In a strategic move to deepen engagement and enhance the capacity of its trade partners, South African Airways (SAA) hosted an exclusive Agents Networking Forum for its top-performing agents at the Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja.
The forum was designed to boost industry knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and equip agents with the tools needed to maximise the wide range of offerings available to their customers.
Setting a celebratory tone for the day, SAA opened the event with a raffle draw, presenting shopping gift vouchers to lucky winners in appreciation of their unwavering support throughout the past year — particularly during the demanding festive season of December 2025.
Despite operational challenges experienced during the peak period, agents stood firmly by the airline, even as services were scaled up with two additional flights.
Speaking at the event, SAA Country Manager, Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, reaffirmed the airline’s strong commitment to its trade partners.
“We take our relationship with you, our trade partners very seriously because we recognise the vital role you play in the travel value chain. Our records clearly show that a significant percentage of our business comes from your efforts. You are invaluable to us, and we do not take this partnership for granted”, she stated.
Leke-Bamtefa expressed heartfelt appreciation for the agents’ patience, understanding, and professionalism during the Christmas peak season. She also formally introduced the airline’s new Sales Manager, Mrs. Adetoun Fowode, a seasoned industry professional with 15 years of travel agency experience.
Adding value to the forum, the Regional Manager of South African Tourism (SAT), Mr. Mohammed Tanko, showcased the diverse tourism opportunities across South Africa’s nine provinces under the campaign theme, “Come Find Your Joy”.
He highlighted an array of destination experiences — from Cape Town to Mpumalanga; Free State to Limpopo; Sun City to the Eastern Cape; Port Elizabeth and George Town — with special mention of the scenic Cape of St. Francis, popularly referred to as “The Venice of Africa”. Agents were also briefed on top-rated hotels, resorts, and curated holiday packages designed to attract Nigerian travellers.
Providing operational updates, Mrs. Leke-Bamtefa disclosed that SAA launched two new routes: Johannesburg–Gaborone on November 4 and Cape Town–Mauritius on December 9, 2025. She further confirmed that the airline has resumed its regular four weekly flights from Lagos, operating on Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
In response to requests for increased Lagos frequencies, she advised passengers to connect via Accra on days when direct Lagos services are unavailable.
“South African Airways is renowned for safety and security, schedule integrity, seamless travel experiences backed by local expertise, and competitive fares”, she assured.
The Country Manager also encouraged agents to proactively collaborate with SAA on group travel and bespoke service requests, reinforcing the airline’s openness to strategic partnerships.
Addressing visa-related concerns, Leke-Bamtefa clarified that SAA does not control visa processing or issuance.
However, she urged agents to maintain professionalism when offering visa advisory services and cautioned against misuse of the newly introduced e-visa system.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Mohammed Tanko noted that travellers now have expanded visa options, including the e-visa platform and the opportunity to apply without submitting their passports. He further revealed that longer-term visas are now being issued, with an average processing timeline of two weeks.
The networking forum underscored SAA’s commitment to strengthening industry partnerships, expanding route offerings, and driving tourism growth between Nigeria and South Africa.