POLOKWANE – SOUTH Africa’s top emerging tourism entrepreneur put Polokwane and Limpopo in the tourism spotlight.
The winner of South African Tourism’s Lilizela Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Eteya) in 2014, Mmabogoshi Msiza, owner of the Limpopo Guest Manor in Polokwane, walked away with R100 000 in prize money in October last year.
On Monday, the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) and department of economic development, tourism and environment (Ledet) hosted a congratulatory ceremony at the Limpopo Guest Manor.
Msiza, who also won the inaugural MEC’s choice award during the provincial leg of the Lilizela awards last year, said she was elated when she won the award. She thanked the Guest Manor’s personnel for their dedication and hard work.
“This award is a reflection of excellence, it is an honour to be a winner, because we are competing with the best. This really proves that we are doing a good job,” she said.
“We treat all our guests with dignity and respect and offer them the best service. That is why we built up a great reputation.”
Msiza said she had been in the tourism business for nine years and learned a lot from other, more experienced, tourism product owners.
She encouraged residents to venture into business and to create job opportunities and develop Limpopo’s economy.
Ledet MEC Seaparo Sekoati spoke at the ceremony and thanked Msiza for the wonderful work she did in promoting Limpopo as a tourism destination.
Mashilo Matsetela, chairperson of the LTA board said people should be motivated and encouraged to take pride in their work when they look at success stories like that of the Limpopo Guest Manor.
“Good things come to those who work hard and show patience,” he said.
