Press Release 5 Easy Steps to Create a Thriving Haven for Birds, Bees and Biodiversity Picture-perfect gardens can sometimes be green deserts. They may have manicured lawns, colourful flowers and razor-sharp edges, but beneath the surface the soil is struggling, invasive plants are taking over, and there is little shelter or food for the birds, pollinators and other small creatures that make a garden feel alive. International Day for Biological Diversity takes place on 22 May, and GARDENA is lifting the lid on the hidden world beneath your garden’s surface. Creating a garden rich in biodiversity starts with restoring balance. “Biodiversity isn’t limited to nature reserves,” says Fathima Mathen, Marketing Manager for GARDENA. “It belongs in your garden too, no matter the size. When you focus on healthy soil, a mix of plants and thoughtful care, you create a garden that becomes more resilient, self-sustaining and full of life.” What’s more, a garden that hums with activity is its own reward. The good news is that it doesn’t require a complete overhaul either. With a few simple changes and the right tools, you can turn your outdoor space into a thriving mini ecosystem. So how do you achieve this balance? Mathen shares a few practical tips: 1. Start with the soil Adding compost, mulch and organic material improves soil structure, helps retain moisture and naturally boosts nutrients. Healthy soil is also teeming with microorganisms, which are the foundation on which everything else depends. Without them, even the most carefully chosen plants will struggle. And a cultivator, soil rake or hand tool from GARDENA makes it easier to loosen, prepare and care for the soil without overworking it. 2. Choose plants that belong Opting for plants indigenous to your region is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your garden's living ecosystem. Local pollinators thrive among native plants, with some even depending on them entirely for survival. But supporting pollinators isn’t just about what you plant; it’s how those plants provide for them across the seasons. Planting a mix of flowering plants, shrubs and ground cover ensures something is always in bloom, giving pollinators a reason to keep coming back through every season. The more variety you plant, the more visitors you will attract. 3. Give them a reason to visit A pollinator-friendly environment does not need much of an invitation. A bird bath or small water feature gives birds, butterflies and bees a place to drink and cool down. Dense shrubs, hedges and small rockeries create pockets of warmth, shade and shelter that different creatures depend on. Together, these simple additions turn your garden into a place they will keep coming back to. 4. Leave some room for nature Allowing self-seeded plants and natural ground cover to establish in less-visited corners of your garden quietly adds to its biodiversity in ways that cost nothing and require very little effort. GARDENA's range of light maintenance tools also makes it easy to keep pathways and flower beds neat while nature takes care of the rest. 5. Go easy on the chemicals Pesticides and herbicides do not discriminate between the harmful and the helpful. Overuse can quietly damage the very soil organisms and beneficial insects your garden depends on. When treatment is necessary, apply sparingly, explore organic alternatives where you can, and use GARDENA's pressure sprayers to ensure precision and avoid waste. “A mini ecosystem does not need to be perfect. It just needs to buzz with diversity,” concludes Mathen. “By making a few considered adjustments, your garden can become a place where plants, birds, bees and other small visitors can flourish, gradually beginning to care for itself. There’s also a quiet satisfaction that comes from knowing your garden is doing more than just looking good." For more gardening inspiration, visit GARDENA SA at https://gardening.co.za. A Press Release Disseminated on Behalf of: Fathima Mathen Marketing Manager for GARDENA South Africa GARDENA SA: Let Nature in - Turn Your Garden into a Mini Ecosystem

By: Onwaba Gonyora | Director of Brahman Hills A memorable wedding doesn’t happen by chance. It comes together through thoughtful choices, trusted partners and a standard of care that ensures nothing is overlooked. This weekend, Sunday, 24th May 2026, couples planning their next chapter together are invited to The Brahman Hills Bridal Expo in the Midlands. The event is designed to bring leading wedding suppliers, creative specialists and experienced planners together under one roof, to help couples move from inspiration to confident decision-making. From décor, gowns and cakes to photography, entertainment and ceremony expertise, the expo offers a carefully considered showcase of all the elements that shape an exceptional wedding day. It’s also a chance to meet the people behind the work, explore ideas in person and begin building a celebration that feels both deeply personal and beautifully executed. “Couples want a wedding that reflects who they are, but they also want the confidence that every part of the experience will be handled with excellence,” says Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills and weddings expert. “The Brahman Hills Bridal Expo brings those two things together. It gives couples access to trusted specialists, practical guidance and a setting where they can begin shaping a day that’s as seamless as it is meaningful.” Guests will be able to connect with a strong line-up of wedding suppliers, including Enhle Creatives, Magic Thyme, Nxeleshians, Obsessive Cupcake Disorder, Cake House, Posh Events, Weddings by Jackie, Real Beats Entertainment, DJ Ash, DJ Marcel, Conway Photography, Legacy Studios, Photos by Chene, MPMSA Photo, Mawande Kheswa Imaging, Black T Artistry, House of Kym, CC Designs, Dream Ceremonies, Wedding Celebrant, Weddings by Reg Courtney, Mystical Pyrotechnics, Chris Jenkins Saxophonist, Gifts by Rue, Jesus Is King Luxury Gifting Collective The Bridal Expo takes place from 10h00 to 15h00. Tickets are R50 per person, and food and drinks will be available throughout the day. For couples who are just beginning to plan, and for those refining the final touches, the expo offers more than inspiration. It offers access, expertise, and a clearer path towards a wedding day brought to life with heart, intention and excellence. Image Credit: Adore Weddings

The KZN Top Business Awards brought to you by Standard Bank and the Women of Africa Group and in association with East Coast Radio The KZN Top Business Awards brought to you by Standard Bank and the Women of Africa Group and in association with East Coast Radio recognise success. Which category best represents your business? Manufacturing Transport & Logistics Renewable Efficiency & Green Initiatives Family-Owned Business Business & Financial Services Community Upliftment Employee Wellness …and more. Celebrate your success with the KZN Top Business Awards 2026. Visit www.kzntopbusiness.com to enter now! #KZNTopBusiness

By: Dylan Naidoo On 13 May 2026, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and FPT Group (Pty) Ltd signed a 20-year deal set for the redevelopment and operation of the fresh produce terminal at the Port of Durban’s Point Precinct. This deal is not the first redevelopment project done by the TNPA, as the company has slowly been transferring many of its sectors towards privately-run operations, such as the Richards Bay Dry-Bulk Terminal. The deal has been classified as “transformational”, set for the future development of the specialised fresh produce terminal. As per the TNPA’s statement, this agreement is expected to “accelerate strategic port infrastructure investment, improve logistics efficiencies and reinforce the Port of Durban’s capability to handle growing volumes of time-sensitive agricultural exports.” The terminal is expected to increase in volume by an estimated 1.691 million tons per annum by 2028, with an expected 2% growth each year. As South Africa grows as a citrus exporter, it will ensure the country’s growth within the agriculture sector, propelling South Africa forward as a major competitor in the citrus export space. The TNPA notes that the export of citrus in South Africa is vital in supporting the agriculture economy of South Africa, citing its contribution to thousands of jobs within the farming, packing and transportation chains. The FTP Group has also stated that this partnership is expected to lead to many socio-economic benefits including infrastructure redevelopment, support in enterprises and job creation. For this to happen, an estimated R397 million has been committed, which will assist in business operations. There is also an estimated R3.3 billion that will be invested in operations including supplier development, localisation and better initiatives that assist in the economy, further aligning to the TNPA’s transformation objectives. “The agreement advances the implementation of the Transnet Reinvent for Growth strategy, which prioritises infrastructure modernisation, enabling public-private partnerships and improved logistics performance,” said Mohammed Abdool, TNPA chief executive. “We are confident that this partnership will unlock sustained growth for South Africa’s citrus export sector and the broader economy. By improving access to global markets and enhancing export efficiencies, the partnership is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of South African produce while contributing to increased foreign revenue earnings.” says Paulo Franco, FPT managing director. For more information, visit: https://www.transnet.net/SubsiteRender.aspx?id=6362826 TNPA signs 20-year deal with the FPT Group to strengthen the Citrus Export Terminal | Image Source: Transnet

KZN Top Business Awards brought to you by Standard Bank and the Women of Africa Group, and in association with East Coast Radio. Why enter the KZN Top Business Awards brought to you by Standard Bank and the Women of Africa Group, and in association with East Coast Radio. ✔ Enhance your brand reputation ✔ Gain valuable media exposure ✔ Showcase your business success ✔ Celebrate your team ✔ Build trust with customers and stakeholders The awards honour businesses that demonstrate excellence, innovation and ethical leadership in KwaZulu-Natal. Entries close on 12 June 2026. Enter today: www.kzntopbusiness.com #KZNTopBusiness

KZN Top Business Awards 2026 Entries are now open for the 2026 KZN Top Business Awards brought to you by Standard Bank and the Women of Africa Group and in association with East Coast Radio. Are you building a business that is making a difference in KwaZulu-Natal? This is your opportunity to showcase your leadership, innovation and contribution to the KZN economy. Being recognised as a finalist or winner builds trust, credibility and visibility for your brand. Entries close: 12 June 2026 Gala Awards Evening: 16 July 2026 at the Durban ICC Enter now: www.kzntopbusiness.com #KZNTopBusiness

For the first time since 2017, South Africa’s merger notification thresholds and associated filing fees have been revised, with effect from 1 May 2026. The revised thresholds are as follows: Intermediate mergers Combined annual turnover or asset value of the acquiring firm and target firm: increased from ZAR 600 million to ZAR 1 billion Annual turnover or asset value of the target firm: increased from ZAR 100 million to ZAR 200 million Large mergers Combined annual turnover or asset value of the acquiring firm and target firm: increased from ZAR 6.6 billion to ZAR 9.5 billion Annual turnover or asset value of the target firm: increased from ZAR 190 million to ZAR 280 million These changes are likely to reduce the number of notifiable transactions at the intermediate level, offering dealmakers greater flexibility in structuring mid‑market transactions and reducing the regulatory burden. Transactions should be assessed against the updated thresholds for any implementation steps occurring on or after 1 May 2026. Important: This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific legal guidance. For further information or tailored advice, please contact Ross Booth, Senior Associate at rbooth@coxyeats.co.za | +2731 536 8575 | +2772 536 1975 News Flash | South African Merger Control Update: New Thresholds Effective 1 May 2026

At the heart of Durban’s growing manufacturing sector, Plastimed Packaging has become a trusted supplier of innovative plastic packaging solutions for businesses across South Africa. The company is known not only for its manufacturing capabilities, but also for its diverse product range designed to meet the needs of industries including food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, cleaning products, agriculture, and industrial manufacturing. From small startup brands to established national companies, Plastimed Packaging provides durable, functional, and visually appealing packaging products that help businesses present their products professionally while maintaining quality and compliance standards. Extensive Range of Packaging Products Plastimed manufactures a wide variety of packaging products in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Their product range includes PET bottles, HDPE containers, jars, tubs, pharmaceutical packaging, trigger spray bottles, cosmetic containers, caps, closures, and custom moulded packaging solutions. The company also produces packaging suitable for sauces, spices, oils, detergents, creams, shampoos, and cleaning chemicals. One of the company’s key strengths is its flexibility. Plastimed offers both standard stock packaging and fully customised products tailored to client specifications. Businesses can choose from various colours, shapes, finishes, and cap options to create packaging that aligns with their branding and market positioning. The company’s in-house manufacturing processes include: Blow moulding Injection moulding PET preform manufacturing Screen printing and labelling 3D prototyping Custom mould development These capabilities allow Plastimed to provide complete end-to-end packaging solutions under one roof, reducing turnaround times and ensuring consistent quality throughout production. Packaging for Multiple Industries Plastimed Packaging serves a broad range of industries, making it one of Durban’s more versatile packaging manufacturers. Food and Beverage Packaging The company supplies bottles and containers suitable for sauces, juices, spices, syrups, condiments, and cooking products. Their food-grade packaging is designed to preserve freshness while offering attractive shelf presentation. Cosmetic and Personal Care Packaging For the beauty and wellness sector, Plastimed manufactures sleek cosmetic jars, lotion bottles, cream containers, and spray bottles used for skincare, haircare, and personal hygiene products. Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Packaging The company also supplies pharmaceutical containers designed for safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance. These include medicine bottles, tablet containers, and tamper-evident packaging solutions. Household and Industrial Packaging Plastimed’s industrial packaging range includes durable chemical-resistant containers used for detergents, automotive fluids, cleaning chemicals, and agricultural products. Supporting Startups and Small Businesses A major differentiator for Plastimed Packaging is its support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The company understands that startups often require smaller production runs and flexible ordering quantities. By accommodating low minimum order quantities, Plastimed makes professional packaging more accessible to emerging brands entering the market. This approach has helped many South African entrepreneurs launch products with high-quality packaging without the financial burden typically associated with large-scale manufacturing. Sustainability and Eco-Conscious Manufacturing Sustainability remains an important focus for Plastimed Packaging. The company actively incorporates recycled materials into selected non-food packaging products and continues exploring environmentally responsible production practices. Through innovation, recycling initiatives, and efficient manufacturing processes, Plastimed aims to reduce environmental impact while still delivering durable and cost-effective packaging solutions to its clients. Driving Durban’s Manufacturing Growth As Durban continues to strengthen its position as a manufacturing and logistics hub, Plastimed Packaging plays an important role in supporting local industry, entrepreneurship, and product development. The company’s investment in technology, product innovation, and customer-focused service continues to position it as a leading name in South Africa’s packaging sector. With an expanding product range and a strong commitment to quality, Plastimed Packaging is helping businesses across the country transform ideas into market-ready products — one package at a time.

Media Release - 19 May 2026 South Africa arrives at IMEX Frankfurt 2026 South Africa arrives at IMEX Frankfurt 2026, taking place from 19–21 May, with continued momentum as the continent’s leading business events destination following its number one ranking in Africa in the 2025 ICCA Country Rankings. According to the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Globewatch Business Analytics 2025 Report, South Africa secured the top position on the continent with 115 international association meetings, reaffirming the country’s competitiveness in the global meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. Cape Town also retained its position as Africa’s leading city for international association meetings. South Africa’s participation at IMEX Frankfurt, one of the world’s premier trade shows for the global business events industry, provides a strategic platform to strengthen partnerships, unlock new opportunities, and showcase the country’s world-class capability to host business events of every scale. Chief Convention Bureau Officer at of the South African National Convention Bureau, Corne Koch, said South Africa’s ICCA ranking is a powerful endorsement of the country’s long-term investment in business events infrastructure, destination competitiveness and partnership-led growth. “South Africa’s continued leadership in the ICCA rankings is a strong reflection of our country’s ability to compete globally while leading continentally. It demonstrates the confidence international associations place in our infrastructure, our people, our professional excellence and our ability to deliver meaningful, world-class events,” said Koch. “As we start our participation at this year’s IMEX Frankfurt, we do so proudly as Africa’s top-ranked business events destination, ready to strengthen global partnerships, showcase our diverse national offering, and position South Africa as a connected, innovative and future-focused destination where business events drive tourism growth, knowledge exchange and long term economic impact.” International association meetings leave tangible legacies that go beyond tourism revenues. Conferences on climate and health are shaping national policies, such as renewable energy adoption, and public health strategies. Some of the strongest destination impact for South Africa includes knowledge economy growth through scientific and sector collaboration and meetings where skills transfer takes place. South Africa’s performance in the ICCA rankings underscores the strategic value of business events not only as tourism drivers, but as catalysts for trade, investment, innovation and sector development. South Africa continues to demonstrate a broad national capability anchored by world-class venues, accessibility, sector expertise and authentic destination experiences across the country Whilst leading cities, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Stellenbosch, Tshwane and Durban each hosted between 8 and 55 international meetings, regional growth in Sun City, Paarl and Pilanesberg have also been included in the report. At IMEX Frankfurt 2026, South Africa will engage global industry leaders, buyers and partners to further position the country as a destination where business, culture, innovation and unforgettable experiences meet. South Africa’s presence at IMEX Frankfurt aligns with broader national efforts to drive tourism growth, expand global market access and reinforce the country’s position as a trusted and competitive host for international business events. ____________________________________________________________________________ Issued by South African Tourism For further information, contact: Thandiwe Mathibela Tel: +2711 895 3177 Email: mediaq@southafrica.net Email: thandiwe@southafrica.net Website: www.southafrica.net Note to editors South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination.

By: Dylan Naidoo Aven Naidu is both the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Avemel Group, which specialises in a variety of different fields such as fuel, transportation and warehousing within the fleet vehicle sector, with operations largely focused on logistics. From starting with a single fleet vehicle, Aven and his team have expanded the Avemel Group throughout South Africa, even spanning countries such as Mauritius. Avemel Logistics specialises as a hub for transportation solutions. From hazardous substances to general cargo, Avemel Logistics prioritises your needs and getting things done. As a trusted company with over 20 years of experience and branches all over the country, you simply cannot go wrong with the Avemel Group as a whole. And leading this successful company is Aven Naidu. As the CEO, Aven explains that his role is to ‘connect the dots’ for his clients, essentially to gauge an understanding of what they want and how he and his team can help them. Aven mentions this role is the reason to refer to Avemel Logistics as a logistics company, as he prides himself on getting an understanding of the client’s business and how they operate, so that he can adapt Avemel Logistics to working more in line with the business’s needs. By utilising this method, Avemel Logistics knows what cargo trucks and trailers their clients need, leading to clients saving company funds from the efficiency of buying only what is required. Aven said, “Whilst it is important for a business to generate sufficient revenue, putting the client's needs first is more valuable." Aven wants to not only see his business grow, but his client’s business grow, and that makes exactly what I classify as a successful business leader. Growing up in Durban, Aven finished high school in 1999 and immediately went and studied at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. After which, Aven would then obtain his diploma in Corporate Communications, before he began his career journey working for a big engineering and chemical company. During his second role, he got more engaged with his work, even working outside of his department, and demonstrated his abilities by building trust between himself and his partners. Aven started Avemel Logistics because as he describes it “Avemel came up as a matter of a need and a demand.” At Avemel, community efforts sit as an essential scheme for the Group. Aven mentions that they help many communities in and around KZN. On top of this, Aven believes in the importance of upskilling and education, and refers to their Avemel bursary scheme, as well as their involvement in uplifting schools through sponsorships, ensuring that learners have an adequate education. As Aven says, “I’m very passionate about our community involvement.” One aspect of Aven that stood out to me was his commitment to his role and his team members. Aven is a caring leader that encourages his team members to grow and reach further. Seeing how Aven values his team members as well as his love for helping people in any way he can puts him above and beyond, and it is very clear to me as to why Avemel is successful. Through his strong leadership, motivated team, reliable service and broad knowledge of the industry, the Avemel Group has grown to become a company that can be depended on from many players in the field. We make money and money doesn’t make us -- Aven Naidu | CEO of The Avemel Group Aven Naidu | Founder and CEO of The Avemel Group (Picture contains real images combined using generative Ai tools) Website: https://avemelgroup.com/ Phone: +27 31 403 2407 Email: info@avemelgroup.com Address (Chatsworth): 2 Strelitzia Rd, Silverglen, Chatsworth, 4092. Access it on Google Maps here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4SAGuP4LhGLHcQmW9

By Grant Adlam If you woke up this Monday morning listening to the usual pre-election political commentary, you might be tempted to start the week looking at the glass half-empty. But while the political arena is busy debating the future, I prefer to look at the hard, undeniable economic data hitting my desk this morning. If you want a reason to feel positive about the KwaZulu-Natal economy today, look no further than the final, official figures just released from Africa’s Travel Indaba. The trade show, which brought nearly 10 000 global delegates, buyers, and media into the heart of Durban, didn't just generate good conversation—it fuelled a staggering R835 million boost to the Durban and KZN tourism economy. When we talk about the difference between short-term political noise and long-term economic foundations, this is exactly what we mean. The Real Numbers Driving the Week Let’s unpack what a massive commercial engine like this means for the layman on the ground: 97% Hotel Occupancy: Over the event period, Durban’s hospitality sector essentially hung up a "No Vacancy" sign, reaching a phenomenal 97% occupancy rate. This didn't just fill beachfront hotels; it rippled out to B&Bs, guest houses, and boutique lodges across the metropolitan area. R240 Million in Direct Spending: This is liquid cash injected straight into our local economy over a matter of days—spent on transport, petrol, restaurants, logistics, exhibition building, and local retail. 1 122 Jobs Supported: These aren’t just statistics. These are real shifts for catering staff, security personnel, shuttle drivers, event coordinators, and hospitality workers who put food on the table because KZN remains a world-class destination. Why This Matters From My Desk As I wrote regarding Toyota’s massive industrial footprint in Prospecton, business and infrastructure operate on a completely different level than politics. Tourism is no different. The success of this Indaba proves that our province possesses an unshakable structural advantage. Global buyers from over 40 countries didn't fly into Durban because of a political campaign; they came because KZN offers an unmatched, globally competitive tourism product. They came because the underlying commercial consensus—the agreement that Africa is open for business—stands firm. As South African Tourism’s Chief Convention Bureau Officer, Corne Koch, noted this morning, these figures represent enterprise inclusion and long-term growth. It means our local small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are being actively pulled into a global value chain. Light the Candle for the Week Ahead The lesson for this Monday is simple. Politics will always be loud, and it will always try to convince you that everything changes with the next vote. But the underlying climate of our economy is driven by massive, resilient successes like the Travel Indaba and our enduring industrial foundations. An R835 million economic injection is proof that the wheels of KwaZulu-Natal are turning, the world is still buying what we are selling, and our business community is built for the long haul. Let’s drown out the noise, favour a more constructive outlook, and make it a productive week. Africa's Travel Indaba 2026 - KZN Top Business The "Roving Reporter" Grant Adlam | KZN Top Business Bringing you the hard facts from the corridors of the KwaZulu-Natal economy. Stay Connected: 🌐 www.kzntopbusiness.com ✉️ info@topbusiness.com 📺 Watch the latest Business Sense updates on YouTube #KZNTopBusiness #RovingReporter #SuccessBreedsSuccess #KZNEconomy

By Chelsea Brand While Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 celebrated the continent’s culture and tourism diversity, the event also reinforced Durban and KwaZulu-Natal’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading business tourism destinations. Hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) from 11–14 May, Africa’s premier tourism trade show attracted thousands of delegates, exhibitors, investors, airlines, hospitality brands, tourism operators, media representatives, and international buyers to the city. Throughout the week, discussions centred heavily around tourism investment, aviation growth, business tourism, cruise tourism, policy reform, sustainability, digital innovation, and strengthening partnerships across African markets. BONDay (Business Opportunity Networking Day), which officially launched the programme, focused strongly on entrepreneurship, tourism investment opportunities, destination competitiveness, and strategies for positioning Africa more competitively within the global tourism market. Across the exhibition floor, deals were negotiated, partnerships were formed, and tourism products were marketed directly to international buyers. African tourism operators connected with global stakeholders as the continent showcased itself not only as a travel destination, but as a growing economic force. eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said, “Durban was proud to host the prestigious event again,” adding that the event allows the city to position itself “as a leading tourism and events destination on the African continent". The mayor highlighted Durban’s continued growth in business tourism, sports tourism, cruise tourism, and leisure travel, alongside increasing airline connectivity and tourism investment flowing into the city. The economic contribution of tourism remained a major focus. According to figures shared during the week, tourism contributes nearly 4.9% to South Africa’s GDP while sustaining approximately 1.8 million direct and indirect jobs nationwide. Throughout the week, tourism leaders repeatedly highlighted tourism’s growing role in job creation, infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, regional integration, and investment attraction. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the tourism sector had moved beyond post-pandemic recovery and entered a new phase of growth and opportunity. She emphasised the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector in unlocking tourism’s full economic potential across Africa. For Durban and KwaZulu-Natal specifically, Africa’s Travel Indaba continues to generate significant economic value annually. Last year’s event generated more than R246 million in direct expenditure, contributed over R610 million to South Africa’s GDP, and supported more than 1,100 jobs. Hotel occupancy rates across Durban also surged to approximately 97% during the event period. The impact extended beyond hotels and conference venues, benefiting restaurants, transport services, tourism operators, local businesses, and the wider hospitality sector throughout the city. And while Africa’s Travel Indaba filled Durban with colour, celebration, and culture, the event also demonstrated something equally significant: tourism is rapidly becoming one of Africa’s most powerful economic drivers. As the exhibition closed after four days of meetings, negotiations, networking, and global engagement, Durban once again proved why it remains central to Africa’s tourism and business events industry. https://www.indaba-southafrica.co.za/ President Cyril Ramaphosa, Africa's Travel Indaba 2026