05 May 2025 | Story: Thabisang Thebeeapelo | Photo: Sifiso Nomzaza.
4 minutes read time.
As part of its ongoing community engagement efforts, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Tourism Management programme hosted an event on 28 March 2025 focused on accessible tourism. The session, titled “Accessible Tourism Education and Awareness”, was held at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall and organised in collaboration with VUT’s disability unit, the African Network for Accessible Tourism and Hospitality Sector (ANATHS), Pro Access, Mmatli Centre for the Blind, Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Emfuleni Local Municipality, and the Gauteng Department of Environment
“This event was essential, especially in preparing our tourism management students for industry demands,” said Mr Tshenolo Montsiemang, Lecturer in Tourism and Integrated Communication (TIC). “Graduates need practical knowledge of accessibility requirements, as many industry partners now seek candidates with relevant skills in inclusive design and service.”
Opening the event, Mr Vutshilo Mukundamago, Tourism Coordinator at VUT, quoted Christal Asibe: “Accessibility involves proper understanding of diverse needs, and the ability to create environments that respond to them inclusively.” This set the tone for the day.
Professor Lazarus Maleho, Executive Dean of Human Sciences at VUT, shared a message of support, highlighting the critical role of inclusive education and awareness across all sectors, including tourism.
Delivering the keynote address was Professor Veronica Labuschagne, Acting Head of Department for TIC. Her address focused on the need to move beyond legal compliance and embrace a deeper commitment to diversity. She emphasised that accessible tourism is not just about meeting minimum standards but about creating welcoming, accommodating environments for all.
A key highlight of the event was the engaging panel discussion led by Mr Montsiemang, who introduced a dynamic group of panellists. These included both VUT academics and external specialists offering diverse perspectives on accessible tourism.
Dr Tawanda Makuyana, a researcher with ANATHS, provided a continental overview, noting that while Europe leads in accessible tourism innovation, Africa still faces challenges. He called for greater awareness, training, and investment to ensure that people with disabilities can fully benefit from tourism across the continent.
Professor Dewald Venter, from the Tourism Management department, stressed the importance of adopting automated wheelchair systems at airports and highlighted assistive technologies such as smart glasses. He also encouraged students to learn sign language as a valuable skill that could enhance employability in the sector.
Dr Peter Chihwai, an independent researcher, raised concerns about the physical design of many tourism facilities, pointing out that most still fail to adequately cater for people with disabilities. This, he argued, continues to be a major barrier to inclusion.
Ms Noluthando Sicholo, a representative from Pro Access and an advocate for people with disabilities, addressed transport accessibility and shared how hotel staff should be trained to ask guests with disabilities what assistance they may need. “For example, when a blind person checks into a hotel, staff should orient them to their surroundings,” she said. Ms Sicholo passionately concluded, “Nothing for us without us,” underscoring the need to involve people with disabilities in all conversations that impact them.
Mr David Sefudi from Mmatli Centre for the Blind echoed her sentiments, reinforcing that many facilities still lack basic accessibility features. His comments drew attention to the urgency of sustained action.
Mr David Mota, a visually impaired traveller, shared a personal experience of almost entering the wrong restroom due to unclear signage. Expressing his frustration, he remarked, “It is unfair that a hotel can have a five-star rating when it is not accessible to everyone. A ramp alone does not make a place accessible.” His remarks highlighted the difference between superficial compliance and genuine accessibility.
Closing the session, Mr Mavhungu Malima from Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, representing the Gauteng Department of Environment, shared his organisation’s efforts to accommodate the visually impaired. He brought along educational materials, including stuffed animals made from real animal skin, to create a tactile learning experience for guests such as Ms Sicholo, Mr Sefudi and Mr Mota. This initiative not only educated the audience but also demonstrated how sensory-focused experiences can contribute meaningfully to accessible tourism.
