Speaker Profile: Ikaneng Oupa Pilane

_{^{Oupa Pilane (full name: Ikaneng “Oupa” Pilane) is a prominent South African entrepreneur, tourism developer, business coach, local government specialist, and public figure based in Nelspruit Background and Education • Born: Nelspruit (Mbombela), Mpumalanga. He is described as a self-made entrepreneur. • Education: Master’s degree ( in Public Development from the University of the Witwatersrand Professional Career • Early Career: Started in the public sector. He served as the first spokesperson for former Mpumalanga Premier Dr. Mathews Phosa. He also worked for the Mpumalanga Department of Local Government, focused on municipal interventions, turnaround strategies for struggling municipalities, and integrated development planning. • Entrepreneurship and Tourism: Co-founder, director, and developer of Graskop Gorge Lift Company, a major nature-based tourism attraction on the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga featuring a glass elevator, zip-lining, and other adventure activities. It has attracted over 1.9 million visitors since its inception • Director of Bakgatla Tourism and Municipal Solutions (consulting). • Director of 34 on Saturn, a hospitality venue in Nelspruit offering guesthouse accommodation, dining, and events • Other roles: Director of Pulanala Energy (Sasol empowerment partner) and various tourism/development boards. Leadership and Board Roles • National Chairperson of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA). • Former member of the SA Tourism Board. • Special attaché for the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business & Tourism (KLCBT), with past roles including president. • Board member of the Nkangala Economic Development Agency and the Co Chairpersons of the Mpumalanga tourism think tank He is known for advocating world-class tourism products, innovation, and addressing challenges in the South African tourism sector (including public commentary on leadership and policy).}}