Hon Minister, Deputy Minister, hon members, guests in the gallery, I greet you all. The success of tourism as an economic driver in South Africa depends on the
presence of policies and strategies that cater for the needs of the sector. The reality is that tourism growth has occurred in South Africa, but benefits have only accrued unto few citizens. The tourism industry is still confronted by the structural economic imbalances of the past, and that is a fact.
Given the historical context of structural exclusion from the tourism sector, it is imperative that government intervenes in supporting the full potential of the emerging tourism enterprises to achieve the objectives of inclusive growth and shared economic development.
When we talk about economic transformation, we refer to the fundamental change in the structure, systems, institutions and patterns of ownership. [Applause.] This change can only be achieved by control of the economy in favour of the poor, whom are blacks and female in majority.
House Chair, the Department of Tourism has been allocated a Budget of about R2,3 billion. This very budget is allocated to empower the department to provide effective domestic and
international marketing of South Africa as a tourist destination of choice. It must also enhance cooperation and co-ordination between all spheres of government in developing and managing tourism.
In supporting this appropriated budget, our question is whether this share of the allocation can address all the above that has been stated as well as transform the tourism sector? Our answer is a big no! We believe that the allocation share for Tourism is not adequate enough to address all the above. We must also in the same vein commend the department for implementing programmes that promote employment creation for young, women and those people that were previously disadvantaged.
The impact of the programmes include: The Hospitality Youth Programme targeting a wide variety of unemployed youth and women; the National Chefs Training Programme that was implemented in all provinces; the Food Safety Quality Assurer Programme; and Training on Resource Efficiency which was implemented in North West, Northern Cape, and Mpumalanga provinces in the past financial year.
We are pleased as the Portfolio Committee on Tourism with what the department has been able to achieve with its limited resources or budget. It has established an important branch dealing with destination management. This has brought focus on what the country's economy needs to do to be competitive. The developing and completion of four tourism precincts master plans is commendable. What is needed now is investment to be channelled into these tourism precincts.
We are encouraged that the department will continue to implement the Tourism Transformation Fund that brings new entrants in the tourism business. However, we must indicate that the Tourism Transformation Fund in its current model may not radically address challenges of transformation in the Sector. We urge the Minister to ensure that these transformation programmes serve the purpose for which they were conceptualised.
It does not help to introduce such wonderful programmes and yet set impossible qualifying criteria. This defeats the transformation agenda. [Applause.] We also note that: The performance indicators with regards to international tourist
arrivals have been of concern in the country as the country slipped from performing above international average to a downward spiral in terms of tourist arrivals.
Minister, we urge South African Tourism to conclude the India- China strategy to harness these largest and fastest growing markets. We also look forward to a focused approach towards harnessing tourism growth within the African continent. If the intended increase of international tourists of about 21 million by 2030 is to be achieved.
The Airbnb has changed the way tourist book their accommodation while on vacation. Instead of booking in traditional hotels, tourist now book apartments, home stays or a room with facilities at a cheaper price through Airbnb. That is a fact. And, the recent developments of Airbnb adding flights to its offering are also noticed.
These developments threaten the traditional jobs in the tourism industry, such as hotel front desk staff, travel agents, tourist guides and tourism information officers, just to name a few.
These Technological advancements are good in that they make bookings easier. However, government needs to develop an immediate response to this growing phenomenon through re- imagining tourism jobs and provide training for future tourism jobs.
This calls for a partnership between the private sector and government. House Chair, I conclude my submission to this budget debate this afternoon by reminding ourselves as South Africans that South Africa belongs to its entire people; and we, the people, belong to one another. South Africans must be ambassadors of their own country. It is disappointing to see and hear a hon member coming here, not advancing but talking down on their own country, like what the hon Sithole did.
We should fall in love with our country's beauty and diversity. This will encourage us to discover more about the country and we are guaranteed to feel a sense of pride when we do so. Hon members, we in the ANC support Budget Vote 33. We support it because we are fully aware and in cognisance of the work ahead of the ANC-lead administration. We understand that this budget
will be a tool that you can use to achieve the set targets and the strategies that are there to grow South Africa and take her forward. Hence, we stand on this podium and support Budget Vote 33. Thank you! Re a leboga! Hakhensa! Inkomu! [Applause.]