RX Africa’s Megan De Jager has been named Mentor of the Year at the 2026 Women in MICE Awards. Her win comes at a critical time for South Africa’s business events sector. With upcoming international conferences expected to inject nearly R1bn into the economy, the industry must urgently close a looming skills gap to successfully deliver on this potential.

To convert this international interest into repeat business, the sector relies on leaders who actively invest in people. De Jager, who serves as Portfolio Director for Travel, Tourism and Sports at RX Africa, was recognised for her commitment to future-proofing the local workforce. The peer-nominated award was announced on 5 August at the Monte De Dios Wedding and Conference Venue in Pretoria, under the theme Timeless Influence.

Mentorship as a Business Strategy

With almost two decades of experience, De Jager’s leadership philosophy is rooted in creating an environment where team members feel trusted and empowered. This approach was put to the ultimate test this past year: while De Jager was on maternity leave, the team she had coached stepped up to deliver record-breaking editions of WTM Africa and ILTM Africa. Their autonomous success serves as a powerful testament to effective mentorship, proving that investing in people ensures business continuity.

This focus on skills is critical for the broader economy. According to the Department of Tourism, South Africa has secured 52 international business events for the 2025/26 financial year, expected to inject nearly R1bn into the economy. Maintaining this momentum relies entirely on local teams capable of consistently delivering international service standards.

Institutionalising Industry Skills

To drive this mission across the industry, De Jager and RX Africa champion platforms for skills development and female empowerment. At this year's WTM Africa, the organisation introduced a dedicated Next-Gen content track that highlighted the exact skills gap facing the industry and provided concrete strategies to overcome it. This commitment continues with initiatives like the upcoming Women in MICE Awards launch breakfast at WTM Africa, followed immediately by a dedicated Women in Tourism Workshop in the WTM Brainbox.

"Leadership is about helping others discover what they are capable of," says De Jager. "South Africa is a premier global events destination, but our true competitive advantage is our people. During Women’s Month, it is especially important to reflect on how we are pulling the next generation of professionals up the ladder. I am deeply honoured by this recognition, but I am even prouder of my team, who constantly prove what is possible when people are supported and trusted to lead."

Carol Weaving, Managing Director of RX Africa, added: "We are incredibly proud of Megan. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation perfectly reflects our core values at RX Africa. Megan doesn't just run successful events; she builds the people who will lead this industry into the future."

A Track Record of Excellence

De Jager’s commitment to the sector is reflected in her extensive career, which includes:

• - Driving Flagship Events: Spearheading the strategic growth and customer experience for WTM Africa, ILTM Africa, and FAME Week Africa.
• - Award-Winning Leadership: Previously named in the Top 40 Women in MICE (2019), alongside multiple AAXO ROAR Awards and RX Excellence in Leadership accolades.
• - Industry Advocacy: Active engagement with key industry associations, including SAACI, SATSA, Skål, and Women in Travel.