Tourism: the key to job creation

Alan Winde, a Western Cape premier, emphasises that tourism has been having a positive impact when it comes to creating jobs and to "ensuring the safety, dignity and wellbeing of residents" in the Western Cape province. 

Winde says, "Over the years, the Western Cape Government has worked hard to create an enabling environment for job creation. A large part of our focus has been on growing and supporting our tourism and hospitality sectors, because of their potential for job creation — especially in the more rural parts of our province."


Realising all that the Cape truly has to offer

Wesgro CEO Tim Harris speaks to The Big Issue about how South African can replace the thrills and joy of travelling abroad with a holiday in the Cape, without the fear of missing out. According to Harris, we have it all right here in the Western Cape.

"When you touch down and begin to discover the Western Cape's many cultures and unique experiences, you soon realise that this truly is a world within one province," says Harris. "Tourism is at the very heart of what keeps the economy of the Cape alive." 

Introducing Langa to the world

Issue #291 throws the spotlight on Ntlalo Jordan, who is the owner of Jordan Ways of Cooking in Langa. Through his business, Jordan 'gives locals a taste of the world' through fine dining.

The Johannesburg-born chef tells the magazine that his passion is for fine cuisine. Jordan has worked as a sous-chef at some of the world’s most glamorous hotels and started his career in Langa, which is near the Cape Town CBD. 

"Cooking has since become a staple for the Langa community and my pride and joy," says Jordan. "The journey has had its challenges and I continue to soldier on because I believe in the vision of seeing my restaurant elevate my township's economy."

"The drive I have for building my restaurant is because I want to share my love for fine dining with people in my own community," adds Jordan. 

The time to bounce back is now

James Vos, the City of Cape Town's mayoral committee member for economic opportunities, tells the magazine why he believes that tourism in Cape Town will thrive again.

"Ask most people which city in the world they think is likely to be the top of everyone’s list for travel and they’re bound to respond with London or New York. But the fact is that these cities are no longer quite as sought-after, especially now. In fact, that accolade falls a lot closer to home," says Vos. 

"Each year, hundreds of thousands of local and international visitors flocked to our city to spend time and money, thereby supporting thousands of jobs," adds Vos. 


Issue #291 is on sale from vendors in Cape Town from Wednesday, 25 November to Tuesday, 19 January 2021. Anyone outside Cape Town can buy the magazine here.

You can also buy The Big Issue for smartphones here.

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