Tourism Graduates Step Forward as Emerging Scholars in Sustainable Tourism Development

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Three Cultural Heritage Tourism graduates celebrated their honours achievements at the 2026 Autumn Graduation as they prepare to continue their academic journeys at master’s level - building on research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing South Africa’s tourism sector.

Mr Aphiwe Masengemu, Mr Kirby Pillay and Mr Sbonelo Masoka were recognised as top performers in their cohort and selected to participate in the Future Leaders Forum at Meetings Africa, an experience that complemented their academic work and strengthened their commitment to postgraduate study.

Their lecturer, Dr Mabuyi Gumede, said the three students distinguished themselves through strong academic performance in their final year modules and through research that contributes directly to current debates within the tourism sector.

“Their honours research projects explore topical issues and have contributed new knowledge to the existing body of knowledge,” she said.

Together, their studies reflect how Cultural Heritage Tourism research at UKZN is supporting sustainable development, technological innovation and community-centred tourism practice across KwaZulu-Natal.

Mr Aphiwe Masengemu

Exploring How Events Tourism Supports Rural Development

Growing up in Bergville in the Okhahlamba Local Municipality inspired Aphiwe Masengemu’s honours research into the role of events tourism as a strategy for sustainable socio-economic development in rural communities.

His study examined the impact of the Big Zulu Homecoming Festival and showed how events tourism can create employment opportunities, strengthen cultural identity and support entrepreneurship when combined with inclusive planning and stakeholder collaboration.

“My hometown is beautiful and events are held there every year,” he said. “I wanted to understand how event tourism can be used to facilitate sustainable tourism development in the study area.”

The research highlighted the importance of infrastructure investment, awareness programmes and partnerships between communities and tourism stakeholders to ensure long-term benefits.

“Research is not just an academic exercise. It is a responsibility,” he said. “When you enter someone’s community, ask for their time and trust, and carry their voices into your work, you owe them honest, meaningful findings that can actually change something.”

As he graduates this May and begins his master’s study, Masengemu hopes to contribute to a tourism sector that better supports rural municipalities and expands opportunities for young professionals from underrepresented communities.

Participation in the Future Leaders Forum at Meetings Africa further strengthened his confidence as he prepares for the next stage of his academic journey.

“Being chosen to represent UKZN on a national platform showed me that where you come from does not limit how far you can go,” he said.

Mr Kirby Pillay

Advancing Sustainable Tourism Through Technological Innovation

Kirby Pillay’s honours research explored how technological innovation can strengthen sustainability within tourism destinations, using uShaka Marine World in eThekwini as a case study.

Her study examined how digital tools such as mobile applications, booking systems and smart management platforms can improve visitor experience while supporting environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.

“I was particularly interested in understanding how local attractions can use technology to remain competitive while also contributing to sustainable development goals,” she said.

Her findings showed that technological innovation can support sustainability outcomes when combined with staff training and visitor awareness.

“A balanced approach is essential to ensure that technological innovation aligns with sustainable tourism goals,” she explained.

Graduating this May and continuing into master’s study, Pillay plans to deepen her research into how heritage destinations can integrate technology in ways that strengthen both sustainability and community value.

Her selection for the Future Leaders Forum at Meetings Africa reflected the strength of her academic journey at UKZN.

“This opportunity demonstrated how the knowledge and skills I developed are relevant beyond the classroom,” she said.

Mr Sbonelo Masoka

Strengthening Community Participation in Cultural Heritage Tourism

Sbonelo Masoka’s honours research examined how cultural heritage tourism can contribute to sustainable development in the eThekwini Metropolitan area, with particular attention to how crime influences visitor experience in Durban’s city centre.

He highlighted how safety concerns shape tourist behaviour and affect how visitors engage with urban heritage spaces.

“It was mentioned frequently that tourists leave their belongings on cruise ships because of concerns about crime in the city,” he said.

His research also emphasised the importance of indigenous knowledge systems and community participation in supporting inclusive tourism development in post-colonial South Africa.

“Communities get an opportunity to redefine their culture, heritage and history through tourism,” he explained.

As he graduates this May and progresses to master’s study, Masoka hopes to contribute to tourism policy discussions that create stronger opportunities for young professionals and support collaboration between communities and stakeholders.

Participation in the Future Leaders Forum further strengthened his confidence as an emerging tourism professional.

“It boosted my self-esteem and made me realise that anything is possible,” he said.

Reflecting on the achievements of the three graduates as they prepare to continue into postgraduate study, Gumede emphasised the importance of combining academic excellence with exposure to national industry platforms.

“It is very important for Tourism students at UKZN to combine strong academic performance with exposure to national industry platforms,” she said.

As they graduate this May, the three students represent a new generation of tourism scholars committed to strengthening sustainable and community centred tourism development in South Africa.

Words: Lee Rondganger

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini and supplied