MBOMBELA – A statement released by the MTPA said this signing is in line with the entities’ respective legislative mandates, especially in tourism and the management of nature conservation.

The MoU serves to enhance and strengthen the ties between the two parties. Both parties recognise that the tourism industry has the potential of being a catalyst for significant economic growth and development in rural communities in Mpumalanga, with the potential of broadening the participation of previously disadvantaged individuals and communities in the tourism and conservation sectors. This will ultimately improve the quality of life of every citizen of the province.

ALSO READ: Don’t build your future on false foundations

“We are excited to have signed this MoU as it aims to enhance our relationship with the House of Traditional Leaders that is the custodian of land in the traditional communities. “Our intention is to accelerate the recovery of the tourism sector in Mpumalanga and aspire to accomplish the targets set out in the five-year strategy and the adopted tourism sector recovery plan for the province,” said Victor Mashego, the chairperson of the MTPA board.

The chairperson of the Mpumalanga Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Inkosi Sandile Ngomane, said the signing of the MoU presents it with an opportunity to work together to develop and empower communities.

“It also offers us an opportunity to utilise our natural resources to fight hunger, deprivation and poverty afflicting our people in the countryside.

This cooperation will help with the development of tourism in our communities and facilitate collaborative and cooperative initiatives in the tourism and conservation sectors that seek to promote the livelihood of our people. “We look forward to a collective participation in tourism events, which may be organised both domestically and internationally, particularly with our neighbours of eSwatini and Mozambique, with the aim of positioning Mpumalanga as a preferred tourism destination.

ALSO READ: Sabie Classic to boost tourism and economy

“The interaction with the private sector as a critical stakeholder will further provide us with an opportunity to pursue available investment opportunities to develop tourism in the province,” added Ngomane. The duration of this MoU will be for a period of five years with an option for renewal for another additional five years on such revised terms and conditions as agreed upon by both parties.