Motivation for award: Taonga Business Group operates at the heart of township and rural tourism, offering critical services that many local businesses wouldn’t otherwise have access to. In communities where tourism potential is high but formal support is low, we step in to help entrepreneurs structure, professionalize, and scale their operations. Our work is focused on improving real tourism experiences on the ground: the local shisanyama that becomes a weekend lifestyle hub, the car wash that transforms into a music and dining destination, or the rural eatery that evolves into a sought-after venue for travelers and events. These are the kinds of businesses that define South African tourism for both locals and visitors, but are often left out of mainstream industry development. What makes Taonga Business Group essential is that we don’t just consult, we build experiences. We provide hands-on training, financial planning, menu design, pricing structures, customer service development, branding, marketing, and event planning tailored specifically for informal or semi-formal hospitality spaces. Our team understands the unique challenges in these areas, and we meet business owners where they are, helping them unlock growth without losing their local identity. By strengthening businesses that are already cultural cornerstones in their communities, we are helping to create sustainable tourism destinations in places that are usually overlooked. Our work is not just important. It is necessary for a more inclusive and truly South African tourism industry.