Tourists to Hazyview to benefit from innovative approach
International tourists are exploring the townships surrounding Hazyview to learn the local people's customs.
Tourists visiting Hazyview are increasingly interested in the local village lifestyles and the much-maligned taxi industry.
The initiative to drive this part of Mpumalanga’s tourism is also a way to change the mindset about taxi travelling and shows the benefits of the industry instead of everyone just always hearing about the negatives.
This innovative plan was introduced by the Shabalala Interpretation of Culture Centre (SICC), the result of a highly successful collaboration with the local community. SICC’s founder, Goodman Nkosi, said they came up with the idea to ensure local businesses benefit from the tourist industry as they are close to the popular Kruger National Park and the famous Panorama Route.
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“As the SICC, we wanted to make sure all local businesses benefit from the tourism industry, since we are at the door to all the tourism sites, and for a long time, people in the area were not benefiting, because of a few unpleasant events highlighted in the media. We have a rich culture in this area, which needs to be shared with the world. Unfortunately, our taxi operators have been all painted in a negative way, while there are those who are doing a good job.
“We decided to collaborate with them to transport tourists with taxis, not only for the true South African experience, but to show that not all of them are bad. Vendors who sell their wares at the taxi rank will also benefit from this initiative,” he explained.
Nkosi also said it is very rare that people are robbed at the taxi rank or on their routes, and he believes that with this initiative, they aim to protect the tourists as everyone in the area benefits.
The sangomas, animal herders and even the locals’ knowledge of indigenous trees will all benefit from this project.
“We take international tourists into the yards where endemic trees are grown and share our knowledge. In return, they receive some incentives, but the main aim is for people to get to know our vibrantly different cultures,” he said.
Nkosi once again expressed his assurance that residents will feel obliged to protect the tourists because they support them in their local endeavours.
