It is with great sadness that the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, learns of the passing of one of the industry’s budding entrepreneur, Ms. Nobantu Mbude.
Ms. Mbude was an active player in the tourism industry, who successfully ran one of a few black female owned in-bound tour companies in Cape Town - Sibahle Tours.
She has participated in trade shows such as Africa’s Travel Indaba, the World Travel America (WTM) and the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo (SHTE). As a beneficiary of the Department’s Tourism Incentives Programme (TIP), Ms. Mbude was scheduled to attend the IMEX America trade show in the United States of America when she met her untimely death on 9 September 2019.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of the sector’s promising female entrepreneurs. Mbude’s passion and dedication in sharing our country’s unique attractions with tourists, enabled her to establish a successful and reputable in-bound tour company.
“We join the tourism sector in conveying our sincere condolences to Ms. Mbude’s family, her loved ones and colleagues. May her legacy continue to be a beacon of inspiration to all, especially women-led businesses in the tourism sector,” said Minister Kubayi- Ngubane.
May her soul find eternal peace.
Enquiries:
Ms. Hlengiwe Nhlabathi – Ministry of Tourism
Cell: +27 (0) 64 754 8426
E-mail: hnhlabathi@gmail.com