South African Tourism Thanks Travel Industry with Ubuntu Awards

David Cogswell
by David Cogswell
Last updated: 9:00 PM ET, Tue April 14, 2015

PHOTO: Downtown Johannesburg. (Courtesy of South African Tourism)

South African Tourism held its Ubuntu Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Museum of Natural History in New York. The Ubuntu Awards recognize the top contributors to the tourism industry in South Africa.

The name of the awards is based on the Zulu word "Ubuntu," which translates to "I am because you are." The awards are given in gratitude to those who have helped South Africa build its tourism industry.

In attendance was Derek Hanekom, South Africa's new minister of tourism, Mninwa Mahlangu - Ambassador of South Africa to the United States and Thulani Nzima, CEO of South African Tourism. All gave short speeches to the attendees.

Trevor Noah, the South African comedian designated to follow Jon Stewart as host of the Daily Show, gave a short, funny talk to the audience.

The award recipients were as follows:

Top Producer to South Africa - Grand Circle Travel

Top Producing Online Tour Operator - Expedia

Top Producing Airline to South Africa - South African Airways

Best Value for Money Packages - Grand Circle Travel

Outstanding Achievement in Strategic Partnerships - Indus Travel

Outstanding Achievement in Creative Partnerships - Heritage Tours

Outstanding Achievement in a Group Travel Program - SmarTours

Outstanding Achievement in Incentive Programs - Madison Performance Group

Outstanding Achievement in International Programs - African Mining Indaba

Goodwill Ambassador - Trevor Noah


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