Hotel 247 expands in Mpumalanga after R3.5m in funding

Source: Department of Tourism

The launch was attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism Makhotso Sotyu, Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale, Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Jesta Sidell, NEF chief executive officer Mziwabantu Dayimani and Hotel 247 owner Khosi Mthalane.

Acquired by Mthalane in 2021, Hotel 247 is a 100% Black woman-owned, three-star establishment in White River, offering 52 rooms, restaurant and bar facilities, and conferencing services.

The investment has enabled the modernisation of the restaurant, including upgraded furniture and equipment, with seating capacity increasing from 140 to 200 patrons. Alternative-energy infrastructure has also been introduced to strengthen the hotel’s operational resilience.

The project has benefited from a R1.65m grant through the Tourism Transformation Fund, a R1.65m NEF senior loan and R242,600 in alternative-energy funding. The establishment currently employs 30 people, while the investment has created five additional permanent jobs and supported 15 temporary jobs during the renovation phase.

Tourism transformation

Minister Sotyu said: “Tourism transformation becomes meaningful when Black entrepreneurs are able to own productive assets, improve their businesses and compete in the market. Hotel 247 demonstrates the value of combining financial support with entrepreneurial ambition.

"We want to see more women participating in tourism not only as employees, but as owners of sustainable enterprises that create employment and contribute to their communities.”

The refurbishment was supported through the Tourism Transformation Fund, a partnership between the Department of Tourism and the NEF aimed at expanding meaningful Black ownership and participation in the tourism sector.

Dayimani said the occasion demonstrated the importance of measuring development finance by the opportunities it creates. “The true measure of investment is not simply how much funding we approve, but what that funding enables.

"At Hotel 247, we see an entrepreneur strengthening her business, expanding capacity and improving the guest experience. Our ambition is for that growth to extend beyond this property, creating opportunities for suppliers, tourism operators and other businesses in the surrounding economy.”

Tourism value chain

The launch also provided a platform for four NEF-supported enterprises to exhibit their products and services: Maduka Resources, Times Ten Workwear, Mbombela Experience and Sibusiso Mogale Production.

The exhibitors represent engineering, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture, illustrating opportunities for commercial relationships across different sectors. Mbombela Experience is also a Tourism Transformation Fund beneficiary, offering tours and transfers connecting visitors to Mpumalanga’s attractions.

Sidell said: “Mpumalanga’s natural attractions give us a strong tourism offering, but sustained growth also depends on the quality and competitiveness of our enterprises.

"Investments such as this one strengthen our destination while creating opportunities for businesses operating across the tourism value chain. We want visitors to stay longer, experience more of our province and contribute to local economic activity.”

Tourism and safety

The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating conditions for tourism enterprises to succeed, including the safety of visitors, employees and surrounding communities.

Mathale said: “A successful tourism economy depends on visitors feeling safe and communities benefiting from the opportunities tourism creates. Safety is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation between law enforcement, government, businesses and communities.

"We must continue working together to protect visitors, support tourism establishments and build confidence in our destinations.”

Building the business

For Mthalane, the restaurant launch represents another step in her efforts to strengthen the establishment’s position in the hospitality market.

She said: “When I acquired Hotel 247, I saw an opportunity to build a business that could grow and compete while creating opportunities for others.

"This refurbishment allows us to offer our guests an improved dining experience and serve more customers. I am grateful to the Department of Tourism and the NEF for supporting our growth journey. Our focus now is to make this investment work by delivering excellent service and building a stronger, sustainable business.”