THE large number of uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation (uCTO) members who enjoyed a recent trip to Richards Bay Minerals were blown away by what they saw and heard.
Of special interest for many was the tour of the Managa Heritage Centre, opened by His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelethini in 1998.
The centre contains numerous, centuries-old artefacts recovered during mining activities in the area, many of which relate to the smelting of iron for the manufacture of weapons and implements.
Early pottery pieces and other cultural items, as well as recorded history of the people who lived in the area and lineage of the traditional leadership, are also on display.
The uCTO group was taken on an enlightening trip through the rehabilitated section of the mining operation and told of exciting plans to open a community recreational centre to be open to the general angling, hiking, birding and mountain biking public.
A visit to the Esibusisweni Rural Development Centre, specifically aimed at adult basic education and literacy, was followed by the members holding their monthly meeting at the RBM Visitors Centre and enjoying lunch courtesy of their hosts.
