Clevenard to Honour Jeremiah Andrew “Jerry” Mabena at the 2026 Clevenard Open Project & Clevenard Global Awards in Alicante, Spain

Alicante, Spain — Clevenard SL is proud to announce that Jeremiah Andrew “Jerry” Mabena, a globally respected tourism icon, business leader, and transformation strategist, will be honoured with a prestigious Honorary Award at the Clevenard Open Project 2026, taking place from 27–30 August 2026 at the Palacio de Congresos, Alicante, Spain.

Jerry Mabena, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Motsamayi Tourism Group, is one of South Africa’s most influential and accomplished executives. In addition to his CEO role, he also holds several high-profile leadership positions, including:

• Chairman, Tourism Business Council of South Africa
• Board Director, Kruger Shalati
• Board Director, Combined Motor Holdings
• Board Director, SRS Laundry
• Board Director, Thebe Corridors Company
• Board Director, Ornico Investments
• Board Director, Jurni
• Board Director, Sanctuary Mandela

His honorary recognition will be formally presented on Day 4 — Sunday, 30 August 2026, during the Clevenard Global Award – 3rd Edition 2026, held alongside the International Fashion Runway. This flagship ceremony celebrates exceptional global leaders whose influence transcends borders and generations.

In addition to receiving the honorary distinction, Jerry Mabena will deliver a keynote address on Day 3 — Saturday, 29 August 2026, during the Global Tourism & International Film Celebration, a major gathering uniting tourism leaders, filmmakers, government officials, cultural ambassadors, and traditional leaders.

ABOUT JEREMIAH ANDREW “JERRY” MABENA

Jeremiah Andrew “Jerry” Mabena — widely celebrated across South Africa’s corporate, tourism, and investment sectors — is a visionary business leader, transformation champion, and one of the most influential executives shaping the future of Africa’s tourism and service industries. With a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, Jerry has earned a reputation for strategic excellence, enterprise growth, and the advancement of inclusive economic participation across the continent.

As CEO of the Motsamayi Tourism Group, Jerry leads one of Africa’s powerhouse tourism investment companies, whose portfolio includes some of the continent’s most iconic attractions and hospitality assets. Under his leadership, the group has strengthened its position as a pioneering black-owned tourism conglomerate, driving transformative investment, opening new markets, and elevating South Africa’s global tourism appeal.

The company’s portfolio includes the internationally acclaimed Kruger Shalati, a luxury train-on-a-bridge experience, and Sanctuary Mandela, an exclusive hospitality tribute to the legacy of Nelson Mandela.

Beyond his corporate leadership, Jerry serves as Chairman of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, where he leads national strategies, industry coordination, and public-private advocacy efforts focused on strengthening tourism’s contribution to South Africa’s economy, job creation, and socio-economic transformation.

Academic Excellence & Professional Foundation

Jerry holds a degree in Industrial Psychology and Economics from Rhodes University, one of South Africa’s most respected academic institutions.

He further obtained:

• A Diploma in Project Management from Damelin
• A Postgraduate Certificate in Accounting and Finance from Wits Business School

These qualifications equipped him with a powerful blend of strategic, analytical, and people-centred leadership capabilities.

An Executive Career of Excellence, Innovation & Impact

Jerry’s early corporate journey included roles at Unilever, where he gained global brand experience, and J. Walter Thompson, where he refined his strategic communications and brand management expertise.

He later became Managing Director at Ucingo Marketing, leading influential campaigns and strengthening corporate partnerships.

His major CEO appointments include:

• CEO, Kagiso Exhibitions and Events (2004–2007)
• CEO, Kagiso Property Holdings (2007–2010)
• CEO, Thebe Property Management
• CEO, Thebe Services (2011–2020)

These roles solidified Jerry’s reputation as a results-driven leader capable of driving transformation, managing high-value portfolios, and delivering consistent organisational growth.

A Transformational Force in Tourism & Economic Development

At the Motsamayi Tourism Group, Jerry is redefining African tourism through:

• Inclusive ownership models
• Destination development
• Job creation
• Global partnerships
• Community upliftment
• Sustainable infrastructure investment

His influence stretches across government, investment, community development, and international tourism markets.

He is also a leading national voice on:

• Tourism transformation and empowerment
• Economic inclusion
• Sustainable tourism investment
• Innovation in African travel experiences
• Repositioning South Africa internationally
• Leadership development and youth empowerment

He is regularly invited to speak at top-tier forums, policy dialogues, and global tourism gatherings.

Board Leadership & National Influence

Jerry serves on the boards of:

• Motsamayi Tourism Group
• Kruger Shalati
• Combined Motor Holdings
• SRS Laundry
• Thebe Corridors Company
• Ornico Investments
• Tourism Transformation Council of South Africa
• Jurni
• Sanctuary Mandela

Across these roles, he continues contributing to governance excellence, policy influence, and strategic economic development.

A Leader with Purpose, Passion & People at the Centre

Jerry is recognised for his dedication to developing leaders, building strong teams, and championing young talent. His leadership approach emphasises:

• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Empowerment
• Inclusivity
• Shared economic growth

Colleagues describe him as a visionary strategist, transformational thinker, bridge-builder, and passionate mentor.

ABOUT THE CLEVENARD OPEN PROJECT 2026

The Clevenard Open Project 2026 is a four-day international flagship forum themed “A Global Celebration of Business, Culture, Creativity & Human Connection.”

It convenes global leaders, policymakers, diplomats, cultural figures, investors, and entrepreneurs from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Event Highlights:

• Day 1 (27 August) – Global Authors’ Recognition & Education Summit
• Day 2 (28 August) – Global Economy, Trade, Solid Minerals, Agriculture & Investment Summit
• Day 3 (29 August) – Global Tourism & International Film Celebration
• Day 4 (30 August) – Clevenard Global Award – 3rd Edition 2026 & International Fashion Runway

Venue: Palacio de Congresos Alicante, Avinguda de Dénia 47–49, 03013 Alicante, Spain

Dates: 27–30 August 2026

Contact & Media Enquiries

• Phone: +34 631 279 811 | +34 672 93 12 16
• Website: www.clevenard.com
• Organiser: Clevenard SL | NIF: B75809574

ABOUT CLEVENARD

Clevenard is a global platform dedicated to connecting people, cultures, businesses, and opportunities worldwide. Through media, technology, events, and strategic partnerships, Clevenard amplifies voices, builds bridges, and drives cultural and economic progress.

Mission: To connect the world, amplify voices, and create opportunities that transform lives.

Category:

Tourism 

Oganisation:

Clevenard

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34631279811