With Black History Month and Women’s History Month right around the corner, it’s time to highlight and recognize South African women working hard to make the travel industry better.

Ntsiki Biyela

Ntsiki Biyela is the first Black woman winemaker in South Africa. Named after her grandmother, Alsina Wines offers a range of premium wines for every wine drinker. Biyela strives to build a legacy for the future generation and help support young winemakers.

Abigail Mbalo

Abigail Mbalo, a South African chef, restaurateur and former MasterChef South Africa contestant, created 4Roomed eKasi Culture, a culinary experience highlighting the country’s unique cuisine and socio-economic challenges. 4Roomed serves guests a five-course tasting menu at a communal table.

Jo Buitendach

This remarkable woman created Past Experiences, a company specializing in walking tours in Johannesburg. For each tour, Buitendach gives her guests an inside look at daily life in Johannesburg. She also highlights the city’s beauty, art and culture.

Masego Motsogi

Created by Masego Motsogi, JMT Tours focuses on Cultural (Soweto tours) and City Tours to share authentic South African stories. The tour also features the history of the nation up to present day. Motsogi’s parents originally started the company to ensure stories were passed down to future generations. Today, Masego and her siblings keep that hope and heritage alive.

Zoliswa Samantha Mtinini Tuswa

Zoliswa Samantha Mtinini Tuswa created her company Kwanda Voluntourism to give guests an experience that intertwines voluntourism, culture and heritage. This experience gives guests a traditional Xhosa Experience. Travelers will be able to enjoy learning about the day-to-day life in the village and get an inside look at the village’s rituals and traditions.