By creating an account, I agree to the
Terms of service and Privacy policy
Choose your country and language:
Africa
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Bojonala District in the North West province, Thaba Legae Guest Lodge has risen from modest beginnings into a beacon of sustainability and community empowerment.
Since opening its doors in June 2009, Thaba Legae has expanded from a small establishment with just five rooms and five employees to a thriving 4-star guest lodge with 22 rooms, 11 permanent staff, and four casual workers. Today, the lodge also exemplifies the South African culture of Ubuntu – ‘I am because we are’ – making a sustainable leap towards a brighter future.
At the heart of Thaba Legae's success is Millicent Shai, whose vision and dedication have transformed the lodge into a tranquil retreat that appeals to both business clients and those travellers seeking the pinnacle of rest and relaxation.
Millicent’s story is one with a green heart. She has nurtured her dream into a sustainable reality, making her the envy of her surrounding lodges.
Committed to sustainability
Thaba Legae is a proud recipient of the Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), an initiative designed to promote sustainable management and the efficient use of electricity and water.
This programme not only alleviates pressure on South Africa's national electricity grid and water resources but also ensures an uninterrupted and enjoyable experience for visitors. By reducing operational input costs, the GTIP enhances the lodge's competitiveness and operational sustainability within the tourism sector.
One of the most notable sustainability initiatives at Thaba Legae is the installation of solar panels, which ensure that the lights are always on. This reliability has even led neighbouring lodges to seek assistance from Thaba Legae, benefiting from these sustainably solar energy solutions.
Local empowerment and eco-friendly practices
Thaba Legae's commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy management to include a variety of eco-friendly practices. The lodge sources its eggs from a local supplier, a Black woman entrepreneur, thereby supporting local businesses and promoting economic empowerment within the community.
In a bid to reduce plastic waste, Thaba Legae has replaced small plastic bottles with water dispensers and now uses reusable glass bottles for conferences. This significantly cuts down on plastic waste, aligning with global sustainable tourism trends.
A Garden of Growth
One of the lodge's employees, Gladys Toko, has taken sustainability a step further by utilising wastewater from air conditioners at the lodge to cultivate a vegetable garden.
"It was important to start this garden because I would see water from the air conditioners not being used, just flowing out with no real use," Gladys explains. "So, I created a garden where we can grow our own vegetables. I am grateful they give me this privilege of time so I can tend to this vegetable garden."
The garden not only provides fresh produce for the lodge but also supplies vegetables to the neighbouring community, further extending the benefits of sustainable action to the local area.
Looking ahead
Thaba Legae's story is one of inspiration and continued growth. With an unmistakable commitment to a greener and most sustainable future, the lodge has become an example to follow for other tourism establishments. There is no telling how far Millicent will go, but one thing is for sure, Thaba Legae is a testament to the power of sustainable action and local collaboration – two traits that truly grow an industry and an economy forward.
Useful links
Explore
