Shangoni Gate at Kruger National Park to boost tourism and growth

LIMPOPO – The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela visited Shangoni Gate to assess the progress of the infrastructure projects that are being built to drive tourism to the Kruger National Park’s (KNP) and the surrounding communities.

The department provided financial assistance to the South African National Parks (SANParks) for the development of the Shangoni Gate in the Kruger National Park.

The projects will improve access to the KNP, especially from the northern side, create business, cultural, heritage exhibition and job opportunities for the local communities.

The deputy minister was joined by the executives of Department of Economic Development Environment and Tourism (Ledet), Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Vhembe District Municipality, and the Collins Chabane Local Municipality who played a critical role in rallying the local community to support the infrastructure initiatives that are poised to create sustainable opportunities at the gate.

Mahlalela said tourism has the potential to contribute to the economic growth of the country, thereby creating jobs and improving the well-being of people, Mahlalela said.

“The government seeks to build tourism hubs that benefit communities, enhance the ecology of the area, and conserve the fauna and flora in a sustainable way. This is the main reason for the proposed opening of a new gate on the border of the KNP, being the biggest of our parks that invite many international and domestic tourists every year.”

He applauded all parties for reaching consensus on the positioning of the Shangoni Gate in the northern part of the KNP, saying this is a major victory for tourism development and growth.

“From this point forward, all of us need to commit ourselves to the creation of jobs and defeating poverty while at the same time sharing the beautiful offerings of our country in a sustainable and green manner. There has been a long-standing dispute on the positioning of the Shangoni Gate among communities around, and next to the Shangoni Gate on the northern part of KNP. Tourism supports the project as it will catalyse local economic development for both the Vhembe and Mopani District Municipalities by providing job and business opportunities for the local communities through improved access to the KNP especially from the northern side.”

He said during the consultation process prior to application for environmental approval, a Shangoni Gate Stakeholder Forum was established coordinated by Ledet.

“The forum was constituted by representatives from the Muyexe Tribal Authority, Mtititi Tribal Authority, Madonsi Tribal Authority, Malamulele Business Forum, Mtititi community, Thulamela Local Municipality and Greater Giyani Local Municipality. The current management gate used by SANParks staff was a preferred option from the communities,” he said.

Collins Chabane Mayor Gezane Shadrack Maluleke said the meeting with Mahlalela and various traditional leaders from the affected communities resolved that they needed to have a technical team, which will comprise various stakeholders and that the departments which will deal specifically with the issue of beneficiation for the communities.

Acting Vhembe Mayor Tintswalo Bila said they appreciate the progress that has been made thus far. “Our wish is for the gate to be opened soon so that poor communities can start to benefit from it. We are trying to address the issue of poverty and unemployment and the opening of the gate will also boost our economy.”