Oluthando Keteyi|Published
Renowned broadcasters Pearl Thusi and Lungile Radu have been announced as the new hosts of a new domestic tourism series, "Just Travel SA".
Premiering on SABC1 on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 6.00 pm, the nine-part series is produced by Black Brain Pictures.
"Just Travel SA" invites South Africans to see their country through a fresh lens, uncovering remarkable destinations, local experiences and hidden gems across all nine provinces, with travel options designed for different budgets.
In a press release, Thusi shared that the experience on the show changed how she thinks about travelling at home
“I think we underestimate what we have in South Africa. What surprised me was just how much you can experience locally, and how affordable it can be.
"People travel from all over the world to experience this country, yet there is still so much of it that we as South Africans haven’t seen ourselves.”
Radu added that the experience highlighted the value of connecting with local communities.
"What really surprised me was the value of the experience itself. You’re not just paying for a bed, a meal or an activity.
"You’re meeting people, hearing their stories and experiencing a place through the people who actually live there,” he said.
Each 24-minute episode sees the hosts explore a province alongside a local insider, experiencing the destination through three spending categories: Smart Budget of up to R1,050 per day, Flexi Budget of up to R1,250 per day and Luxury Budget of more than R1,250 per day.
From the Free State with Mapaseka Koetle, to Limpopo with Clement Maosa and KwaZulu-Natal with Sweet Guluva, SABC 1 viewers get to uncover places, people and experiences that South Africans may not know exist in their own backyard.
The series is brought to audiences by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), in partnership with Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA).
“Domestic travelers are the bedrock of South Africa’s tourism industry,” said TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa.
“We want to show South Africans that experiencing their own country does not have to be out of reach. Every trip taken at home also supports businesses, communities and jobs while contributing to the growth of our tourism economy,” said Tshivhengwa.
“For SABC1, Just Travel SA offers viewers an opportunity to reconnect with South Africa through authentic storytelling, local discovery and accessible travel inspiration.
"By showcasing the country across a range of price points, the series encourages audiences to look closer to home and recognise that adventure, culture and unforgettable experiences can be found in every province,” said Thulisile Nhlapo, Acting SABC1 Channel Head.
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