
By Chigamba neGanda
In a bold move to reshape the global perception of South African tourism, the country’s official tourism board has appointed internationally renowned content creator Marvellous Nyongoro, widely known as The African Finder, as its new Brand Ambassador.
Hailing from Nyanga, Zimbabwe, 28-year-old Marvellous Nyongoro is a digital storyteller, travel enthusiast, and self-proclaimed foodie. A proud alumnus of Marist Brothers Nyanga Boys High School, he likely began cultivating his deep love for storytelling and African culture during his formative years there.
As The African Finder, Nyongoro has garnered an impressive social media following—over 463,500 followers across platforms—spanning countries such as Zimbabwe, Kenya, Rwanda, Egypt, Mozambique, Ethiopia, as well as the USA and UK. His content celebrates Africa’s rich heritage, vibrant cultures, and untold stories.
Appointing The African Finder as a South African tourism ambassador is a strategic initiative aimed at boosting international and intra-African travel to the country. Nyongoro’s influence goes beyond creating viral content. Through immersive storytelling and visual content focused on South African food, music, history, and culture, he seeks to reshape the global narrative and encourage more people to visit South Africa.
The African Finder joins a growing list of African influencers who are redefining digital travel content. Notable creators such as Wodemaya (265K Instagram followers, 1.73M YouTube subscribers) and Tayo Aina (365K Instagram followers, 1.13M YouTube subscribers) have led the way in using content to showcase African excellence. Nyongoro cites them as key inspirations and hopes to collaborate in future projects to amplify Africa’s tourism narrative.
Tourism remains a key pillar of South Africa’s economy, contributing to job creation, cultural exchange, and foreign investment. By selecting an authentic African voice like The African Finder, South Africa aims to boost tourist numbers from within the continent and across the Americas and Europe.
As part of this expansive campaign, billboards featuring The African Finder and the message “Visit South Africa” have already been launched in high-traffic areas such as Bole International Airport in Ethiopia. More installations are planned across airports and key transport hubs, creating a visual and emotional connection with travellers.
Beyond marketing, the campaign seeks to inspire Africans to explore their own continent. Encouraging intra-African tourism not only strengthens economic ties but also fosters unity, cultural pride, and mutual appreciation among African nations.
With a passion for authentic storytelling and a commitment to redefining Africa’s image, The African Finder is poised to influence how the world views South Africa. His content invites travellers to experience the soul of South Africa—its people, its food, and its traditions—through the eyes of a fellow African explorer.
As the tourism campaign gains momentum, Marvellous Nyongoro’s mission is clear: to celebrate Africa, inspire travel, and put South Africa on the global map as a must-visit destination.