Durban University of Technology (DUT) postgraduate student Zinhle Methula was recognised at the World Tourism Day celebration, held at Legend Golf and Safari Resort in Mokopane, Limpopo, on the strength of her award-winning digital tourism innovation.
Methula was among a group of young innovators invited by the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, to present their concepts following their success in the inaugural G20 Tourism Hackathon held in 2025.
The World Tourism Day celebration was held under the theme “Growing South Africa’s Tourism Sector in the Digital Era”, highlighting the role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in transforming tourism through enhanced visitor experiences, smarter destination management, improved operational efficiency and more sustainable and inclusive practices.
Methula and her team, The Catalysts, won first prize in the hackathon for their concept, Hologram Hub. The digital platform aims to empower rural communities to tell their stories, showcase their cultures, preserve their heritage and attract tourists. At the World Tourism Day celebration, the team presented their innovation in line with the event’s theme and received certificates and prize cheques from the Minister.
Methula described the occasion as an incredible experience that recognised the contribution of young people to the future of the tourism industry.
“It showed me that young people have a voice and that our ideas can contribute meaningfully to solving challenges within the sector,” she said.
She explained that their presentation focused on using digital innovation to promote South Africa’s cultural heritage while creating more opportunities for informal tourism businesses and local communities.
“We were inspired by the richness of South Africa’s culture and heritage and the need to ensure that it is represented and experienced in more innovative and engaging ways,” she added.
Methula expressed gratitude to DUT, particularly the Department of Hospitality and Tourism, for the opportunity to represent the University. She also acknowledged receiving an Agent of Change Stewardship Award for her outstanding contribution.
“I am also grateful to my teammates and guiding teacher, who contributed their ideas, skills and commitment throughout the process,” she said.
Looking ahead, Methula hopes to see the team’s ideas advance through partnerships with organisations that share their vision of building a more inclusive, innovative and sustainable tourism industry. She highlighted the potential for collaboration between the tourism and technology sectors to create opportunities for local communities and businesses.
Her achievement reflects the value of student-led innovation in addressing industry challenges and demonstrates how digital solutions can help preserve South Africa’s cultural heritage while opening new possibilities for tourism development.
Pictured: Zinhle Methula and her team, The Catalysts, who won first prize in the hackathon for their concept, Hologram Hub.
Thulasizwe Nkomo
