Private Sector Leads Climate Action with New Green Lung Launch
In a significant milestone for South Africa’s tourism and sustainability agenda, the Tourism & Travel Green Lung. First launched at Vergelegen Wine Estate (February 2026), and now has officially expanded to KwaZulu-Natal, with Brahman Hills announced as the second flagship site.
This expansion, led by Sigma International (www.sigmaintl.co.za ) in collaboration with key industry partners and tourism leaders, signals a bold step forward in embedding environmental responsibility, enterprise development, and inclusive growth into the tourism ecosystem. The activation took place ahead of Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026.
From Concept to Movement: Scaling a National Green Lung
Following the successful launch at Vergelegen Wine Estate, where the initiative positioned itself as a “living showroom where ESD meets ESG” — the Brahman Hills expansion represents the next phase: scaling a replicable, place-based model across South Africa.
What began with the planting of 250 trees linked to SMME carbon reduction is now evolving into a national movement, with each Green Lung acting as:
- A carbon-reduction and biodiversity restoration hub
- A platform for SMME participation and visibility
- A living symbol of tourism’s commitment to regenerative practices
A Legacy Activation for Africa’s Travel Indaba
Timed strategically around Africa’s Travel Indaba, the Brahman Hills Green Lung is positioned as a legacy activation for the continent’s premier tourism gathering. It demonstrates how the sector can move beyond dialogue into visible, measurable action.
This initiative reinforces a powerful message:
The private sector is not waiting. It is leading.
By anchoring the Green Lung within real destinations, the tourism industry is:
- Translating ESG commitments into tangible, on-the-ground action
- Creating credible, verifiable sustainability narratives aligned with global expectations
- Enabling SMMEs to actively participate in climate solutions
Brahman Hills: A Natural Partner in Conservation and Innovation
Set in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Brahman Hills brings deep alignment to the initiative through its longstanding commitment to conservation, biodiversity, and thoughtful land stewardship.
The Green Lung will be integrated into the estate’s broader environmental vision, including its 22-hectare Serenity Garden and landscape restoration programme, positioning the site as both:
- A conservation asset
- And an immersive, experiential tourism destination rooted in serenity, wellness and excellence
The development also coincides with Brahman Hills’ ambitious plans to establish one of the largest labyrinths in the world, reinforcing its role as an innovative, globally relevant tourism attraction.
Leadership Voices
Akash Singh, CEO of Sigma International:
“What we are seeing today is the transition from a single project into a movement. The Green Lung is no longer just a concept. It is becoming infrastructure for impact.
This is where enterprise development meets environmental responsibility in a way that is visible, credible, and scalable. Through this expansion, we are demonstrating that tourism can lead South Africa’s ESG agenda, with SMMEs at the centre of that journey.”
Jerry Mabena: Chairman of the Board Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA)
“Tourism has always been about connection, between people, places, and purpose.
The Green Lung takes that further by connecting growth with responsibility.
This is the kind of leadership our sector needs: practical, inclusive, and forward-looking.”
Onwaba Gonyora: Executive Director, Brahman Hills
“Partnering on the Green Lung aligns deeply with our philosophy of stewardship and long-term land care. This is not just about planting trees. It is about planting legacy, restoring balance, and creating spaces where people and nature can thrive together. These trees will long outlive us. They will cast shade for future generations”
Driving ESG, ESD and SDG Alignment
The Tourism & Travel Green Lung directly contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth (through SMME development)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
By integrating Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) outcomes, the initiative creates arare, practical convergence of economic inclusion and environmental stewardship.
A New Model for Tourism Leadership
As global markets increasingly demand verified sustainability practices, initiatives like the Green Lung position South Africa’s tourism sector as:
- Proactive rather than reactive
- Credible rather than aspirational
- Inclusive rather than exclusive
The model is designed for replication across provinces and regions and ultimately creating a network of Green Lungs that collectively contribute to national climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.