​Qaqambile Mdledle
South Africa joined the globe in celebrating World Tourism Day on Sunday, 28 September 2020 with festivities at Maropeng's Cradle of Humankind in the western corridor of the Gauteng Province.
World Tourism Day is a United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) initiative observed annually on 27 September to highlight the sector's contribution to the socio–economic development of nations, and the advancement of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Tourism Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said tourism in South Africa was the case in the global economy had been thrown into crisis by the COVID19 pandemic, putting thousands of businesses and jobs at risk. 
 "As we navigate a path to recovery, and gradually re-open our borders to safely welcome international visitors, we urge South Africans to travel and explore their country responsibly," said Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.
The priority for the sector is to resume operations as early as it is safe to do so, but re-opening will just be the start of a difficult recovery. The situation requires an urgent response, but also a recognition of the constraints that hamper South Africa's tourism development, she said.
Themed 'Rural Development and Tourism,' the celebrations highlighted the significant role the domestic tourism market will play in reigniting the sector, especially in spearheading tourism in lesser-visited rural communities in all nine provinces.
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane encouraged South Africans to explore their country, embrace their heritage and help re-build local economies to usher in the benefits they envisioned when they were fighting for democracy.
The Cradle of Humankind hosted a day-long global event that featured internationally acclaimed and award-winning DJ Black Coffee, who entertained global fans with a unique two-hour set from the Sterkfontein Caves that was broadcast live on DSTV Channel O. 
The electrifying Busiswa and Master KG concluded the celebrations in style inspiring attendees to hit the dance floor in response to President Cyril Ramphasa's call to join the #JerusalemaDanceChallenge.