Call for radical tourism transformation

TOURISM is not just for the elite and is not only about leisure; it is serious business for all.

With these words, guest speaker S’thembiso Madlala – Board Chairman of Tourism KZN, prefaced his speech at Thursday’s AGM of the uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation (uCTO).

Addressing tourism’s balancing act between transformation and growth, Madlala said the potential of tourism to transform society, create employment, educate, entertain and attract visitors had long been ignored.

‘We need to agree that tourism growth should be pursued within the transformation context that seeks to uplift the poor and change the face and character of ownership,’ said Madlala.

‘For example, a group does a township tour and then returns to the city hotel to sleep instead of using a township B&B. Why?

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‘Growth should be accompanied by commitment and pragmatism on the part of those already thriving in the industry, so that it cannot be business as usual.’

Madlala said tourism should itself define transformation, ‘or else others will define it for us’.

‘We can’t get bogged down to a political definition and to this end I have asked TKZN to convene a stakeholders’ dialogue towards the end of August to discuss, deliberate and unpack transformation in the tourism sector.

Destination of choice

Madlala praised the efforts and progress of the uMhlathuze CTO which, despite lack of finance and resources, had ‘plenty of intellectual capital’.

‘Most municipalities have not even started their CTO’s, despite it being mandatory, and do not provide the necessary operational capacity.

‘Why is it, when tourism injects 10% into the economy, it is an afterthought when it comes to budgets?

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Earlier, uCTO Chairman Mandla Magagula reviewed the three-year history of the organisation, which has made slow but steady progress and has retained its core of dedicated committee members.

‘We are determined to make ‘Sizzle City’ a destination of choice and are identifying and activating tourism products that relate to our all-year excellent climate.

‘We now have on our side committed City councillors in Cllrs Sookroo, Phahla and Zondo who bring good ideas, proposals and information.

‘Head of Section for Economic Development Facilitation, Simphiwe Morajane has suggested many good projects, the latest being the ‘Escape Winter’ campaign that will attract visitors to the city to enjoy our mild mid-year climate.

‘Thanks to the Sanlam Centre management, we recently opened a tourism hub in Empangeni, which has long been neglected despite having numerous attractions for tourists,’ said Magagula.

‘They also equipped the office and so we now have two centres, the other being at the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront, courtesy of businessman Rob Hughes.

‘We are in exciting negotiations with the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry and hope to pool our efforts for the common good.’

He singled out city stalwart Sipho Mchunu for his energetic handling of uCTO matters, and secretary Vanessa le Roux for her vital role.

The Zululand Observer was praised as an important partner in championing the uCTO’s efforts.
Magagula called for more commitment from the municipality, as did uCTO treasurer Jeffrey Mcambi, who reported on a virtual penniless organisation, despite the low R300 membership fee.

He urged city officials to refuse to license any business in the hospitality industry unless they are affiliated to the uCTO, as required by legislation.

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