By Thapelo Tlailana, Social Investment Analyst, Tshikululu Social Investments Fund Management Tourism Month 2026 South African tourism is often viewed through an international lens: a foreign visitor on a game drive in Kruger National Park, or a wine-tasting itinerary through Stellenbosch. However, the strongest engine of the tourism economy is not the overseas visitor. It is the South African who travels domestically, often sustaining businesses in townships, villages and rural economies that are largely invisible from the mainstream tourism economy. Redefining the Tourist International arrivals make headlines, and 2025 was a record year. South Africa welcomed 10.5 million international tourists, up 17.7% on 2024 and 2.6% above the 2019 pre-pandemic level. Measured by trip volume and total spend, however, domestic travel is larger by a wide margin. The Department of Tourism's 2026/27 Budget Vote showed that South Africans undertook 44.7 million overnight trips in 2025, generating R111.6 billion in tourism revenue. Over half of those trips, some 24.1 million, were to visit friends and relatives, travel on which most people use no paid accommodation at all. Include Statistics South Africa's Tourism Satellite Account and the gap grows: domestic tourism expenditure reached R665.3 billion in 2024, a figure that includes business travel and transport, against R113.9 billion from international visitors. The macroeconomic footprint is immense. Statistics South Africa’s Tourism Satellite Account shows that in 2024, Tourism Direct GDP reached 4.9% of national GDP, up from 3.7% in 2019 and ahead of construction, agriculture and utilities. In the same year, the sector supported 953 981 direct jobs — 5.7% of the labour force, or one in every 18 working South Africans. Research shows that visiting friends and relatives is the largest single driver of domestic tourism in South Africa, rooted deeply in historical migration patterns. This travel is remarkably resilient: …
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – Awareness about SA’s most common male cancer remains dangerously low
Key messages: September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the Hollard Daredevil Run marks the occasion with a renewed call to action for South African men to prioritise their health and get screened.? Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting South African men, yet remain significantly underdiagnosed due to a persistent culture of avoidance and a lack of awareness around symptoms and screening options.? Early detection is the single most effective tool in improving survival outcomes for both prostate and testicular cancer. The Hollard Daredevil Run exists to ensure that every South African man understands this and has access to the information needed to act on it.? Funds raised through the Daredevil Run support the work of CANSA and the PCF, organisations that provide screening, education and patient support to men and communities across the country.? AWARENESS ABOUT SA’S MOST COMMON MALE CANCER REMAINS DANGEROUSLY LOW September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage early detection about a disease that affects millions of men globally. Despite the growing incidence, awareness about prostate cancer remains worryingly low in South Africa. A 2023 study among Black men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the Free State found that fewer than one in four had even heard of prostate cancer before their diagnosis¹. Another study in the same year among men in Limpopo found that almost two-thirds had inadequate awareness about prostate cancer, while more than 80% had no knowledge about screening methods2. This is particularly concerning given the risk South African men face. One in four black men and one in eight white men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime3. Black African men face a 60% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than white men, and are 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease 4. According to Andrew Oberholzer, the CEO of the Prostate …
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Weelee’s Payment Holiday and Step Payment Options Help South African Buyers Navigate 2026 Car Affordability Challenges
Flexible finance options give qualified purchasers up to 90 days’ breathing room on repayments or lower initial instalments, making pre-owned car ownership more accessible amid rising living costs Weelee, South Africa’s trusted pre-owned car marketplace, is addressing affordability challenges with flexible finance options through its trusted partner MFC (a division of Nedbank). These include a payment holiday that gives qualified buyers time to start car ownership without an immediate repayment, as well as the popular Step Payment option that lowers initial monthly instalments. A payment holiday is a deferred instalment option available on car finance through MFC. Qualified buyers can take delivery of their vehicle immediately, with the first monthly instalments postponed for up to 90 days, depending on their credit profile. Good-scoring clients may qualify for the full 90 days, while standard approvals typically allow up to 60 days. This gives purchasers time to get their finances in order, cover essentials like insurance, registration and fuel, or simply adjust to the new monthly commitment. “South Africans are increasingly looking for smarter, more flexible ways to manage major purchases like vehicles,” said Errol Levin, CEO of Weelee. “Our payment holiday is designed to reduce that initial financial strain, helping buyers ease into ownership responsibly while still getting behind the wheel of their next car without delay. It’s about giving people control and confidence in a tough economic environment.” Step Payment Option: Lower Initial Instalments for Extra Breathing Room Alongside the 90-day payment holiday, MFC also offers the Step Payment option. It was designed to make initial monthly payments lower, giving buyers extra breathing room in the first few years of their finance agreement. This is a popular choice for clients at the moment and provides another flexible way to manage car ownership costs. How Step Payments work: Year 1: You start …
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Eskort Puts South African Braai Culture on Four Wheels With the Braai-Lux
Eskort, Checkers and Toyota unite to give away a Braai-Lux, with Springbok icon Bongi Mbonambi as the face of the campaign. Key points Eskort has partnered with Checkers and Toyota to launch the Braai-Lux campaign, celebrating South African braai culture with what may be the most South African prize ever conceived. The prize is a fully customised New Generation 2026 Double Cab Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4x4, kitted out with everything you need for the perfect braai. The winner will also enjoy an exclusive braai experience with two-time Rugby World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi, the campaign’s official ambassador. Entering is simple: buy any Eskort product at Checkers or on Checkers Sixty60 and swipe your Xtra Savings card for a chance to win. The competition runs until 22 November 2026. Three legendary brands. One legendary bakkie. And a lifetime of legendary braais. Eskort has partnered with Checkers and Toyota to launch their latest Braai-Lux campaign, which celebrates South African braai culture. Eskort knows that the best way to bring people together is through good food, and in true South African style, over a braai. This belief is what kickstarted the campaign and is rooted in one simple truth: South Africans love to braai, so much so that they will braai anywhere. In the backyard, at the campsite, at the rugby, you name it. Because nothing brings South Africans together quite like a legendary braai. And now, Eskort has taken braai culture to another level, building one of the most uniquely South African prizes ever created. Introducing the BRAAI-LUX — a fully customised New Generation Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4x4 Raider 6AT Double Cab, proudly sponsored by Toyota and fully kitted out by Eskort with everything you need for the ultimate braai, including a fridge, a gas braai and all the essential tools to get the fire going, wherever you are. But this isn’t just a showpiece. Eskort is giving the Braai-Lux away to one lucky customer who purchases …
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Women’s Health Matters Conference 2026 Puts Women’s Health at the Centre of South Africa’s Healthcare and Workplace Agenda
The inaugural Women’s Health Matters Conference 2026, sponsored by Discovery Health, will take place on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at GIBS Business School in Johannesburg. Supported by Spar Group, the event will bring together leaders from healthcare, business, academia and civil society to tackle some of the most pressing health issues facing women in South Africa today. Across a full-day programme, delegates will explore women’s health at every stage of life, from reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth to menopause, cancer prevention and mental wellbeing. Discussions will also shine a spotlight on critically important issues that continue to receive insufficient attention, including period poverty, endometriosis and the health impact of gender-based violence. Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Chief Clinical Officer at Discovery Health and headline sponsor of the conference, will open the programme with an address on Women’s Health Through the Life Course. Her presentation will highlight the importance of data-driven insights, prevention, early intervention and equitable access to care in improving health outcomes for women across their lifespan. “Supporting women’s health requires a life-course approach. Improved outcomes are achieved through a strong focus on health promotion, disease prevention, early intervention, and timely access to appropriate care. It also demands a coordinated response from healthcare systems, employers, and communities that reflects the changing needs and challenges women experience throughout their lives. Discovery is proud to support a platform that unites these stakeholders around meaningful, action-oriented solutions,” says Dr Nematswerani. The conference programme will move beyond awareness and explore the practical actions required to transform healthcare systems, workplaces, communities, and public policy in support of women’s health. Key conference discussions will include: Women’s Health Across the Life Course Exploring …
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Mid-Year 2026: Strong Stock Levels and Rate Certainty Shape South Africa’s Pre-Owned Market
South Africa’s pre-owned vehicle market continues to offer strong availability of late-model vehicles, driven by healthy stock levels and sustained demand. With the prime lending rate held steady at 10.50% following the South African Reserve Bank’s decision in July 2026, buyers now have greater certainty on financing costs. Informed purchasers who work with transparent sellers and specialist finance partners remain well positioned. Weelee, South Africa’s most trusted pre-owned car marketplace, shares key mid-year insights based on its platform data and broader market trends. Strong new-vehicle sales in 2025, including a notable increase in new Chinese models entering the market, have resulted in a solid supply of quality near-new trade-ins entering the pre-owned market. This increased stock, combined with ongoing buyer interest, has supported healthy availability across many popular segments. At the same time, the higher prime rate has raised monthly repayment costs for financed purchases, making smart financing choices more important than ever. “Mid-2026 continues to offer strong choice and healthy stock levels,” said Errol Levin, CEO of Weelee. “More vehicles on the ground give customers a wider range of options. The prime rate increase in May 2026 has raised monthly costs, but that is exactly why we have strengthened the support we offer through our in-house Finance & Insurance specialists and carefully selected lender partners. Buyers who do their homework and choose the right structure with Weelee are still driving away with excellent value.” Key mid-year market observations: Increased stock and choice: Trade-ins from the record 2025 new-car year, boosted by the rising volume of new Chinese vehicles entering the market, continue to support a healthy supply of late-model vehicles. Rate environment: The prime lending rate sits at 10.50%. Higher borrowing costs make predictable monthly payments and flexible structures more valuable. …
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Rand Airport Airshow 2026 Returns After Three-Year Break
The Rand Airport Airshow 2026 returns to Rand Airport, Germiston, on Sunday, 30 August 2026, marking the first Rand Airport Airshow since 2023. After a three-year break, the much-anticipated airshow returns with a thrilling day of aviation, entertainment and family fun. Gates open at 08:00, with the flying display and airshow programme running from 10:00 to 15:30. Visitors can look forward to a spectacular programme of aerial displays featuring some of South Africa's most exciting aircraft and display pilots. Aircraft displays will include the Rand Airport-based Puma Flying Lions, Harvards, Master Power Extra 330s, the classic Beech 18 and many more. The flying programme will showcase a mix of aerobatics, historic aircraft and high-energy aerial performances. Tickets for the Rand Airport Airshow 2026 are available online through Quicket and will also be available for purchase at the gate on the day of the airshow. A variety of food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the day while a dedicated beer tent will provide visitors with a relaxed area to enjoy refreshments and soak up the atmosphere. The return of the event is expected to attract aviation enthusiasts and families from across Gauteng and beyond, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the excitement of aviation up close while celebrating South Africa's rich flying heritage. Static aircraft displays will be on show throughout the event with flight schools also present to showcase their training programmes and opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in aviation. “We’re proud to be the headline sponsor of this year’s Rand Airport Airshow, an event that brings people together to celebrate the excitement and possibility of aviation,” says Paul Kruger, General Manager of Essential Fuels. “For us, supporting the airshow is about more than just aircraft and displays. It’s about opening young eyes to a world of opportunity, sparking curiosity about the industry and …
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The Cape 1000 Roars Back: South Africa’s Most Beautiful Drive Returns in March 2027
The sixth edition of The Cape 1000, South Africa’s most breathtaking and thrilling grand touring regularity rally, proudly brought to you by Private Clients by Old Mutual, is set to return from 20 to 25 March 2027. Building on the success of its first five editions, the event continues to evolve while staying true to the spirit that has made it one of the country’s premier automotive and lifestyle experiences. Every year the routes are refined to showcase different facets of the picturesque Western Cape. For the first time, The Cape 1000 will start on a Saturday. The annual Show & Shine will take place at the start of the event, after which the route will take in the celebrated roads and hospitality destinations of Franschhoek and the Overberg before culminating with the traditional Podium Finish at the V&A Waterfront. “The Cape 1000 has grown from strength to strength since its launch in 2022,” says Event Director Vanessa Crichton. “After five outstanding editions that have delivered extraordinary cars, unforgettable scenery and deep camaraderie, we are excited to elevate the experience further in 2027. The new Saturday start will open the event even more to the public, while the core remains what our participants love most – exceptional vehicles on South Africa’s most beautiful roads, world-class hospitality and friendships that last a lifetime. The engines are already warming.” “Private Clients by Old Mutual is proud to continue our partnership with The Cape 1000,” says Jean Minnaar, Managing Director of Private Clients by Old Mutual. “This event embodies the spirit of excellence, passion and shared experiences that we value. Supporting another outstanding edition allows us to celebrate South Africa’s extraordinary scenery, exceptional cars and the remarkable community that comes together each year.” The exclusive entry field is capped at approximately 70 cars (140 participants). This regularity rally, inspired by legendary endurance events from …
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Africa & African Diaspora Conference – 26–30 October 2026, Johannesburg
At a moment of global backlash, Johannesburg hosts historic summit on Africa Africa & African Diaspora Conference aims to continue in its goal to develop further strategies to bring Africans and people of African descent together to find ways to reverse the historic impact of enslavement, imperialism and colonialism. KEY POINTS The 2nd Africa & African Diaspora (AAD) Conference (26–30 October 2026) arrives at a critical juncture: recent breakthroughs on reparations and racial justice have triggered a massive backlash from right-wing, imperialist and colonial forces determined to reverse progress. In March 2026, the UN declared the trafficking and enslavement of Africans a crime against humanity. This recognition has sparked an upsurge of extreme right-wing politics globally, intent on reinstating Europe and the US as imperial powers against people of the Global South. The conference mobilises the continent and diaspora to defend gains made and to advance unified strategies that right-wing movements cannot divide or dismantle. Recent developments – the UN resolution, the May 2025 Berlin Conference, awakening faith communities and growing reparatory justice momentum – create historic opportunity. The backlash makes a collective African and diaspora response urgent. The AAD Conference demonstrates that despite the backlash, Africans and people of African descent are deepening their commitment to reparative justice, Pan-African unity, and continental power. South Africa is privileged to host the 2nd Africa & African Diaspora (AAD) Conference on 26–30 October 2026 at a moment when the global momentum toward reparative justice and racial accountability faces an unprecedented backlash from right-wing, imperialist and colonial forces. The purpose of the Conference is, firstly, to reflect together on the progress that has been made to radically change the conditions of life of all those who were enslaved and colonised over many …
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Gender-Based Violence Prevention Demands a Collective Investment
South Africa has built one of the continent's strongest GBV response systems. The next step needs to be prevention, with business firmly and deliberately taking a defining role, says Virginia Francis, GBV Lead at Tshikululu Social Investments Statistics from the Human Sciences Research Council show the extent of South Africa’s gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) crisis. One in three South African women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. One in four have experienced emotional abuse and more than half have experienced controlling behaviour. Over the past decade, South Africa has intensified its policy and societal response to GBVF through initiatives and programmes that have undoubtedly saved countless lives. These include the tireless work of civil society, the establishment of the first dedicated rape management centres called Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) and more recently, the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. The first Thuthuzela Care Centres were developed over two decades ago, following research into the experiences of sexual assault survivors and the challenges they faced when navigating the healthcare and criminal justice systems. This model was designed as a one-stop centre, bringing together health services, police, social development and justice services so survivors could access coordinated support rather than having to navigate these systems separately. The centres were established through partnerships involving government and external funders and are highlighted as a strong example of multi-sector collaboration, including joint public–private and donor investments in addressing GBV. This collaboration is essential and effective, but the question remains: If we have improved our criminal justice response, why are we still seeing such high levels of violence? A key reason is that we have invested significantly in reactive systems and far less in preventing violence from happening in the first place. The progress …