Development Update
As part of our mandate to increase the economic footprint of tourism and investment into the hinterland, we provide support for our rural tourism stakeholders through several key initiatives.
SMME Development
Support to Crafters
We’re continuously developing platforms and business connections for SMMEs such as those between crafters and shop owners. To date, crafters displayed their products at 10 KZN South Coast establishments that boast significant tourist footprints. Other platforms we’ve created include:
- Arranging for crafters to display and sell products at San Lameer Country Club during the SA Kids Tournament from 21 to 26 August.
- In partnership with the KZN Department of Arts and Culture, we organised a craft exhibition on 17 September at Southcoast Mall corridor for six co-operatives, with mall management providing free space, tables and tablecloths.
Youth Development and Support
As part of youth development, we partnered with an EDTEA-trained organiser on Adventure Tour Guiding which included Level 2 First Aid training. This was in support of the 3rd Annual Spring Hiking event, hosted by Monate Outdoor Activities, on 3 September.
Tourism Advocacy Workshop
Our tourism entities benefitted from attendance at the Tourism Advocacy Workshop conducted by KZN EDTEA in partnership with TKZN. Attendees were taught how to conduct research and generate tourism statistics using available resources. We encourage you to participate in our seasonal surveys to assist us in our statistics gathering.
Product Development
KwaXolo Caves Adventures
We facilitated the installation of KwaXolo Caves Adventures directional signs at Southbroom on the R61.
Multi-Trails
We received positive feedback from a tour operator whose group hiked the KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trail with assurances that more tourists will be brought to the area. We partnered with CK Hospitality Solutions to conduct on-the-job training for homestay hosts on the Umzumbe River Trail (URT) on 4 and 5 October. This is ongoing assistance we offer, and positive feedback from hikers indicates it’s having the desired impact. The CEO also met with iNkosi Dlamini on 9 December at the Nhlangwini Royal Residence to discuss URT and other prospective projects that could lead to economic opportunities.
Weza Hiking Trail
On 18 October, we launched the 8km Weza Hiking Trail starting in the iKhwezi rural area near Harding. A trained local guide takes visitors from the junction of the Mawane and Weza rivers to two amaKhosi areas, KwaMachi and KwaJali, finishing at the impressive Mkhoba Waterfall. There is also authentic local accommodation available at the Ntozakhe Homestay.
Community Tourism Awareness
We attended this EDTEA-hosted event at KwaMsweli Sportsfield on 22 September where we addressed the community on issues such as:
- Taverns and accommodation establishments adhering to regulations concerning loud music;
- Being welcoming ambassadors for the region;
- The available opportunities for SMMEs, such as linking Tourism Crafters with local curio shops, SMME support and more; and
- Refraining from illegal dumping.