Black Woman-Owned Spa Opens at Addo, Creating 36 Jobs in Tourism Hub
Lucia Ratshivhadelo’s journey from studying somatology and pharmaceutical science to launching a spa inside Addo Elephant National Park exemplifies the changing face of South Africa’s tourism industry—where skills, support, and ambition are opening new doors.
Johannesburg, South Africa – Visitors to Addo Elephant National Park, long celebrated for its breathtaking wildlife and natural beauty, now have a new reason to pause and unwind. The Epitome Spa & Wellness Centre has officially opened its doors within one of South Africa’s most iconic tourism destinations, offering a unique fusion of premium wellness services and economic transformation.
The spa is more than just a new amenity for tourists; it is a testament to inclusive growth in the tourism sector. The 100% black woman- and youth-owned enterprise has created 36 employment opportunities, including 20 temporary jobs during construction and 16 permanent positions for daily operations.
Backing Transformation
The development was made possible through strategic financial support from the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF). These initiatives are designed to lower barriers for black-owned enterprises, enabling them to establish and grow businesses in specialized sectors such as wellness, leisure, and hospitality.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu, highlighted the broader impact of such investments.
“Behind every tourism business are people whose lives can change through access to work,” Sotyu said. “The Epitome Spa & Wellness Centre demonstrates how supporting black women and young entrepreneurs can open doors to employment while creating new experiences for visitors. Our partnership with the NEF is about ensuring that transformation delivers meaningful results.”
From Science to Spa
At the helm of the venture is Ms. Lucia Ratshivhadelo, whose journey from academic study to entrepreneurial leadership exemplifies the potential of South Africa’s skills-based economy.
Ratshivhadelo holds a National Diploma in Somatology from Tshwane University of Technology (2015) and a Baccalaureus Technologiae in Pharmaceutical Science (2016). She further honed her expertise through specialized training in skincare, body treatments, aromatherapy, and beauty technology. In 2024, she established The Epitome (Pty) Ltd, merging her scientific background with her passion for professional wellness.
“My interest has always extended beyond beauty to understanding the science behind effective treatments,” Ratshivhadelo said. “Seeing The Epitome Spa & Wellness Centre become a reality is deeply meaningful, particularly because it has created employment opportunities for others. I want our employees to have opportunities to develop their skills and grow professionally.”
Investing in Ownership
NEF Chief Executive Officer Mziwabantu Dayimani noted that Ratshivhadelo’s success story underscores the critical role of development finance in converting expertise into ownership.
“South Africa has talented and capable people with the knowledge to build successful businesses,” Dayimani said. “But having expertise and entrepreneurial ambition does not always translate into ownership, particularly when access to capital remains a barrier. Ms. Ratshivhadelo’s journey shows what becomes possible when that barrier is addressed.”
The Epitome Spa & Wellness Centre is now open to the public, adding a sophisticated wellness dimension to the visitor experience at Addo Elephant National Park while serving as a model for how emerging entrepreneurs can thrive in specialized tourism markets.
