Beyond Kruger Magazine

10/03/2026

Every winter, thousands gather at the Innibos National Arts Festival in Mbombela to celebrate Afrikaans music, art and culture. But in a diverse city like Mbombela, one question lingers: who really feels “IN”?

In this thought-provoking piece, I reflect on culture, belonging and curiosity — and ask whether black residents of the city attend Innibos, and what their experience is like if they do. Is it simply a festival to observe, or a space where everyone feels welcome?

The conversation about culture, support and belonging continues.

Read the full article on Beyond Kruger Magazine. What are your thoughts? 👀🎶

Who Is “IN” at Innibos? A Question Mbombela Must AnswerMarch 10, 2026Sydney Waga SeokePeople & Culture, Places To Stay Every winter, thousands of people descend on Innibos National Arts Festival in Mbombela. The festival grounds fill with music, food stalls, art, theatre and laughter. This year ...

09/03/2026

⛳ Premier’s Golf Day for a Cause

After the State of the Province Address, Premier Mandla Ndlovu hosted his annual charity golf day at Matumi Golf Estate in Mbombela. Government leaders, MECs and stakeholders — including Bushbuckridge Mayor Cllr. Matlanatso Lydia Moroane, MEC Jesta Sidell and HOD Immy Serakalala — gathered to raise funds for disadvantaged communities.

The Premier also reflected on service delivery challenges, flood-damaged roads and efforts to empower youth through agriculture.

Read the full story on Beyond Kruger Magazine.

06/03/2026

Outdoor gear is often seen as something for tourists, hikers, and travellers. But in many villages around Bushbuckridge and the Greater Kruger region, the outdoors is not a weekend activity — it’s everyday life.

From long walks on gravel roads to working under the African sun, rural communities already live the lifestyle that many outdoor brands are built for.

So why do many people still feel like those stores are “not for them”?

In this thought-provoking feature, Khutso Waga Seoke reflects on perception, identity, and the untapped relationship between rural consumers and outdoor brands operating in tourism towns like Hoedspruit.

Read the full story on:
🌍 www.beyondkruger.africa

Beyond Kruger Magazine
Telling the stories of the communities living alongside the wild.

We Were Always the Target Market — We Just Didn’t Know ItMarch 6, 2026Sydney Waga SeokeContributors I come from a village where walking is not a fitness trend — it’s a lifestyle. Where the landscape is not a weekend escape — it is home. Where the mountains are not Instagram backdrops — t...

03/03/2026

A Voice Beyond the Airwaves: Duncan Mnisi’s Mission in Acornhoek

Every weekday from 15:00 to 18:00 on RFM, Duncan Mnisi hosts the Afternoon Drive Show with more than music and conversation — he brings leadership, cultural pride and purpose to a community facing alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence.

At a young age and already an author of four books, he is proving that villages produce thinkers, writers and change-makers.

Read the full inspiring story now on www.beyondkruger.africa — and discover how one voice is reshaping the narrative beyond the Kruger gates.

From Village Streets to the Airwaves: Duncan Mnisi’s Afternoon Drive with PurposeMarch 3, 2026Sydney Waga SeokePeople & Culture Broadcasting weekdays from 15:00 to 18:00 on RFM in Acornhoek, the young author and cultural advocate is using his voice to challenge social ills and inspire rural youth....

09/12/2025

South Africa is a very special country in the whole world. 🇿🇦❤️

Video Cred: What Now? with Trevor Noah

05/12/2025

FESTIVE SEASON TOURISM ACTIVATION | GREATER KRUGER

Bushbuckridge Municipality wrapped up a successful two-day Tourism Activation at the Orpen Gate (R40) and Skukuza Gate, welcoming thousands of travellers entering the Kruger National Park this festive season.

This initiative was powered by a united tourism family —
Thulamela Municipality, Maruleng Municipality, LEDET Polokwane, Nkomazi Municipality, Ehlanzeni District, Sabi Sands, MalaMala, Londolozi, Nurish, Kruger National Park, SAPS, Traffic Department, RAF & the National Department of Tourism.

Together, we delivered one message:
Travel Safe. Support Local. Experience More.

The MMC, representing the Executive Mayor, shared warm greetings to domestic and international visitors, assuring them of a safe and unforgettable holiday across the Greater Kruger region.

Supporting Local Businesses & Village Tourism
This festive activation also highlighted the importance of supporting the small businesses and vendors operating along our roads and in our villages. From local food stalls and handmade crafts to cultural experiences and community-led tourism — your visit makes a real impact.

We encourage travellers to step beyond the gates of Kruger:
• Visit our villages and meet the people who make this region special
• Taste local cuisine from our vendors and small eateries
• Explore our culture, heritage, and traditional ways of living
• Support community businesses that rely on tourism to grow

Because every purchase, every visit, and every shared moment helps empower families, strengthen communities, and keep our local economy vibrant.

Bushbuckridge is not just a gateway to wildlife — it’s a gateway to authentic culture, rich heritage, and unforgettable village life.

This festive season, travel safely, slow down, enjoy responsibly — and experience the heart of the Greater Kruger.

02/12/2025

Samkeliso “Sam Sam” Thubane, born in Game near the Numbi Gate, is South Africa’s trailblazing Red Bull Spinning Athlete. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs with a father in the transport business, he rose from local pits to global stages — winning two Red Bull Shay’iMoto titles and taking Mpumalanga’s spinning culture to the world. A true symbol of youth, excellence, and homegrown talent.

26/11/2025

“South Africa Enters Festive Season on a High as Tourism Numbers Break Records”

South Africa is heading into the festive season with a renewed sense of pride and optimism. The latest tourism figures paint a powerful picture of recovery, growth, and global interest in our beautiful nation.

In October 2025, South Africa recorded 927 426 international tourist arrivals — one of the strongest months ever and a remarkable 32% increase compared to last year. This surge reflects steady momentum throughout the year. From January to September, the country welcomed 7.63 million visitors, an increase of 1.1 million more tourists than the same period in 2024.

This is more than just statistics — it’s a celebration of South Africa’s resilience, its unmatched beauty, and the world’s growing desire to experience everything we proudly offer.

What This Means for the Festive Season

With the holiday period approaching, the record-breaking numbers signal a vibrant and exciting festive season ahead:
• Fuller hotels, lodges, and guesthouses — from the bustling cities to the rural gems of Mpumalanga.
• Thriving local businesses, as guests explore our food, markets, crafts, and cultural experiences.
• More jobs and opportunities for people working in tourism, hospitality, transport, and community-based activities.
• A stronger economy, driven by international spend and domestic travel.

Communities across South Africa — especially those in regions like Mpumalanga and the Greater Kruger landscape — are already seeing the benefits. Visitors are not just coming for wildlife; they are connecting with local stories, culture, heritage, and village life.

As we enter the festive season, the good news is clear:
South Africa is once again one of the world’s favourite destinations — and the world is coming to celebrate with us.