eThekwini region and Durban metro are a gateway to South African tourism which is a source of job generation. “Tourism has the unique ability to bring economic activity into rural and underdeveloped areas.” President Cyril Ramaphosa’s words during a key note address at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, where he highlighted the growing importance of rural and township tourism in being a driving force for economic inclusion, preserving heritage and creating jobs across the country.
According to Futhi Sibiya from INK Tourism, which promotes tourism in Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu, Inanda remains one of Durban’s most overlooked tourism gems despite its rich heritage offerings. “Attractions such as the Gandhi Settlement, Ohlange Institute, Inanda Seminary, the Rastafarian Caves and Inanda Dam make Inanda the jewel of INK,” he said. Sibiya said major tourism events such as Africa’s Travel Indaba provide smaller destinations with an opportunity to gain visibility.
“It’s easy for us to get ignored no matter how close we are to Durban because when people speak of Durban, they tend to gravitate towards the beachfront or promenade,” he said.
Tourism is a vital source of revenue and economic activity on the east coast region. eThekwini is at the heart of a rich cultural and historic heritage that has flourished for generations. Key to this has been Durban metro’s position as a major port on the KwaZulu-Natal’s coast facing the Indian Ocean. The purpose of an international exhibition like the Tourism Indaba being held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) is to raise awareness of the Tourism Market’s potential. As stated in the above extract, there is still more that needs to be done to raise awareness concerning the city’s lesser-known tourism locations to attract interest. The local tourism authorities and enterprises have to widen the appeal of the local attractions to a more diverse audience.
Meanwhile one of the province’s largest art events is returning to the Midlands. The exhibition consists of one thousand art works by sixty-nine artists from across the country.
Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone who enjoys wandering through beautiful spaces with a coffee in hand, Art in the Country delivers a little bit of everything. New emerging talent will get to showcase alongside some of the country’s top-selling artists. Visitors can expect:
- Paintings
- Sculpture
- Figurative works
- Contemporary pieces
- Mixed media
Returning favourites include Simon Addy, Grace Kotze, Judy Wentzel and Allen Kupeta, while 15 new artists join the exhibition this year, among them Jane Wolff, Ashley Munsamy, Alex Webster and Limpopo artist Jan Henning.
The purpose of hosting exhibitions such as the show in Midlands, is to attract interest to works of South African Artists and raise interest in cultural exhibits. Art is the expression of a social mechanism to break down barriers. Art also serves as the contemporary bridge between past inspirations and future aspirations.
Artists such as those involved in the Midlands Art in the country exhibition are instrumental in raising awareness concerning the economic potential of rural communities, breaking communication barriers to create a profound message of potential. It remains to be seen how this potential is utilized.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
