Balancing tourism and economic growth

Tourism is equal to economic development.

As chairman of the Tourism Organisation, Johan Pieters has grasped the fundamental truth that attracts tourists to certain locations.

Newcastle’s popularity is proof of this concept.

During his presentation at a Provincial Tourism Committee (PTC) dinner on Thursday, Mr Pieters highlighted events and attractions contributing to the local success story.

“Vulintaba is a R1,9-billion investment. Guests commented it seems almost out of place here.”

He added the Maharaj residence, a former family home of influential political stalwart, Mac Maharaj, was to be purchased and marketed as a full-time tourist destination in future.

Further sites mentioned were the Ntshingwayo Dam and Chief Albert Luthuli Footsteps.

Mr Pieters stated the nature reserve could soon boast conference facilities, while the Footsteps, a museum in Blaauwbosch, is being extensively promoted both locally and to out-of-town guests.

“Each person is a tourist the moment they leave their home.”

Moving onto the events bringing money into the area, Mr Pieters spoke of the Chelmsford Challenge, the Winter Festival, the Newcastle Air Show, and the Vensterfees et al.

“The district is dynamic and situated well. Come work, play and stay in Newcastle.”

Representing the KZN Growth Coalition, Barbara Elliot elaborated on the area’s burgeoning economy, up 3,4 per cent in 2014, and projects welcomed in 2015.

She revealed that this year, Lanxess and SA Calcium Carbide together, plus Karbochem, had invested R100-million to ‘empower local business and this town’.

Projects anticipated in the near future include:

SuperSpar – approximately R50-million worth of investment; Audi – R20-million investment; Newcastle Techno Hub – R50-million investment; Vulintaba – R30-million investment for the hotel, wedding chapel and conferencing facilities; Oryx Energy – R50-million investment; Bottling plant – R45-million investment for Thirsty water near Normandien.

The Growth Coalition listed escalating rates and taxes, crime and unemployment, the cost of power and potential load shedding among challenges, but also noted positives outweighed negatives.

“We hope you can see the potential for investment in Newcastle and the need for support from Government, even at a provincial level.”

The key note address of the evening was delivered by Amajuba District Mayor, Jabu Khumalo, who said it was a privilege to host the PTC locally.

She hoped the tour had highlighted what the district had to offer.

Cllr Khumalo added government was providing an ‘enabling environment for business to grow’, applauding investors who contributed to the expansion of Newcastle.

“Yet we acknowledge the good and bad. We have to mention the challenges as well.”

Bucking a trend of downturn, Cllr Khumalo noted even smaller locations such as Dannhauser and Utrecht were bolstered by development projects.

This included repairs and rebuilding of roads overall.

“Challenges include poor road conditions but we are positive about benefits upgrades will bring.”

Attending in MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Mike Mabuyakhulu’s stead, Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo spoke briefly on the R250-million investment in Dannhauser.

This amount has seen the Community Health Clinic open its doors this year.

“For us, it is important to resuscitate the smaller towns.”

Acting Municipal Manager, Errol Mswane rounded the evening off with a vote of thanks to all involved, calling Newcastle Municipality fortunate to have a solid relationship with the business sector.

He stated the concept of inter-government relations had helped achieve unified goals.

“This synergy demonstrates how far we can take the country in future.”