Youth-led spa opens at Addo Elephant National Park with government support
The Epitome Spa & Wellness Centre, owned by young black female leadership, has created 36 jobs and promotes tourism in the Eastern Cape.
The Department of Tourism and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) have supported the launch of a new wellness facility at Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape. The Epitome Spa & Wellness Centre, founded by Lucia Ratshivhadelo, offers professional wellness services and has created 36 jobs, including 16 permanent positions and 20 short-term construction roles.
Ratshivhadelo, who holds a B.Tech in Pharmaceutical Science, leads the spa as a young black female entrepreneur. The project received financial backing through a joint initiative between the NEF and the department's Tourism Transformation Fund, enabling construction to finish before the summer season.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu highlighted the importance of translating tourism growth into employment opportunities for South Africans. She noted that the country welcomed about 7.5 million international tourists between January and August 2026. Sotyu said the spa shows that supporting black women and young entrepreneurs creates jobs and enriches visitor experiences.
What we'd like to know is how accessible the Epitome Spa & Wellness Centre will be for local communities around Addo Elephant National Park. With 36 jobs created, including 16 permanent ones, it's promising, but we want to see if these opportunities truly benefit people nearby and if the spa's services are affordable and inclusive for ordinary South Africans, especially those who may not be regular tourists.
NEF CEO Mziwabantu Dayimani said that strategic funding helps turn technical skills into business ownership, addressing barriers such as lack of capital. He praised Ratshivhadelo's journey as an example of how development finance supports sustainable enterprises and livelihoods.
Ratshivhadelo expressed that her goal is to provide professional growth opportunities for employees and inspire other young women to pursue entrepreneurship. The spa is located within one of South Africa's key conservation areas and aims to contribute to both local employment and tourism development.
Sources
Source: SAnews
