As we resuscitate our economy in line with the economic reconstruction and transformation plan, we do not want local communities to be left behind.

It is for these reasons that today, I undertook an official visit to uPhongolo Local Municipality in Zululand District.

This is part of efforts aimed at fast-tracking the entry of local communities into the mainstream tourism sector.

Today's engagements with the local mayor Cllr Sibusiso Mhlongo, local leadership and stakeholders in the tourism industry have been very fruitful, eye-opening and inspires us in knowing that our efforts to develop economies for our people have not been in vain.

Our focus is to ensure that an integrated approach is used to usher in a new era of socio-economic development.

The department, working with uPhongolo Local Municipality and other role-players, is investing resources in the tourism infrastructure at local level. We believe that local government is best placed to create a memorable experience for tourists.

We have stated in various platforms that the success of tourism will be judged by how much it is contributing towards our efforts aimed at substantially reducing poverty, inequality and unemployment in our province.

It should be remembered that last week Thursday, I used a breakfast hosted by the Premier Sihle Zikalala to invite Ambassadors and High Commissioners to join us as we as we embark on the Tourism Activation and Investment Roadshow across the Phongolo and other parts of the province.

As  I pointed out to the diplomatic corps,  the Kingdom of the Zulu is not to be seen – you have to feel it. 

The trip to Northern parts of the province will give our visitors the unique opportunity to climb the valleys and hills overlooking many rivers that run ceaselessly day and night.

UThukela and Umfolozi rivers have nurtured the nation and continue to be a source of inspiration for this Rainbow nation.

We continue to position this province and rural parts of KZN as a tourism and economic destination of choice always ready to host sports lovers, business tourists and all other categories of visitors.

Today started with our visit to Intonga Farm which employs 22-fulltime staff and 15 seasonal workers. The farm focuses on sugarcane production on approximately 218 hectares and supplies the local Sugar Mill that is operated by RCL Foods. The MEC will also receive a report on uPhongolo Industrial Park which the department intends to use for job creation.

 We proceeded to a community project - Koopialien Guest House funded by the department with R1, 5 million specifically for the renovations. uPhongolo Municipality is the implementing agent for all the refurbishment in this tourism facility owned by the community through Mahlalela Community Trust.

Our crown jewel has been a visit here in the community-owned Mkuze Falls Game Reserve. This facility has been renovated and upgraded by the department with the budget of R2, 5 million. 

#KZNHASITALL  #BELIEVEIT

Issued by KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism And Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube