Nieu Bethesda Events

Backpacking South Africa (BSA) held their 2008 Youth & Adventure Travel Conference in Nieu Bethesda. Backpacking South Africa is a member-based organisation charged with marketing South Africa internationally as a youth travel destination. The organisation opted to host the conference in Nieu Bethesda, because they thought that not only was the off-the-beaten track destination the kind that attracts backpackers, also the benefits of the conference to the community fit in with the organisations' ethos or community development through tourism.

The conference was attended by over 120 delegates who were accommodated in several places around the village. The main sessions were held in the Nieu Bethesda theatre, while meals were served in the Old Church Hall. Catering was done by the Outsiders Restaurant as well as ladies from the local township, Pienaarsig. Standard fare was lamb potjies and steaming hot vetkoek were served for tea on chilly mornings.

Delegates looking for a bit of fun went on donkey cart tours of the village. Comedian, Mark Sampson, and reggae band, Tidal Waves were part of the entertainment. Former activist and South African High Commissioner, Cheryl Carolus, was a guest speaker.