Youth-led spa opens at Addo Elephant National Park with 36 jobs

A new spa inside Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape has opened with financial backing from two government-linked bodies, according to SAnews. The Epitome Spa & Wellness Centre is meant to bring work to nearby communities and draw more visitors to the park.

Who is behind the spa

The business was started by Lucia Ratshivhadelo, who holds a B.Tech in Pharmaceutical Science. SAnews reported that she converted her university training into a commercial venture in one of the country’s best-known conservation areas. Young black women run and own the centre, with Ratshivhadelo in the leadership role.

In total, the project has produced 36 jobs. Twenty of these were short-term positions during construction, while 16 are permanent roles in running the spa.

How it was funded

The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Tourism Department’s Tourism Transformation Fund worked together to finance the project. According to the report, this support allowed construction to be completed before the summer season starts.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu said growth in tourism must lead to real opportunities for South Africans. She noted that the sector has kept growing this year, with about 7.5 million international tourists arriving between January and August.

Sotyu said backing black women and young entrepreneurs can open doors to work and create new experiences for visitors. NEF chief executive Mziwabantu Dayimani said talent and ambition do not always lead to ownership when access to capital is a barrier. He argued that development finance should do more than complete funding deals and should help sustainable businesses and livelihoods take root.

Ratshivhadelo said her interest went past beauty into the science behind treatments. She said she hopes her staff can develop their skills and grow professionally, and that her story encourages other young women to pursue their own business plans.

What this means for readers

• Permanent jobs: the spa has 16 permanent operational roles, which could matter to people living near Addo in the Eastern Cape.
• Funding routes: the project shows that the NEF and the Tourism Transformation Fund are among the state channels that support black-owned and youth-led tourism businesses.
• Tourism growth: rising visitor numbers are what government says should create openings for local workers and entrepreneurs.

The report did not say how to apply for the spa’s positions or give details of the funding amounts.

This story is based on reporting by SAnews.