Thebe Tourism Group CEO Jerry Mabena reflects upon TTG’s service philosophy

It has been an honour and a privilege to work for and to lead this remarkable company as it elaborates 15 years of operation. Within that time, Thebe Tourism Group has become a leading light of true transformation in the South African tourism sector. Within it resides a culture of people and ideas that reflects a passion for sharing Africa and its heritage with the world.

In a short space of time we have developed and worked hard with the team at turning around this organization. During that time we have acquired and grown a number of high profile businesses; we are currently invested in attraction management, a leading inbound travel company,world-class vehicle rental,a prominent foreign exchange company, an award winning travel agency, as well as an exhibition and conference management company .We’ve created an international award winning reality travel TV show and explored ways to make travel affordable and accessible.

And at the centre of it all is a simple idea: service excellence to the masses .

Yes, it may be true that hard issues like profitability and getting systems working are the mechanisms by which we ensure that these units are sustainable. But that sustainability is only possible if you have good service. As some wise business people might say: “Meeting the profit objective is a consequence of good service.”

In addition,winning awards and recognition from our peers is always a great honour,and we are proud of the accolades bestowed upon all our businesses. We also remember what it takes to earn that recognition,which is why compromise on quality is not an option in our businesses.

It is also key that we,as businesses, do not forget the importance of our communities. For us it is imperative that communities are uplifted and that they benefit economically where most needed. Our commitment is to the people,and companies we acquire have to share the same values we hold so dear.

It is deeply gratifying to know that the teams of people that make up TIG’s various business units are so fully committed to this vision. And it is with that in mind that we look forward as Thebe Tourism Group aspires to be a world-class pan-African group of  companies.

We know that the work has just begun.But we will continue to expand our portfolio and our horizons as we look to the future.Our focus lies on exploring the tourism value chain:looking at the sectors we don’t currently have a stake in and considering our appetite for moving into and investing into these.While doing so,we have our eyes set on attractions within South Africa as well as the hospitality sector.

As Thebe Tourism Group we have ambitious aspirations for the future and we are confident that we will meet them.We thank all of our staff, businesses,partners and stakeholders for the journey they have shared with us thus far,we look forward to expanding our network and we invite you to enjoy this journey with us as it is about to get very exciting.