MEC for Makhosazane Masilela ,on her official launch of the Tourism Month at Incwala Lodge
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, believes strongly that tourism is Mpumalanga’s gold mine and it must be continuously nurtured as it carries a significant potential to assist the government’s target of creating more job opportunities.
Speaking at the 2024 Tourism Month Media Launch held at Icwala Lodge in Emakhazeni Local Municipality which was attended by a number of media houses from Mpuamalanga as well as Gauteng province. In her opening remarks, Masilela expressed sadness following the death of a tourist at Bourke’s Luck Potholes on 31 August.
She said the incident is hard to digest because the Department has invested heavily in ensuring the safety of tourists. Masilela urged tourists to adhere to all safety measures in place in order to avoid injuries and fatalities.
The MEC said that Tourism Month provides the platform to celebrate the rich tapestry of South Africa’s beauty and cultural diversity, also showcasing the wonders that make this country a gem of the African continent.
Masilela said a series of Provincial tourism events will take place during the month of September, culminating into the National Tourism Day on 27 September, which will be celebrated in Kimberly, in the Northern Cape Province.
“ During my maiden Policy and Budget Speech last month in August, we committed to create around 100 000 new and sustainable jobs every year if we are to achieve the Mpumalanga Vision 2030 employment target of 2.1 million by 2030. If developed properly, tourism is one sector that will propel government to realise its commitment,” said Masilela.
She highlighted that the Department will continue supporting the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency(MTPA), which will contribute immensely towards the plan to pursue the plans of developing high impact projects aimed at stimulating inclusive growth and job creation in the tourism sector, including catalytic projects such as the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site, and the Blyde Canyon Cable Car
“ I have instructed the MTPA to fast track its programme of revitalising their nature reserves, with a view of attracting both foreign and domestic tourists into these nature reserves. During the Tourism Month, we will undertake a set of activities to foster tourism awareness in local communities of our Province, especially, within our townships and less visited areas of Mpumalanga.
“ We will create awareness about domestic travel among communities, with a special focus on travel to rural areas, villages and small towns. We will also host the 3rd edition of the Mpumalanga Tourism Career Expo in Middleburg, in the Emakhazeni Local Municipality on 4 September 2024,” she said.
Other key issues on the MEC’s keynote address included the free entry into selected nature reserves during Mpumalanga Parks Week starting from 9-13 September, Provincial Tourism Awareness Day to be held in Masibekela(Nkomazi Local Municipality) on 14 September, the Annual Mpumalanga Tourism Expo from 4 to 6 October in Mbombela, the Makhonjwa Mountains Marathon on 28 September which is a qualifier to the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons.
“ I urge the media to partner with us as our ambassadors on our journey to promote Mpumalanga as the tourism destination of choice. In your reporting, I implore you to paint a positive picture about the beauty of the Province. The influence of your voice and reach cannot be overemphasised. We can now confirm, without a shadow of doubt, that Mpumalanga tourism is open for business, i officially open this year’s tourism month under the theme : “Tourism and Peace – 30 years of connecting people, places and culture” Masilela said.
