De Lille has me thinking her dept might make an urgently needed recovery

Yesterday, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, I witnessed Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille officially open this year’s Africa Travel Indaba, which will end tomorrow.

I do not know if it is her mother-like approach, her impressive dancing skills on stage or her constantly reminding us that we live in an unlimited Africa with so much potential that has me thinking her department might just make an urgently needed recovery.

Mothers have a way of being stern but compassionate, decisive but inclusive, all at the same time.

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You probably have stories of how your own mother insists on how she wants the dishwasher to be packed or how she always wants you to put things back where they belong. It is only after you have left home that you truly appreciate your mother’s wisdom.

Mama De Lille probably had to stop herself from wagging her finger as she let us know that she is sick and tired of politicians, CEOs and other stakeholders who keep on promising South Africans and the rest of the continent plan after plan, without implementation.

She confidently looked at travel partners, service providers and other key decision-makers in the eye and told them to stop bickering about problems and to find solutions.

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De Lille lamented that after so long, Africans are still not yet free to travel within their own continent without visas. She scolded those who have ensured that most African countries still do not have efficient e-visa systems that make the process much easier for visitors.

As much as you and I sometimes think they are controlling, let us face it: mothers are always right. My entire childhood, my beloved mother – Rose Mkwanazi – would have these nagging phrases like “it is all in the how” and “slow down, or you will arrive quickly in heaven”.

Till today, my 69-year-old mother still tells me, a 40-year-old man, that my skinny jeans are too tight.

Mommy De Lille will be taking the same approach as she will be using phrases like “stop it!” and “do it now” as she insists South African airlines drop their ridiculously high fares.

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If we all listen to our collective mother, the Green Tourism Incentive Programme will help businesses to reduce the negative effects of climate change by helping them to install renewable energy systems that will ensure uninterrupted visitor experiences for tourists.