Award-winning South African actress Lerato Mvelase has spoken out strongly, calling on the government to introduce stricter regulations for travel agents following a deeply upsetting experience that left her family holiday in ruins.
The actress shared her frustration and disappointment on Instagram after a travel agency she trusted, Black Trotters Africa, reportedly collapsed just days before her planned trip. The holiday was meant to be a special surprise for her mother, who was set to travel internationally for the first time.
Mvelase shared the emotional moment online, writing, “Today was our travel day. My mother’s surprise trip, her first international trip, but it’s ok.” What should have been a joyful experience quickly turned into distress when the agency announced its liquidation shortly before departure.
She did not hold back in expressing her concerns about the lack of proper oversight in the tourism industry. “The lack of strict government oversight and reliance on self-regulation has enabled scammers life Refiloe Miriam Tsakatsa and Itai ‘Africa’ Tsakatsa (owners of Black Trotters Africa, all their socials are now deleted) to exploit travellers that work so hard to afford themselves opportunities to travel,” she said. She added, “We need stricter regulations or empowerment of industry associations like ASATA.”
While Mvelase acknowledged government efforts aimed at inclusive economic growth in tourism, she stressed that these plans must do more to protect consumers. “I am cognisant of the inclusive economic growth plans that aim to make the sector a driver for broad-based economic benefits… but, this plan needs to include innovative, proactive, creative and flexible measures that ensures companies like Black Trotters Africa have no room to take advantage of South Africans that are intentional about supporting small businesses.”
The actress also highlighted the impact on employees linked to the company. “This scam of a company has taken advantage of employees, leaving them stranded overseas with clients, forcing them to use their own money which they never got back,” she revealed. She further noted that Black Trotters Africa has multiple cases at the CCMA and labour court, adding, “These employees deserve justice!”
Mvelase believes traveller protection should be a priority throughout the year. “South Africans need safeguarding 365 days a year as they travel, explore, and experience tourism locally and internationally,” she said.
She also proposed a solution to tackle unemployment and improve industry monitoring. “There are many young unemployed people sitting at home with tourism qualifications,” she explained, suggesting they could monitor travel agents and experiences on social media. “These young unemployed professionals deserve to serve in a sector they studied for… Inform policy updates, Protect travellers, and Support legitimate agents.”
