Tzaneen Dam Nature Reserve set to be revived

TZANEEN – Once the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) complete the management takeover contract for Tzaneen Dam Nature Reserve, plans to revive it will be put in place.

This is according to GTM spokesperson Vutivi Makhubele.

“At the moment we are in the final stages of entering into a partnership which gives us authority to manage the reserve,” she said.

The Tzaneen Dam Nature Reserve is situated on the northwestern bank across from Jetty 3 and is accessible from the R36 at the Merensky Agriculture Academy turnoff.

It once boasted camping and ablution facilities and was a popular weekend destination.

Residents, especially outdoor lovers, have been eagerly anticipating the reopening of the reserve which has been closed for many years due to management challenges.

According to Makhubele, the contract pertains to the portion of land which previously served as a recreational area that has been deserted and depleted.

“The plan is for the GTM to revive it to its former state however the plans can only be actioned once the contract has been signed,” she said.

This comes after a meeting on August 30 to finalise the transfer of the management of the reserve from the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) to GTM.

GTM says it took nearly two years of negotiations spanning three different MECs at the helm of Ledet which have been marked by extensive discussions on how best to manage and enhance the reserve’s potential. It is not known when the final signing of the contract will take place.

GTM Mayor Gerson Molapisane has expressed optimism that the partnership will bolster economic activity and position the reserve as a key tourist attraction in the region.

He said plans include enhancing facilities and that they are excited about the potential of the partnership for the people of Tzaneen.

“Our goal is to restore the reserve to its former glory and make it a prime destination for locals and tourists alike.”