SONA 2024 | Comment on behalf of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa

FEDHASA expresses deep disappointment that tourism was not mentioned once during the 2024 State of the Nation Address. This oversight of tourism’s immense potential for job creation and economic growth is baffling. 

The President spoke fervently about business needing to create more jobs. Yet his administration continues implementing obstacles that actively hinder the tourism and hospitality industry’s ability to meet this goal.  

The solution remains simple: the tourism industry is the fastest route to tackling unemployment and creating jobs, equipping the very individuals noted in the SONA address with skills and livelihoods. 

 The President’s speech was a missed opportunity to recognise tourism’s immense capacity for job creation and economic growth.  With the right policies, tourism can play a leading role in growing employment and prosperity for all South Africans.