Pic : Silver Park staff with Lorraine Mbokane (In Floral dress) at the park
Tucked in Nhlazatshe, Elukwatini, in the Albert Luthuli Local Municipality, Silver Park Resort has grown from a personal dream into one of Mpumalanga’s go-to family destinations, creating jobs and bringing new life to the local tourism economy.
The resort, which was officially opened in November 2022, is the brainchild of Lorraine Mbokane, a woman entrepreneur who saw a gap in her community and chose to fill it.
The Journey: Building from the ground up
For Mbokane, the idea for Silver Park started with a simple observation of how people, in her community were lonely in weekends and had no place to go for entertainment. A number of kids in the area were seen indoors lonely and locked up in houses for their safety and families having no entertainment in the area.
“I noticed that families and children in my area did not have a safe and enjoyable place to gather, relax, and create memories together. That inspired me to establish Silver Park Resort. I wanted to build something that would not only serve the community but also create opportunities for local people,”Mbokane said.
Turning vision into reality from an empty stand to a family destination was not easy.
“Building a resort from scratch was one of the biggest challenges of my life. There were financial pressures, construction challenges, and many moments when the dream seemed impossible. However, I remained focused on my vision. Through determination, faith, and hard work, I was able to turn an empty piece of land into a destination that families can enjoy today,” she said.
Local impact and jobs
Since opening, Silver Park has become an important local employer. The water park employs 8 people during off-peak seasons, and that number rises to approximately 25 during peak periods.
“Beyond direct employment, the resort also supports local suppliers, service providers, and small businesses. Every visitor who comes to the resort contributes to the local economy, helping to create a positive impact in our community,” Mbokane explained.
Showcasing Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga, meaning; “the place where the sun rises,” is known for its landscapes and hospitality. Mbokane says Silver Park adds to that offering by focusing on family connection.
“While Silver Park Resort is primarily focused on providing family entertainment and recreation, it contributes to the province’s tourism offering by giving both local and visiting families a place to relax, connect, and enjoy the beauty of Mpumalanga. As the business grows, I look forward to incorporating more local culture and heritage experiences into our offering,” she said.
Leadership, resilience and empowering women
As a woman in a competitive industry, Mbokane leans on faith and focus to stay the course.
“I believe hospitality is my calling. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is to stay focused on the vision and not be distracted by challenges or negativity. Leadership requires perseverance, courage, and consistency. During difficult seasons, my faith keeps me grounded,” she said.
Empowering other women is central to how she runs the business.
“Empowering women is very important to me. I do this by creating employment opportunities for women in the resort, encouraging women to pursue leadership roles and believe in their abilities, sharing my entrepreneurial journey, and supporting women-owned suppliers wherever possible,” Mbokane said.
Her message to aspiring women entrepreneurs is direct:
“Never quit what you started. Every successful business began as an idea, and persistence is what turns that idea into reality.”
Innovation and future plans
To stay competitive, Silver Park has embraced digital tools, from social media marketing to online enquiries and bookings, while also promoting responsible water and energy use.
Looking ahead, Mbokane has big plans for the resort and for tourism in the province.
“In the next five years, I see Silver Park Resort becoming a premier family destination, similar to a mini Sun City. I envision expanding the resort with guest houses, a hotel, camping facilities, conference venues, and more attractions for visitors,” she said.
She also called for more on-the-ground support for tourism SMMEs.
“Support from organisations such as MPTA (Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency) in connecting businesses like mine with investors would make a significant difference and help accelerate our growth,” Mbokane said.
Advice and legacy
To young women in Mpumalanga dreaming of starting in tourism, Mbokane offers this:
“Believe in yourself, even when others doubt you. Start with what you have and where you are. Learn continuously and never stop improving your skills. Most importantly, never quit. Success rarely happens overnight. The women who succeed are often the ones who refuse to give up.”
“The legacy I want to leave is proof that a woman can start with nothing and build something extraordinary. I want young women to look at my journey and realise that their dreams are valid, their voices matter, and that with faith, determination, and hard work, anything is possible,” she said.
From vision to reality, Silver Park Resort stands today as proof that local ideas, backed by determination, can transform communities one family memory at a time.
