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Waterfall Business

             ‘mZAnsi TOuRism



             CHAmpiOns’ WEBsiTE


             uniTEs A sECTOR in nEEd





                                                          By Linsey Schluter

























             The travel and tourism sector is one of the hardest

             hit by the global uncertainty surrounding the

             COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdowns

             imposed in many countries. Although the

             industry, through the Tourism Business Council

             of South Africa (TBCSA), is lobbying hard for the

             return of local and international travel (perhaps as                   and operators, to freelance guides
                                                                                    and business owners, can register on
             early as September), the outlook remains grim.                         the website and set up a profile. Once

                                                                                    they have a profile, they can either


                                                                                    ask for help, or offer assistance.
            T      he TBCsA predicts that 600 000   effort across sectors, which hopes   “Through an honest, supportive and

                   tourism jobs could be lost this
                                                to bring immediate support or
                   year alone, which would be a
                   devastating reality for anyone   relief to immediate problems.   constructive platform, we aim to unify
                                                                                    current efforts,” says Bosman. “We want

             working in the sector. But in true   “The website matches people in    to bring various parties together to
             south African spirit, people are pulling   need with people who can help. It’s   facilitate the distribution of donations,
             together – and nowhere is this more   very much a platform of  ‘asks’ and   especially to those who are struggling
             evident than in the launch of Mzansi   ‘answers’. We hope that, by building a   to access relief funds and schemes.”

             Tourism Champions, an online platform   network of people who can offer skills,
             dedicated to championing the needs   advice and monetary donations, we’ll   The platform is not focused solely

             of those working in the tourism field.  all be able to weather the storm.”  on financial support. According to

                                                                                    Bosman, Mzansi Tourism Champions
             Heinie Bosman, one of the          A ‘strong collective’ is at the heart   will act as a marketplace for a number
             founders, says that Mzansi Tourism   of Mzansi Tourism Champions. Any   of different services, from free legal

             Champions is a collaborative       individuals in the industry, from agents   advice to design and copywriting skills.

             24  Waterfall Issue 7   2020
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