Pearl Thusi and Lungile Radu bring South Africa’s hidden gems to new travel show

South African television stars Pearl Thusi and Lungile Radu are teaming up to showcase the country’s travel destinations in a new SABC1 series, ‘Just Travel SA’, which aims to make local adventures more accessible to viewers.

The nine-part series will premiere on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 6pm. Produced by Black Brain Pictures, it will take the two hosts across all nine provinces, exploring local attractions, cultural experiences and lesser-known destinations alongside people who know each area.

The show is designed around different travel budgets, giving viewers ideas for exploring South Africa whether they want an affordable getaway or a more luxurious experience.

What to expect from the new show

Each 24-minute episode will feature a local insider who helps the hosts discover a province and its attractions. The experiences are divided into three spending categories: a Smart Budget of up to R1,050 per day, a Flexi Budget of up to R1,250 per day, and a Luxury Budget above R1,250 per day.

The programme will also feature local personalities, including Mapaseka Koetle in the Free State, Clement Maosa in Limpopo and Sweet Guluva in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to SABC1, the series is intended to encourage viewers to reconnect with their country through travel, local stories and experiences they may not have considered before.

Why Pearl Thusi continues to attract attention

Pearl Thusi has built a public profile through acting, presenting and other entertainment projects. Her involvement gives the new series a familiar face who can draw viewers interested in her work beyond scripted television.

Partnering with Lungile Radu, an established broadcaster and producer, also brings together two presenters with experience in South African entertainment. Their different perspectives could help the programme balance celebrity appeal with conversations about local communities and destinations.

The announcement has attracted entertainment coverage, although specific online fan reactions should not be assumed without verified comments. The show's appeal will ultimately depend on the destinations it reveals, the experiences it captures and how useful viewers find its travel ideas.

How the show could support local tourism

Beyond celebrity entertainment, the Pearl Thusi travel show has a practical purpose: encouraging South Africans to spend more time and money exploring their own country.

Travel programmes can introduce audiences to attractions they may not know about, from scenic landscapes and cultural sites to local restaurants, accommodation and community-led activities. Increased interest can create opportunities for tourism businesses, guides, transport providers and small businesses serving visitors.

The programme's budget categories may also help viewers think about travel as something that can fit different financial circumstances rather than an experience reserved for people with substantial disposable income.

The series is being presented in partnership with the Tourism Business Council of South Africa and Tourism Marketing South Africa. Both organisations have an interest in encouraging domestic travel and supporting businesses and jobs connected to tourism.

‘Just Travel SA’ will premiere on SABC1 on October 26 at 6pm, with a repeat on SABC2 on Thursdays at 9:30pm. It will also be available on SABC Plus.

By combining recognisable presenters with local stories and practical spending guides, the SABC1 new show aims to make discovering South Africa feel more achievable for viewers.