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CWDM Call for Proposals 2025/2026

The Entrepreneurial Seed Fund has been established by the CWDM to provide limited grant funding to SMMEs within the district that require seed capital in order to establish themselves and/or grow. The funding will mainly be allocated in the form of a grant-in-kind, for example through the purchasing of equipment or supplies on behalf of the SMME by the district municipality. The CWDM does not transfer money directly to the SMME. Funding ranges between R10 000 and R30 000. All applications will be subjected to an evaluation process.

General eligibility requirements for SMMEs
To be eligible for the funding, SMMEs must complete the attached application form.

General criteria for SMMEs selection
In determining which of the numerous applicants will be considered for funding, the CWDM considers and weighs those SMMEs that submit evidence of the following criteria:

  • SMME is or will be a legally registered business.
  • SMME has clearly defined, measurable and achievable goals and objectives.
  • Application adequately describes the managerial, financial and technical capability of the SMME to be viable.
  • Supporting documents are attached to the application.
  • Each applicant must complete the attached Declaration of Interest form. If not completed, your application will not be considered.
  • Your application MUST have all legal compliance documents attached as per the business that you will operate.


SUBMISSION
Duly completed Call for Proposals must be enclosed in a (separate) sealed envelope and endorsed with the relevant name and description on the envelope(s).
The sealed document must be placed in the official tender boxes of the CWDM offices listed below on or before Thursday, 31 October 2024 at 14:00.
Stellenbosch: 29 Du Toit Street
Paarl: 194 Main Street
Worcester: 51 Trappe Street
Ceres: 27 Munnik Street
Robertson: 46 Van Reenen Street
Montagu: 56 Bad Street

Online applications:
Please note that no proposals will be accepted via email or post (internal or external) and the CWDM takes no responsibility for proposals that are not submitted in the tender boxes in the prescribed manner. No correspondence will be entered into by any official on behalf of the Cape Winelands District Municipality in this regard.
Funding will only be available after 1 July 2025.

Should no feedback be received by 30 June 2025, applicants may assume that their application has been unsuccessful.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Foreigners who apply must be in possession of a residence permit or green ID document or have refugee status and must be tax compliant. Please submit originally certified documents as proof of South African residence status.

DIRECT ENQUIRIES
Please direct any enquires to Prudence January at prudence@capewinelands.gov.za or
Nozuko Bhobhi at nozuko@capewinelands.gov.za at telephone 086 126 5263.

Download: Advert | Application form | Declaration of Interest | Verification: Small-scale farmer/agri-processing support programme 2025/2026

TBCSA Tourism Business Pulse

Dear Tourism Business Pulse respondent

The TBCSA Tourism Business Pulse is intended to gauge the health (“pulse”) of tourism businesses by taking stock of the current performance and outlook for future.

Please can you complete the online survey as your participation is greatly appreciated and will contribute to essential industry research!

The survey is short and easy and no quantitative performance data is required. We understand that you might be very busy, but we will greatly appreciate it if you will take five to ten minutes to complete the survey. The completed surveys need to reach us by latest on the 6th of September 2024 (Friday 17:00).

https://www.esurveyspro.com/Survey.aspx?id=3500bfda-6611-4ea2-9336-4e6df674141a

Please remember that it is vital that the CEO or the persons in charge, from a strategic and operational perspective, of large business units, or a business, complete the questionnaire.

Glamping Expo Partnership

As Glamping Expo, we are reaching out seeking the participation of provinces at this year’s Glamping Expo (Johannesburg Expo Centre on October 28th – 29th 2024). This is Africa’s first Glamping Expo and is aimed at bringing value and into the glamping sector, with South Africa as the epicentre of this growing tourism trend. The glamping sector, in its entirety, includes accommodation providers within the unique stays sector and experiences such as cabins, pods, tree-houses, safari lodges, tented, domes, cottages, villas, yurts, eco-lodges, caves, caravans, tipis and more more unique stays. The Glamping Expo focuses on the whole value chain, which means manufacturers, suppliers, operators, financiers, service providers and regulatory authorities will take part. We are seeking the involvement of provinces in securing pavilions and bring along SMEs from their provinces to participate.

About the Glamping Expo

The Glamping Expo is an annual platform for businesses across the glamping value chain. Participants will showcase their glamping innovations and products, network with industry peers, and seek potential collaborations and investments. Attendees will have access to market and research intelligence. The Glamping Expo is the first one in Africa and will take place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre on October 28th – 29th 2024.

Why Attend the Glamping Expo?

The Glamping Expo is designed to empower businesses in the Glamping space with insights, connections, and innovations that drive success in the luxury outdoor accommodation sector.

Join us to:

  • Forge Strategic Partnerships: Connect with leading glamping providers, suppliers, and service providers to cultivate lucrative partnerships.
  • Face-to-face meetings and meet qualified buyers
  • Discover Cutting-edge Solutions: Explore the latest trends, technologies, and design concepts transforming the glamping landscape.
  • Gain Industry Insights: Attend enlightening seminars and workshops led by industry experts, offering valuable strategies for growth and sustainability.

Who is Attending?

  • Glamping Resort Owners and Managers
  • Tourism Boards and Destination Marketers
  • Eco-friendly Suppliers and Innovators
  • Retailers
  • Outdoor enthusiasts
  • Travel agencies and Tour operators.
  • Investors and Developers in Hospitality
  • Designers and Architects Specializing in Outdoor Accommodation

Learn more about the Expo:

Visit the Glamping Expo website (www.glampingexpo.africa) to register for the expo.

Kindly feel free to let us know should you need more information or setting up meetings. For more information, contact:

Gugu Sithole
Director, Glamping Adventures
SATSA Membership No: 2797

ASATA Membership No: GLA200
www.glamping-adventures.co.za
+27 73 539 3154
+27 11 958 5140
https://www.youtube.com/glampingadventuresafrica
facebook.com/glampingadventuresza
instagram.com/glampingadventuresza
twitter.com/glampingza

Save Big with FEDHASA’s Exclusive 25% SABC TV License Discount

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FEDHASA is committed to supporting members by reducing operational costs. Once again, we’ve negotiated a 25% discount on SABC commercial TV license fees, exclusively for our members.

In 2023, this initiative helped members save nearly R4 million in total.

Maximise Your Savings

Pay only R198.75 per TV set, saving R66.25 per room.
For a 20-room property, save R1,325 annually (vs. membership fee of only R3,775).
For a 200-room establishment, save over R13,250 yearly (vs. membership fee of only R9,845).

Reinvest these savings into facility upgrades, staff training, and enhancing the guest experience.

Renew and Qualify

  1. Ensure your SABC account is up to date
  2. For existing members, renew your FEDHASA membership by June 30, 2024
  3. Non-members, join FEDHASA before June 30, 2024, to qualify, apply here

In most cases, this 25% discount offsets your annual FEDHASA membership fee, making it a cost-saving opportunity.

Renew your membership today and enjoy exclusive discounts like this, plus access to valuable resources and networking opportunities.

For more member benefits, please click here.

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Embracing Sustainable Tourism in Stellenbosch

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The demand for sustainable tourism experiences is not merely a trend but a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour. Travellers are increasingly discerning, seeking out destinations and businesses that align with their values of environmental conservation and social responsibility. Embracing sustainability is not just a “nice to have” for your business; it is an imperative for long-term success and relevance in a competitive market. 

The Vision of Stellenbosch: Becoming a Pioneer in Sustainable Tourism 

Stellenbosch aims to be the first fully certified sustainable destination in South Africa. This ambition isn’t just about earning a title; it’s about genuinely enhancing the sustainability of the area to provide long-term benefits to both residents and visitors. Visit Stellenbosch, the town’s dedicated tourism body, supports this transformation by offering guidance throughout the certification process and ensuring the sustainability message reaches the market effectively. 

Understanding Sustainability

Sustainable tourism encompasses practices that minimise negative impacts on the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and promote social and economic benefits for local communities. Regenerative tourism goes a step further by actively contributing to the restoration and enhancement of natural and cultural resources. Responsible tourism, on the other hand, emphasises the ethical and mindful behaviour of tourists and tourism businesses towards the environment, society, and economy. 

Steps Towards Sustainability: From Surveys to Accreditation 

The journey to sustainable tourism in Stellenbosch begins with the Good Travel Scan, which helps businesses gauge their current sustainability practices and start the process toward accreditation.

Deepening Commitment Through the Green Destinations Certification Programme

Further embedding our commitment to sustainability, Stellenbosch aims to be recognised at the first certified sustainable destination through the Green Destinations Certification Programme.  This programme supports destinations in managing their sustainability effectively through a structured management cycle, which includes regular assessments and independent verifications.

Vision 2030: A Strategic Blueprint for Future Growth

Underpinning these initiatives is Visit Stellenbosch’s strategic plan, dubbed ‘Vision 2030.’ Developed under the guidance of its Board of Directors in 2023, this five-year strategy aims to marry the concepts of Regenerative and Sustainable Tourism. The goal is clear: to make Stellenbosch a better place through the power of tourism by maximising positive impacts while minimising negative ones.

The Future of Tourism in Stellenbosch

As Stellenbosch strides towards becoming a leading sustainable destination, it sets a precedent for other towns and cities. The comprehensive approach – embracing regenerative tourism – ensures that our town not only improves its economic viability but also enhances social cohesion and environmental stewardship. Through these efforts, Stellenbosch is not just preparing for a sustainable future but is actively shaping it, offering a model for others to follow in fostering responsible and impactful tourism.   

We understand that navigating the complexities of sustainability can be daunting. However, you are not alone in this journey. Visit Stellenbosch is here to provide unwavering support, guidance, and resources to assist you in achieving and marketing your sustainability compliance. Together, we can create a legacy of environmental preservation, cultural enrichment, and economic prosperity for generations to come.   

Click here to complete the Visit Stellenbosch Sustainability Questionnaire and for the link to the Good Travel Scan,

Safety and Security in the Stellenbosch CBD

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April 2024

The safety and security concerns in the Stellenbosch CBD have escalated to a critical level, posing significant challenges to the well-being of our community and the prosperity of our town’s economy. The proliferation of vagrancy, youth gangs engaging in bicycle theft and petty crime, frequent car break-ins, and a surge in tourism crimes are alarming trends that demand immediate attention.

The Short-Term Solution

Recognising the immediate need for action, the Siti Steering Committee has launched the Siti Middedorp Safety Initiative, an interim solution to address the most pressing crime concerns in central Stellenbosch.

Through collective funding, the initiative aims to deploy an expanded team of guards for foot patrols in the enlarged CBD area, supplemented by a dedicated armed response vehicle, backed -up by 24/7 control room monitoring.   These patrols will be supported by an integrated communication system linking to SAPS, Municipal Law Enforcement, and private security stakeholders in the area.

The existing Middedorp Safety Initiative, covering Church Street and sections of Plein and Ryneveld Streets since 2019, will be absorbed into the new extended Siti Middedorp Safety Initiative.

Phase 1 of the proposed geographic area spans from the bottom of Plein Street, and a section of Ryneveld Street in the North to Dorp Street in the South, and from Drostdy Street in the East to Mill Street and Checkers in the West.

Siti Middedorp Safety Initiative Features and Cost

Key features of this safety program include comprehensive oversight led by experienced coordinators, integration with existing security networks, round-the-clock armed response capabilities, and centralised radio communication for rapid reporting and response.

Monthly Expenses
24/7 Control Room MonitoringR 35 716
1 x 24/7 Dedicated Armed Response VehicleR 77 107
3 x 24/7 Foot Patrol GuardsR 75 000
Additional 3rd Party Armed Response Support   R 25 000
R 212 823

Siti Middedorp Safety Initiative Funding Model

Half of the required R212 823 per month is already committed to and thanks to the generosity of Stellenbosch Publicity and Marketing the armed response vehicle was deployed in early December 2023.  To deliver on the rest of the safety deliverables, we need help through collective funding from Property and Business owners.

Property Owners | Contribute according to Municipal Property Value – an amount equal to future Siti contributions

Business Owners | R500 | R750  | R1500 | R4000 – depending on the size of the business.

The Long-Term Solution

Recognising the urgency of the situation, community members have rallied behind the establishment of the Stellenbosch Improvement Initiative (Siti) – a Special Rating Area that will address these pressing issues through collaborative efforts funded by property owners. Similar models have proven successful in communities across South Africa and beyond, with Stellenbosch already benefiting from two well-functioning Special Rating Areas: the Jonkershoek SRA and Techno Park SRA.

With a Steering Committee in place and the formation of a dedicated NGO, we are currently engaged in a crucial voting process. Securing 1000 votes from property owners by 30 September 2024 will pave the way for the commencement of Siti operations on 1 July 2025.

For more information, visit the Siti website: https://www.siti.org.za/

Watch Video: https://www.facebook.com/SitiStellenbsch/videos/1089959222059141/

Drafting a Sustainability Strategy for our region:

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It is critical for the continued growth and to retain a competitive edge of our travel and tourism sector to adopt a regional Sustainability Framework. With this in mind Visit Stellenbosch hosted an insightful session with Lisa Scriven recently.

Member Session:

Lisa Scriven’s presentation effectively communicated the urgent need for a comprehensive sustainability strategy in travel and tourism, leveraging her deep expertise and relevant market data. Her insights into consumer demand for sustainable travel options set a compelling context for the discussion. By linking sustainability with direct benefits for destinations, including conservation, cultural preservation, and economic development, she illustrated the multifaceted value of sustainable practices. Scriven’s practical advice for stakeholders and emphasis on collaboration offer a clear roadmap for implementing sustainable initiatives. Overall, the presentation serves as both a call to action and a guide for creating more sustainable and responsible travel experiences worldwide.

Key insights from the presentation include:

Market Demand Trends: Scriven emphasised the growing demand for sustainable travel options, citing statistics that demonstrate a clear consumer preference for sustainability. According to the Booking.com Sustainable Travel Report 2023 and other sources, a significant majority of travellers express a desire for sustainable travel experiences, with 80% stating that traveling sustainably is important to them. However, 76% also find it difficult to locate sustainable travel products, indicating a gap between demand and availability.

Sustainability-aligned Experiences + Responsible Operations = DESTINATION BENEFIT: Lisa further outlined how integrating sustainability into both the visitor experience and operational practices leads to benefits for the destination as a whole. She illustrated this with examples that link conservation, cultural preservation, wellness, and rural development to sustainability practices.

Practical Steps for Stakeholders: Lisa shared concrete advice for stakeholders on how to engage with sustainability. This includes walking the talk, using sustainability frameworks to identify opportunities, managing environmental, economic, and socio-cultural impacts, being transparent about sustainability claims, and avoiding greenwashing. She also stressed the importance of crafting sustainability-aligned excellence and sharing stories without jargon.

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future: The presentation underlined the critical role of collaboration in achieving a sustainable tourism economy. She encouraged improving existing partnerships and being proactive in forging new ones. Participation in forums to co-create sustainable destinations and brands was recommended as a path forward.

Lisa concluded her presentation with the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” encapsulating the collective effort needed to achieve sustainability in tourism.

Visit Stellenbosch Regenerative Tourism:

Nicolette Booyens, Visit Stellenbosch board member and  Socio Economic Specialist has been working on our Regenerative Tourism initiative that aligns seamlessly with the framework concepts introduced by Lisa. In the latter part of 2023, Visit Stellenbosch unveiled their Vision 2030, a strategic blueprint for tourism within Stellenbosch. Central to this vision is the integration of Regenerative Tourism as a fundamental strategy, signifying Visit Stellenbosch’s commitment to utilising tourism as a force for the town’s rejuvenation and improvement. With Regenerative Tourism gaining momentum worldwide, Visit Stellenbosch is positioning itself at the forefront of this innovative approach, aiming to transform Stellenbosch for the better.

Nicolette gave an overview of Visit Stellenbosch’s Regenerative Tourism efforts – click here to download her presentation.

Since its establishment in 2019, Visit Stellenbosch has spearheaded numerous projects and social enterprises with a focus on sustainability. These initiatives encompass a wide range of objectives, including economic development, social integration, and environmental conservation.

The overarching aim is to mobilise the collective efforts of all tourism stakeholders in Stellenbosch towards regenerating and revitalizing our town, ensuring it thrives for the benefit of all its inhabitants.

Next Steps:

Framework Development: Visit Stellenbosch is drafting a basic yet effective framework to facilitate the adoption of responsible practices among all members, ensuring accessibility and ease of implementation.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire: Members will receive a straightforward self-assessment questionnaire. Completing this questionnaire will not only raise awareness but also gauge how your business aligns with responsible tourism principles.

Strategy Formulation: Following thorough consultations, Visit Stellenbosch will analyse the gathered data to create a comprehensive overview. This will help us to design the best possible strategy, which will include easy-to-implement tools and actionable tips for members.

Sustainability Strategy Launch: With this in place, we will launch our Sustainability Strategy, positioning our town as a responsible tourism destination, meeting consumer demands.   

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