Tourism is a jewel in SA's crown, says luxury bush lodges developer

William Stephens has had what many people would consider a dream career: developing luxury bush lodges and accommodation in the most beautiful wild areas of southern Africa. So, he knows better than most what memorable experiences we have to offer tourists, both local and from overseas. “South Africa’s tourism industry is what offers our economy hope. It creates employment, it transfers skills, and it is sustainable.” And, it’s real, it’s not just PR hype for the socially sensitive foreigners.

“South Africa’s tourism industry is what offers our economy hope. It creates employment, it transfers skills, and it is sustainable.”Stephens recalls a “gate guard” at one of the properties he was involved in developing who, despite difficult personal circumstances, rose to become a general manager.Covid pandemic hit the tourism sector hard

Because the company had some reserves and because people accepted the belt-tightening on wages and costs, it lost very few staff during the crisis, which meant they could continue to support their families. Interestingly, the area – one of the last unspoilt seascapes in the country – was once used as a rocket and aircraft testing range byand the then National Party government used to have private gatherings there, well away from prying eyes.

But it was when he got his private pilot’s licence – and started flying clients and staff around the country to lodges – that he realised the advantage of being able to more easily facilitate concluding sales with clients having limited time availability … flying in and out by air and not wasting days travelling to and from a reserve, and not just a weekend game lodge commuter.

Madikwe, although it went through some rocky periods, is today a shining example of private-public partnerships which bring benefits to the surrounding communities.

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