Durban woman develops tourism app to strengthen South Africa’s economy

A KwaZulu-Natal woman and her team of tech fundis are currently at work developing a mobile phone application that could help take South Africa’s tourism industry to the next level.

Amanda Mathe, 33, from Durban, says that her app - Zula app, seeks to connect tourism students to businesses and the gig economy.

The word Zula from the language of the Zulu people means to travel or wander, making it a catchy fit, explained Mathe.

Mathe said she teamed up with a Durban-based research and development company, Pista Ventures, for their technical expertise on the developmental phase for Zula App.

Mathe said that the application is likely to be launched in early 2024.

The young entrepreneur, who has spent many years working in the KZN tourism industry, said she came up with the concept during the COVID-19 pandemic which affected the tourism sector.

The main target market for Zula App are international tourists and will provide customers with an opportunity to explore South Africa from a grassroots perspective, rather than a commercial one.

“The platform will connect cultural, rural and township tourism activities and help tourists explore. It’s about connecting tourism graduates with the hospitality sector and gig economy. The platform exists as a vetting tool and also as a working tool for young graduates that want to work within the sector but are not necessarily absorbed by the big tourist hubs," said Amanda Mathe.

Mthembu said it is possible for the app to be designed and developed in a week, but will need a lot of time to eliminate the drawbacks, as reported by Pretoria News, a partner of TV BRICS.

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