South Africa commemorates Tourism Month in September to coincide with World Tourism Day on September 27.
This year’s Tourism Month is celebrated under the theme: Tourism and Peace – 30 years of connecting people and cultures.
As industries continue to showcase the country's diverse tourism offerings and to highlight the sector's significant contribution to the South African economy, MEC for KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs Reverend Musa Zondi said, as the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, they would use this theme to reaffirm their unique tourism offerings as the province of KZN and what makes their destination unique and special for those looking for exciting travel destinations.
Speaking during the launch of Tourism Month at the Multimedia Centre in the Emakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park in uMgungundlovu recently, Zondi said following the merger of Tourism KZN and the Film Commission they were looking forward to igniting the Zulu brand by embarking on numerous projects that will ensure that they remain one of the greatest tourist destinations in the country.
“At the recent launch of my department’s budget, I announced that R34 billion of investment had been ploughed into tourism infrastructure projects in seven different areas.
“The department also supported 30 tourism enterprises to enhance their businesses to enable them to have greater participation in the sector.
“We also upskilled and trained 150 tourist guides across various categories, such as nature, adventure, and culture, to the tune of R33 million,” he said.
“My department's commitment to tourism infrastructure is clear as we are allocating R12 million towards projects such as the Drakensberg Cable Car, beach development, the KwaXolo caves, the Highover Game Reserve, Thokazi Lodge, St Lucia, and Howick Falls.
“This will not only enhance the tourism of KZN but will also promote economic growth in these regions,” said Zondi.
He said another R7,35m would go towards tourism sector development and promoting the province’s diverse, cultural and natural attractions. This. he said, would aid KZN’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.
Zondi also announced that the King Shaka statue would be unveiled at the King Shaka International Airport during the 2024/25 financial year.
He said King Shaka's KwaBulawayo precinct outside Eshowe would also be restored, being one of the initiatives by KZN Amafa and Research Institute.
“Amafa will also carry out research to safeguard and declare KwaCeza a provincial heritage site. This will honour KwaCeza at the site of King Dinuzulu's final stand against the British colonisation of Zululand. Amafa will repair four huts at the site.
“Amafa is further improving access and restoring royal gravesites in the eMakhosini Valley and installing new signage.
“Ulundi Municipality is collaborating on the project. Princess Magogo ka Dinuzulu died almost 40 years ago and Amafa will collaborate with Zululand District Municipality, the Buthelezi family, the Zulu Royal family, and other stakeholders to honour the Princess,” concluded Zondi.