Kruger Lowveld Reflects on SATSA Conference 2026

We were inspired by the powerful theme “Eduze Kwam / Staan My By”. The theme captured a defining message for the tourism industry:  that sustainable growth and resilience are built not in isolation, but through collaboration, shared purpose and a willingness to stand together.

Conversations ranged from destination competitiveness, conservation and market development to artificial intelligence, air access, geographic spread and the importance of stronger collaboration across the tourism value chain.  For the Kruger Lowveld, the conference was particularly significant.  Our   Special Attache for Tourism Development and Transformation, Oupa Pilane (is also the national chairperson for SATSA), opened the conference, setting the tone for an industry that must move beyond merely surviving challenges towards deliberately building a stronger future.  The Panorama Reimagined was placed alongside the Wild Eastern Cape in a discussion on destination reinvention and regional competitiveness—an important opportunity to    showcase the evolving vision for one of Mpumalanga’s most iconic tourism routes.

The message was clear: we have survived, but now we must build. This means strengthening partnerships, champion destination development,     support tourism businesses, improve market access and work collectively to ensure that the benefits of tourism extend throughout our communities.  As the tourism industry looks ahead, the spirit of Eduze Kwam / Staan My By   remains a powerful reminder that our greatest progress will come from     standing close, standing together and building the future of tourism with     confidence, purpose and shared ambition.

Together we can reimagine, strengthen and grow our destination for          generations to come.