Taemane Phoofolo

Degrees Held

PhD in Culture and Heritage Tourism, M.A. (Tourism Development and Management), B.A. Hons (Tourism), B.A.

Tourism Disasters, Tourists’ movements, Community Based Tourism, Artificial Intelligence, Culture and Heritage Tourism, Tourism Assets Management, Events Management

In 2016-2017 our Culture Cluster Tourism staff was asked to conduct research in the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal by the National Department of Tourism (NDT) in Pretoria. Our research team also comprised some Masters degree students (research assistants) who helped us to do fieldwork (interviews and data collection). This project brought both the academics and the students to work together to address social issues. The papers that we wrote upon the completion of this project were the direct outcomes of the collaboration (refer to the CV/List of Publications – publication number 1 & 2 and number 1 under SAPSE Accredited Journals).
2024-2025 Our Culture Cluster Tourism staff was doing research in collaboration with the National Department of Tourism (NDT) in Pretoria.
My interviews with the local radio station and SABC Radio and TV News in September 2024 revealed that, for instance, there is a need to conduct research on Sibudu Caves that were recently accorded World Heritage Site status by the World Heritage Council in New Delhi, India. The research would, for instance, be about how best can these caves enhance tourism development in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, what features of the caves have touristic value, and what my students can do to contribute to the already existing body of knowledge as far as these caves are concerned?
Peer review and editing: I contribute to the academic community by reviewing papers, thus maintaining the quality and integrity of academic research.

Commencement of Teaching: 1988 up to date: 38 years teaching experience.
Offer modules (CHTM211, CHTM201, CHTM308, and Honours (CHTM701). My duty is to write lecture material/handouts and present information in lectures. Member of Tourism Cluster to determine teaching program for the year. To take feedback from students to improve teaching methodologies and content within the department, i.e. changing and adapting course material following research. To provide guidance and advice to students thus leading to improved performance.

Palesa Buti (215077717-graduated in 2018) who was doing Masters of Social Sciences. Her topic was: The Impact of coalition government on investment opportunities and socio- political developments in
Nduduso Ndebele (210554970- graduated in 2016) who was doing Masters of Social Sciences (Public Policy). His topic was: Post-graduates’ perceptions on employment opportunities in the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
Ntsoaki V. Khama (218084242) who completed M.A. in Culture and Heritage Tourism and graduated in 2022. Her topic was: The challenges and successes of Community Based Tourism: A case study of Thaba- Bosiu in Lesotho.
In 2025, May, I graduated another Masters of Social Sciences student, Thobani Harvey Mbeje (216056344). His topic was: The role of Local Government in influencing Tourism demand and supply in the aftermath of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Junior Thuba Majozi (219020489) completed his M.A in Culture and Heritage Tourism studies in 2025 under my supervision, and is due to graduate in 2026. His topic was: Examining trends, opportunities and challenges of Festival and Event management amidst pandemics: A case study of The Hollywoodbets Durban July Horse Race.
Ayanda Mswazi (215065812) also completed his M.A. in Culture and Heritage Tourism studies under my supervision in 2025, and due to graduate in 2026. His topic was: Estuarine lakes as the catalyst for sustainable tourism development: A case study of St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.