Hluhluwe’s city of shops

AFTER seeing a niche in the market when prime development land went up for sale in Hluhluwe’s town centre, a savvy business investor was able to realise his vision of a tourist square.

The unique Hluhluwe Tourist Square opened its doors to the public on Saturday.

After speeches were made, the cake sliced and ribbon cut, invited guests and members of the public enjoyed a tour of the premises.

Designed to support micro-businesses, create job opportunities, empower people and narrow the gap between the rich and poor, the tourist square concept was chosen as there is no outlay for entrepreneurs.

The town of Hluhluwe was chosen as it services tourism in Zululand, Swaziland and Mozambique and has enjoyed much development in recent years.

‘If we want to do away with poverty, we must look at what densely populated countries do for their people,’ said Managing Director, Waseem Fareed.

‘Business capitalisation does not help the man on the street, we need to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor’.

During his keynote speech, Big Five False Bay Municipality Mayor Thembitshe Khumalo welcomed the tourist square, saying it is a ‘win-win situation’. ‘Investors, community members and the municipality will all benefit from the Hluhluwe Tourist Square,’ said Khumalo.

‘Hluhluwe is lacking in funding, skills and business managers so investment of this calibre must not stop here.’

All dignitaries agreed the tourist square provides and encourages employment and more enhanced tourist attractions in the town and surrounding areas.