Discover Mandela Bay and partners have officially inducted five new members into the Tourism Heroes Club. The honour recognises individuals whose behind-the-scenes work strengthens tourism and boosts the local economy in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Chairperson of DMB, Lusanda Fibi, says the recognition aims to highlight the people who often go unnoticed.
“These members are not always known for the major impact they have made on our Metro. These awards give them the prominence they so richly deserve.”
1. Craig van Rooyen: Driving Major Events Into the Metro
The first new Tourism Hero is Craig van Rooyen of Lifesaving South Africa. For nine consecutive years, Craig and his team have brought the Lifesaving South Africa National Champs to Nelson Mandela Bay. The event brings about 2 500 travelling participants and an estimated 20 000 bed nights per year.
He has now secured the bid for the Lifesaving World Champs 2026. The event will attract more than 5 000 attendees from 75 countries for 19 days of competition, conferencing and functions. It is expected to generate around 93 000 bed nights and an estimated economic impact of R384 million.
2. Ian Miller: Strengthening Safety on the Beachfront
Safety plays a major role in tourism. Ian Miller, Chairman of the Summerstrand Neighbourhood Watch, has taken a proactive approach by working closely with SAPS, City Wide, Atlas, F-ADT, TacNet and Metro Police to improve coordination and visibility.
From securing sponsored CCTV cameras and walkway lighting to leading a team of 60 volunteer patrollers, Ian has helped rebuild confidence along the beachfront and supported the return of visitor activity.
3. Guy Rogers: Giving Conservation a Public Voice
Conservation projects rely on public understanding and support. This has been the focus of journalist Guy Rogers, who continues to highlight environmental initiatives across the region despite shrinking newsroom resources.
His work amplifies conservation efforts and encourages community involvement in protecting the Eastern Cape’s natural assets.
4. Mike Pantsi: Champion of Township Tourism and Heritage
For more than three decades, Mike Pantsi has been a key figure in township tourism and heritage preservation in Nelson Mandela Bay. As a certified professional tour guide, his storytelling has shaped countless visitors’ experiences.
Mike’s commitment to community-based tourism and township economic growth has seen him work with organisations such as the Roger Federer Foundation. He is currently conducting research at Nelson Mandela University to further strengthen the sector.
5. Shena Wilmot: A Servant Leader in Tourism
The final inductee, Shena Wilmot, is widely regarded as one of the most dedicated contributors to tourism in the Metro. She has been a steady force behind organisations including NMBT, DMB and PEMBBA, guiding them through COVID and other challenging periods.
Known for her passion, discipline and sense of humour, Shena is celebrated as one of the Mothers of Tourism in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Why Tourism Heroes Matter
DMB Project Manager Shaun van Eck says the awards recognise individuals whose work directly strengthens the local economy and supports employment.
“The awards recognise people who make a difference to the local economy and to employment in our Metro and who are often not known to the public or even to our tourism stakeholders. Honouring these individuals, along with the tourism legends we include, will inspire others to make a difference.”
The new inductees join existing Tourism Legends Keith Bowler and Paul Wolff, whose work bringing Ironman events to the Metro has become a cornerstone of Nelson Mandela Bay’s annual tourism calendar.
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