in and digital keys have never been more popular while, simultaneously, nearly one in four travellers now actively avoid answering work calls, texts, or emails while on vacation. The Global Wellness Summit identified “analog travel” as a defining trend for 2025, with travellers seeking old-school, pre-digital experiences (think physical books, board games, retro cameras) as an antidote to digital fatigue.

So, what’s really happening here? The answer lies in recognising that business travellers aren’t a monolith. They’re a spectrum, with different views on free Wi-Fi.

Meet your fellow passengers …

The Always-On Executive celebrates this development. For them, the 15-hour flight from Atlanta just became prime working time. They’ll clear their inbox before landing, eliminating the post-flight email avalanche. Research shows this group actually experiences less anxiety when they can stay connected, maintaining control over their work rather than dreading what awaits them upon touchdown.

The Digital Detoxer, meanwhile, has mixed feelings. For years, they’ve treasured long-haul flights as enforced digital sabbaticals – guilt-free zones where being unreachable wasn’t a choice, it was physics. Now, that excuse has evaporated. The pressure to be “available” has followed them into the stratosphere.

The Reluctant Connector has their laptop open, but their heart’s not in it. They’d prefer to binge “The Office” or finish their novel, but company culture dictates that availability is expected.

And then there’s The Streamer, blissfully untroubled by these existential dilemmas, just delighted they can finally stream their favourite movie without panic downloads in the lounge – or paying $24 for dodgy bandwidth.

But what does it mean for traveller wellbeing?

Research on digital overload is sobering. Excessive screen time is linked to heightened stress, disrupted sleep patterns, and burnout – precisely what business travel already exacerbates. Yet simultaneously, some studies suggest that staying connected during travel can reduce anxiety by preventing the dreaded “return to the office” inbox shock.

The issue isn’t the Wi-Fi itself – it’s a genuinely impressive technological achievement and step forward for passenger convenience. The question is what it represents: the further erosion of boundaries between work and life.

Speaking at the 2025 Global Business Travel Association’s Southern Africa Conference, Prof. Anneli Douglas explained that while traveller wellness focuses on the physical and mental health aspects of travel, like healthy food, fitness, jet lag management, access to quiet spaces for rest and well-designed workstations for productivity, traveller wellbeing is different. Here the focus falls on emotional health, including work-life balance.

And it really matters.

In fact, says Mafojane, true luxury in 2025 isn’t just having Wi-Fi on your flight to Johannesburg; it’s having Wi-Fi available WITHOUT the expectation that you’ll use it for work. It’s about employers respecting that a 15-hour flight might be for rest, not productivity. It’s the difference between “you can connect” and “you must connect.”

As Mafojane explains, traveller wellbeing should be an important part of your travel policy.

“The most forward-thinking companies are designing healthy travel policies,” says Mafojane. “This could include “right to disconnect” clauses that explicitly prohibit work expectations during flights and layovers. Business travel can be exhausting. Frequent travellers are at risk of burnout – and travel managers need to respect the need for genuine downtime, regardless of Wi-Fi availability.”

The upside

Of course, the benefits of free Wi-Fi are real. For truly urgent situations (like family emergencies or critical business decisions), having the option to connect is invaluable. For travellers who genuinely enjoy productivity at altitude (they do exist!), free Wi-Fi is transformative. Technology enables genuine flexibility in how we work and travel. The aviation industry’s commitment to free Wi-Fi is a genuine win for passenger choice and connectivity. But choice only matters when it’s genuinely optional. The airlines are giving us the tools; now it’s time for travel managers and companies to give their people something equally valuable: permission to switch off when they need to.