The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency’s (MTPA) maintenance plans for the Panorama Route are being awaited, following a presentation by the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business (KLCBT) CEO, Linda Grimbeek, on Wednesday, August 6.

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She summarised 10 critical improvements needed at the neglected sites and urged the MTPA to release its own assessment.

“The cleanliness of the sites must be improved through better management practices. Broken toilets need to be fixed. There’s a shortage of maintenance staff that must be addressed, and boreholes need upgrading to alleviate water shortages,” she said.

Grimbeek also called for maintenance teams to be equipped with proper vehicles and tools, and for weathered, damaged signage to be replaced.

Her presentation ended with a call to remove unsightly pipes at Bourke’s Luck that were washed down the river during previous floods.

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On Monday, August 4, Oupa Pilane, special attaché for the KLCBT, issued a statement accusing the MTPA of mismanaging funds allocated for maintaining the Panorama Route.

“Allocated a hefty R500m to drive tourism marketing and conserve our natural heritage, the agency has squandered R490m – 98% of its budget – on salaries, leaving a R60m deficit for the same,” read the statement.

Responding to the allegations, the MTPA’s spokesperson, Simphiwe Shungube, said: “The MTPA is well managed and ensures that we position Mpumalanga as a preferred tourism destination. We will continue to market the province and ensure that our protected areas are secured.”

In her 2025/26 budget speech in July 22, the newly appointed MEC, Jesta Sidell, confirmed that the MTPA had begun restoring some amenities.

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She added that the agency plans to expand the capacity of its capital assets over the medium term.
On Tuesday, August 5, Pilane released a follow-up statement announcing plans to meet with 150 travel operators and agencies in Botswana from August 6 to 8, to promote the Panorama Route.

“This visit to Botswana is a vital step in building partnerships and inspiring visitors to explore our region,” he said.

Efforts to address the neglect of the Panorama Route began on July 15, when Pilane invited the MTPA to join a tour of its key attractions. Although the MTPA declined the invitation, several media representatives joined Pilane.
The two organisations had agreed to share their respective action plans within seven days of the tour. However, the KLCBT opted not to issue a joint statement with the MTPA due to delays caused by further queries from the agency regarding the proposed plans.

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Grimbeek confirmed that a follow-up meeting is scheduled for Monday to discuss clarifying the MTPA’s management plans and how proposals for further development should be submitted.