Hotel 247 Expands Restaurant After R3.5m Funding
Hotel 247, a Black woman‑owned property in White River, Mpumalanga, has expanded its dining space and bolstered operations thanks to a R3.5m investment from the Department of Tourism and the National Empowerment Fund. The upgrade added five permanent jobs and increased seating capacity from 140 to…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Hotel 247, a three‑star resort in White River, Mpumalanga, has announced a major expansion of its restaurant and a strengthening of its overall operations. The development comes after the hotel secured more than R3.5 million in funding from the Department of Tourism and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), a move that has created five new permanent positions and added temporary work during the renovation phase.
Funding and the Transformation Drive
The investment was split across three components: a R1.65 million grant from the Tourism Transformation Fund, a R1.65 million senior loan from the NEF, and an additional R242,600 earmarked for alternative‑energy infrastructure. Together, these funds enabled the hotel to modernise its kitchen, upgrade dining furniture, and install renewable‑energy systems that will reduce operating costs and improve resilience.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Makhotso Sotyu, Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale, Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Jesta Sidell, NEF CEO Mziwabantu Dayimani, and hotel owner Khosi Mthalane were all present at the launch ceremony. Their attendance underscored the partnership between government, the private sector, and Black entrepreneurs in driving sustainable tourism growth.
From 140 to 200 Seats: A Bigger Dining Experience
The restaurant’s seating capacity has increased from 140 to 200 guests, a 43 percent rise that allows the hotel to serve more visitors without compromising service quality. New tables, chairs and a state‑of‑the‑art kitchen layout were installed, while the bar area was expanded to accommodate a wider range of beverages. The upgrade also included a new lighting scheme and acoustic panels to create a more inviting atmosphere.
Owner Khosi Mthalane explained that the refurbishment was a strategic move to position Hotel 247 as a competitive player in the region’s hospitality market. “When I acquired Hotel 247, I saw an opportunity to build a business that could grow and compete while creating opportunities for others,” she said. “This refurbishment allows us to offer our guests an improved dining experience and serve more customers.”
Job Creation and Community Impact
With 30 staff already employed, the new funding added five permanent roles, including a head chef, a restaurant manager, and three service staff. During the construction phase, the hotel also hired 15 temporary workers, providing short‑term employment for local residents.
Deputy Minister Sotyu highlighted the broader significance of such projects, noting that “tourism transformation becomes meaningful when Black entrepreneurs are able to own productive assets, improve their businesses and compete in the market.” The hotel’s expansion is seen as a model for how financial support can translate into tangible economic benefits for communities.
Showcasing the Tourism Value Chain
The launch event also featured four NEF‑supported enterprises: Maduka Resources, Times Ten Workwear, Mbombela Experience, and Sibusiso Mogale Production. These exhibitors represented engineering, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture, illustrating how diverse sectors can collaborate within the tourism value chain.
Mbombela Experience, a beneficiary of the Tourism Transformation Fund, offers tours and transfers that connect visitors to Mpumalanga’s attractions. “Investments such as this one strengthen our destination while creating opportunities for businesses operating across the tourism value chain,” said MEC Sidell.
Safety, Collaboration, and Future Growth
Deputy Minister of Police Mathale stressed that a thriving tourism economy depends on visitors feeling safe and communities benefiting from tourism’s opportunities. “Safety is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation between law enforcement, government, businesses and communities,” he said.
Looking ahead, Hotel 247 plans to leverage its upgraded facilities to attract more guests, extend stay durations, and promote local products. The owner expressed gratitude to the Department of Tourism and the NEF for their support, emphasizing a commitment to excellent service and sustainable growth.
In summary, the R3.5 million investment has not only modernised Hotel 247’s restaurant but also reinforced its role as a catalyst for local employment, community development, and tourism excellence in Mpumalanga.
Key facts
- Hotel 247 received R3.5m in tourism and alternative‑energy funding
- Restaurant seating increased from 140 to 200 guests
- Five permanent jobs created, 15 temporary jobs during renovation
- Event highlighted collaboration across tourism value chain
- Safety and community benefits emphasized by government officials
Why it matters
The expansion demonstrates how targeted funding can empower Black women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, create jobs, and enhance regional tourism infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the source of the funding for Hotel 247’s expansion?
The funding came from a R1.65m grant via the Tourism Transformation Fund, a R1.65m senior loan from the National Empowerment Fund, and a R242,600 alternative‑energy grant.
How many new jobs were created by the expansion?
Five permanent positions were added, with an additional 15 temporary roles during the renovation.
Who attended the launch ceremony?
Deputy Minister of Tourism Makhotso Sotyu, Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale, Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Jesta Sidell, NEF CEO Mziwabantu Dayimani, and hotel owner Khosi Mthalane.
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “Hotel 247 expands in Mpumalanga after R3. 5m in funding”
