Tourism innovator takes advantage of government support

30 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY

With no prospects of employment on the horizon, Mandla Magwaza decided to exploit other opportunities at his disposal and fend for himself.

The 31-year-old from Katlehong, in Gauteng, is the name behind The Arts Revolution Project, a grassroots tech-tourism innovation. It is a digital marketing platform to promote destinations and attractions using the latest immersive 360 video experience technology (virtual reality).

As managing director, Magwaza said he first conceptualised this innovation during Covid-19 pandemic.

“I have always been interested in tech-innovations that solve real problems, and I'm also a serial problem solver. Developing a long lasting innovation in the tourism sector taking into account the current socio-economic problems faced in South Africa was the key problem I wanted to solve or at least help alleviate,”  he said.

Overcoming these challenges, he said, would require a collective effort from the private and public sectors.

“Yes, us as the youth are the key to solving these problems with our new ideas and innovations but without working together with those of all ages and backgrounds we won't move forward”

His progress is largely due to him being a beneficiary of the Tourism Technology Grassroots Innovation Incubator Programme (TTGIIP), a collaborative initiative between the Department of Tourism and the Technology Innovation Agency, an agency of the Department of Science and Innovation.

The TTGIIP is a two-year development programme that supports tech-savvy entrepreneurs, between the ages of 18-35, develop technologies to facilitate the introduction of new concepts that will revive, sustain and create jobs in the sector. The programme started in 2022 and will end in 2024.

Since 2022, the start-up has received grant funding and skills development training from the National Youth Development Agency. Magwaza has also received technology business development support from the Small Enterprise Development Agency and the Gauteng Province Economic Development.

“The greatest part of support from the government is that they offer continuous support and training opportunities. Knowledge especially in the tech industry is continuously evolving. The skills and knowledge development that I have continuous access to is invaluable,” he said.

He said he had been nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation since he first started innovating as a teenager.

“Today I am reaping the rewards and passionate about helping others reach their goals as well,” he said.

For more information on Tourism SMME Enquiries, send an email to: SMMEenquiries@tourism.gov.za or call +27 0860 868 747 You can also get in touch with Magwaza on 079 134 2303 for more information on The Arts Revolution Project