Operations at tourism sites under the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency’s (MTPA) management have been disrupted following some illegal strike actions by employees today, March 20.

The affected nature reserves are the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, which include God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondawels, Manyeleti Nature Reserve and Loskop Dam Nature Reserve.

According to a media statement released by the MTPA’s spokesperson, Simphiwe Shungube, the agency has approached the Labour Court for an urgent interdict application.

“The MTPA is committed to resolving this issue as swiftly as possible and is working tirelessly to reach an amicable and sustainable solution. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this strike has caused to tourists and local communities. We encourage visitors to explore alternative tourist destinations in Mpumalanga, where they can continue to enjoy the province’s stunning natural beauty and wildlife experiences,” Shungube said.

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About two months ago, the agency experienced a total shutdown of the some of its tourism sites along the Panorama Route for more than a week.
Employees took part in an illegal strike to demand better working and labour conditions and the provincial National Education, Health and Allied Worker’s Union (Nehawu) intervened to resolve the matter. The MTPA and Nehawu reported they had reached a mutual agreement after several meetings, which allowed for the reopening of the tourism sites.