In a landmark Women’s Month celebration, Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu officiated the launch of the Atrium Boutique Hotel, a proudly 100% black-owned and 60% women-owned luxury hotel in Polokwane, Limpopo. The project is hailed as a major stride toward inclusive economic transformation in South Africa’s tourism industry.
“This is more than a hotel—it is a vision realised,” said Deputy Minister Sotyu. “The Atrium Boutique Hotel showcases the power of women-led businesses and the strength of blended funding models to unlock opportunity where it matters most.”
The launch forms part of a broader effort to recognise, uplift, and invest in women-led enterprises, especially in industries like tourism that have the potential to create jobs, preserve culture, and build resilient local economies. The hotel is co-founded by Ms Lesetja Johanna Mukwevho and Mr Matodzi Joseph Mukwevho, underpinned by a blend of government and private funding.
Here are 10 ways the Atrium Boutique Hotel is making an impact:
1. Women in the Lead
60% of the business is owned by Ms Lesetja Mukwevho, establishing her as a leading force in South African hospitality and a role model for young women entrepreneurs.
2. Powered by Transformative Tourism Finance
With a total project cost of R31.3 million, the hotel received support from the Tourism Transformation Fund (R5 million grant), National Empowerment Fund (R10 million loan), SEDFA (R9.6 million loan), and owner equity (R6.6 million).
3. A Showcase of Blended Funding Models
This public-private partnership shows how grant, debt, and equity instruments can effectively support black- and women-owned tourism enterprises.
4. High-Quality Infrastructure Delivered
The hotel features:
- 26 luxury rooms
- 100-seater restaurant
- 100-seater conference venue
- 15-seater boardroom
- 10-seater bar
5. A Catalyst for Local Job Creation
Already employing 56 permanent staff, the hotel contributes directly to reducing unemployment, particularly among women and youth.
6. Strategic Economic Development
The project is integrated into Polokwane Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) as a catalytic infrastructure investment supporting tourism growth.
7. Filling a Market Gap in Limpopo
Targeting mid- to high-end travellers, the hotel responds to the limited supply of graded accommodation and conferencing space in the region.
8. A Model for Women’s Empowerment in Tourism
“Women are essential drivers of the tourism industry – not just as employees and entrepreneurs, but as cultural stewards and agents of change,” said Deputy Minister Sotyu in her speech.
9. Fuelled by South Africa’s Tourism Transformation Agenda
The project aligns with key policies like the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Tourism B-BBEE Sector Code, emphasising black and women ownership in the economy.
10. Inspiring a New Generation
The hotel stands as a living example of what’s possible when policy, funding, and passion intersect, showing young South Africans — especially women — that tourism can be both a career and a legacy.
Conclusion: Building Resilient Economies for All
The launch of the Atrium Boutique Hotel reflects the 2025 Women’s Month theme: “Building Resilient Economies for All.” It affirms that investing in women-owned tourism ventures is not only a moral imperative but a strategic one.
“Iron sharpens iron. Women empower women. And together, we build a future of infinite possibilities,” concluded Deputy Minister Sotyu.
As South Africa holds the G20 presidency, this project signals to the world that inclusive growth is possible — and that women are leading the way.
