Maropeng impresses at West Rand Tourism Awards

February 20, 2012 – Bianca Bothma

It was a night of cowboys and wild fun at the West Rand Tourism Awards, held at the Maropeng Visitor Centre on Friday February 17.

Besides hosting the event, Maropeng took home the award for best four-star hotel in the accommodation category, while the award for best site guide was given to Sterkfontein Caves supervisor and tourist guide Reuben Tsime.

Maropeng Hotel Manager Khathu Negondeni is naturally elated by the accommodation award: “My staff couldn’t sleep last night after hearing about this award. We are so excited because we know that there is a lot of competition in the accommodation industry in the Cradle of Humankind.”

Tsime feels it is hard work that led to him winning this award.

“I’m really happy,” he says. “If I look back to where I was two years ago and to where I am now, I can’t believe it. It’s also thanks to the management team and support of my colleagues that I’ve managed to reach this achievement.”

Chief Director of Destination Management at the Cradle of Humankind Management Authority and Gauteng Tourism Authority Matthew Sathekge says the evening’s Wild West theme reflects the tourism industry in the region. “The West Rand of Gauteng is indeed wild in its own way – both in respect of the excellence of small game reserves and the wild adventures available, including zip lining, quad biking and bungee jumping, among others.”

According to Sathekge, the awards contribute to growing the local tourism industry and economies: “Tourism holds a critical position in our economies, creating much-needed jobs for economic growth and investment from businesses.”

Pantsula group Red Danger were awarded the best dance group in the performance category. Says the group’s Sicelo Xaba, “Our work in the tourism industry is recognised through these awards, so we are very grateful.”

All the West Rand’s top tourism business owners, tour operators and tourist guides were at the event at Maropeng.

The ceremony was also an opportunity for tourism players to network.

Paul Mange of the Merafong Local Tourism Association – which, along with the Kagiso Local Tourism Association, jointly received the award for most-improved local tourism association – says the awards evening is important for making crucial contacts: “Many of the small tourism businesses don’t get the opportunity to meet other stakeholders who they can link up with. This kind of event gives them the perfect opportunity to do this.”

Maropeng’s great conference facilities and beautiful location meant it was the ideal location for the evening. Sathekge says that holding the awards in the Cradle of Humankind also sits well with the tourism industry. “Tourism is a counterpoint to palaeoanthropology; it shows survival of the fittest – a good tourism provider thrives when the going gets tough,” he says.

And the awards show that the West Rand is a competitive region where tourism services are top quality. “Tonight’s awards demonstrate uncompromised excellence,” says Sathekge.

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