The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Makhotso Sotyu, invites members of the media to the official announcement of a collaboration with the Black Mountain Festival for the Tourism Expo and Festival, taking place from 30 October to 1 November 2026 at Thaba Nchu Airport in the Free State province.
The Black Mountain Tourism Expo & Festival is a cultural and lifestyle platform that promotes youth development, entrepreneurship, community participation and destination marketing. The festival is expected to attract visitors to Thaba Nchu, encourage longer stays in the Mangaung region, increase demand for local tourism offerings and create direct economic opportunities for accommodation establishments, restaurants, tour operators, transport providers, traders, creatives and community-based enterprises.
The launch will be officiated by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms. Maggie Sotyu, and supported by the executives from the Free State provincial government.
MEDIA LAUNCH DETAILS:
Date: Thursday, 08 October 2026
Time: 09h00 for 09h30
Venue: Thaba Nchu, Free State, Barolong Boo Seleka Royal House
RSVP: Wednesday, 07 October 2026 at 12h00 to: sduma@tourism.gov.za or szwane@tourism.gov.za Tel: 062 475 5825 / 081 267 4665
MEDIA LAUNCH PROGRAMME:
| TIME | ITEM |
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Arrival, Registration and Media Interviews |
| 09:30 – 09:35 | Opening and Introduction of Programme |
| 09:35 – 09:45 | Traditional Welcome and Blessing - Traditional Leadership |
| 09:45 – 10:00 | Welcome Remarks Mr. Gregory Nthatisi - Executive Mayor, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality |
| 10:00 – 10:15 | Message of Support: Culture, Heritage, Creative Industries and Events Tourism Ms. Ntombizanela Sifuba - MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Free State Province |
| 10:15 – 10:30 | Message of Support: Tourism Development and Positioning of the Free State as a Tourism Destination Mr. Ketso Makume - MEC Economic Development and Tourism, Free State Province |
| 10:30 – 10:40 | Overview of the Black Mountain Tourism Expo and Festival |
| 10:40 – 10:50 | Cultural Performance / Entertainment |
| 10:50 – 11:05 | Keynote Address and Official Media Launch of the Black Mountain Tourism Expo and Festival Hon. Makhotso Sotyu, MP Deputy Minister of Tourism |
| 11:05 – 11:20 | Closing Remarks - Barolong Boo Seleka Royal House |
| 11:20 – 11:30 | Media Interviews, Networking and Refreshments - Deputy Minister, MECs, Executive Mayor, Traditional Leaders |