EDITOR – The Shongweni Reserve has served as an iconic landmark for the people of the greater Durban area and beyond for many years.
In particular, it has been superbly and efficiently managed by Msinsi Limited for more than two decades. Many notable personalities, including former US Vice-President Al Gore, have visited and stayed at the resort. Most people understand that it is in the best interests of all South Africans to endeavour to correct the inequalities of the past but the history of the land claims process in KZN does not inspire confidence.
In this province we have tens of thousands of hectares of formerly productive farm and conservation land either lying fallow or deteriorating under unsustainable subsistence agriculture. As with most conservation areas, benefits are indirect, attracting tourists to the area with a spread of general benefit and long term with for example, the breeding of valuable game such as rhino and buffalo.
It is unrealistic to expect it to produce the kind of immediate income that the Zwelibomvu community might expect nor is it likely that they, or indeed many other business people, can easily acquire the kind of specialist infrastructure and know how that Msinsi have. It would be sad if this historic site were lost to the people of Durban and it is essential that all the parties involved ensure a win-win plan for the future.
Failing this, lose-lose is guaranteed.
Geoff Caruth
Westville
