Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
South African Tourism Call Centre E-Tools Facebook Twitter
Tourism Minister welcomes pilgrims
Tourism Minister welcomes pilgrims
Minister of Tourism Tokozile Xasa welcomes worshippers who will be travelling to South Africa from the SADC region to participate in various religious activities over the Easter weekend.

Religious worshippers travel in their millions from all around Southern Africa to places like Moria in Limpopo and Ndwedwe in KwaZulu-Natal for religious gatherings during this period.

“We welcome all visitors to our country over this holiday period,” said Minister Xasa. “We are particularly mindful that this is a very important period for many religious denominations, and we wish them all a safe and pleasant stay in our country.”

“As the worshippers conduct their prayers and cultural rituals, we hope that they will find some time to enjoy the warm hospitality that our country offers, and that they will visit some of our many iconic attractions, like our cultural and historical sites, during their travels.”

Minister Xasa said South Africans should also make the best of the holidays and enjoy the beauty of their country.

“I want to encourage those who are not taking part in religious activities to also explore the local sites and attractions in their regions. There are many interesting places in every part of our country, and we should all make the best of them.

“If you live in Soweto, for example, go to the Hector Petersen Memorial, visit Vilakazi Street and Freedom Square at Kliptown, and take others there, especially people from out of town. Experience for yourself how our democracy was born and shaped, and tell others about your visit so that they will also be encouraged to visit these important places.

“If you are in KwaZulu-Natal on holiday, go to the beach for the day, but don’t stop there. Visit the many maritime and coastal attractions near the beach, and the many heritage sites in the province. Everybody in our country knows about Nelson Mandela, but how many of us have actually been to the historic site near Howick where he was arrested?”

Minister Xasa said she acknowledged that affordability was a big factor which limits the ability of many South Africans to take holidays.

“We should aim to take more short breaks and travel to local sites in our own regions,” she said. “We must remember that tourism is educational, it improves our knowledge and it rejuvenates the mind and the body. We should make use of every opportunity within our means to travel around our country, enjoy our magnificent natural and cultural heritage, and meet our diverse people.”

For further enquiries, please contact Advocate Mahlodi Muofhe on 082 972 0141.