2013 Sedibeng Tourism Awards Winners

The prestigious 2^nd Sedibeng Tourism Awards was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from members of the region’s tourism stakeholders. Stakeholders from across the tourism sector entered into one of the many categories of the awards or nominated a worthy candidate as the individual who contributed towards local tourism. The response received was tremendous.

Held on 18 April 2013 at the Lord’s Signature Hotel in Risiville, just outside of Vereeniging, guests (who included dignitaries from the government sector, finalists and entrants of the Sedibeng Tourism Awards and other stakeholders) were treated to a grand and stylish welcome by buskers and entertainers from the locally based Boswell Wilkie Circus. The event was graced by the MEC of Economic Development in Gauteng, Nkosiphendule Kolisile, the CEO of Gauteng Tourism, Ms. Dawn Robertson, the MMC for LED, Tourism and Development Planning at Emfuleni Local Municipality, Cllr. Khulu Malindi, the MMC for Development & Planning and Housing at Midvaal Local Municipality, Cllr. Bongani Baloyi, and other dignitaries. They were all welcomed by the Acting Mayor, Cllr. Maipato Tsokolibane.

One of the aims of the Sedibeng Tourism Awards is to acknowledge, reward and promote service excellence in the tourism industry within the region. In order to showcase the best of the best in the industry, guests were treated to an elegant evening of wining, dining and top-class entertainment. The charismatic Bongani Bingwa, a presenter on MNET’s Carte Blanche and a son of the Vaal, ensured the smooth running of the programme at the awards and the multi-talented musician and singer, Colin “Bones” Delight and his ensemble brought guests to their feet and on to the dance floor!

The awards were presented in eleven categories. The winners and finalists are (in order of position):

Emerging Entrepreneur Product Owner:

1. MCM Cultural Tourism Restaurant (Gold)

ARTS & CRAFTS:

1. Boiketlo Baka Art Gallery (Gold)
2. Khulumani Support Group (Silver)
3. Articulated Kasi Studios (Bronze)

ADVENTURE/OUTDOOR:

1. Stonehaven on Vaal  (Gold)
2. Tapimanzi Adventures (Silver)
3. Vaal River Wine Route (Bronze)

TOURISTS GUIDES:

1. Thabo Lietsiso (Gold)
2. Jabulane Olifant (Silver)
3. Alice Moalosi (Bronze)

RESTAURANTS AND EATERIES:

1. Anna’s Kitchen (Gold)
2. Matthews Restaurant (Silver)
3. Stonehaven on Vaal (Bronze)

TOUR OPERATORS/TRAVEL AGENCIES:

1. Avis Vaal (Gold)
2. Nnini  Khambule Tours (Silver)
3. TMTT Tours (Bronze)

MEETINGS, EXHIBITIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS:

1. Stonehaven on Vaal  (Gold)
2. Riverside Sun Resort (Silver)
3. Emerald Resort & Casino (Bronze)

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION:

1. Thukela Resorts (Gold)
2. Bedworthpark Guesthouse  (Silver)
3. Betty’s BnB (Bronze)

STANDARD ACCOMMODATION:

1. Riverside Sun Resort (Gold)
2. Sedibeng B & B (Silver)
3. Cavilla Lodge (Bronze)

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION:

1. Emerald Resort & Casino (Gold)
2. Three Rivers Lodge and Villa (Silver)
3. Riviera on Vaal Hotel (Bronze)

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION BY AN INDIVIDUAL TO LOCAL TOURISM:

1. Rosemary Anderson (Gold)
2. Amanda Kandilanaptis (Silver)
3. Nicho Ntema (Bronze)

The winners and finalists were announced with a spectacle of bubbles across the venue and guests; a sight which made the evening even more special and one that will not easily be forgotten by all present.

The Sedibeng District Municipality wishes to congratulate the region’s exceptional winners and finalists of this year’s Sedibeng Tourism Awards, and thanks all stakeholders who entered,  participated or who offered their assistance.

In particular, we wish to thank the following:

• Gauteng Tourism Authority for financial and non-financial support
• Adjudicators:

1. Pat Naidoo – Gauteng Tourism Authority
2. Tiny Dolamo – Gauteng Tourism Authority
3. Felix Ngasama –Grading Council of South Africa
4. Lenah Nkele – Emfuleni Local Municipality
5. Palesa Tsele – Lesedi Local Municipality

• Lords Signature Hotel (accommodation for MC and Entertainers)
• Emfuleni Tourism Association and Riviera on Vaal for accommodation for some of the VIP’s
• Diamond Corner – bubbles and bubble machine
• Avis Vaal – for the bubbly on the tables
• Sedibeng Interim Regional Tourism Association
• Entrants!
• People who nominated
• Staff of Sedibeng and GTA