May 8 2016 will remain a historic moment for Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM).
This after it was feted at the annual Tourism Indaba, held in Durban.
Mr Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane, Mpumalanga MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism launched the Gert Sibande District Liberation Heritage Route at one of the beachfront hotels on the Sunday night of the 8th May.
Tourism Indaba is attended annually by exhibitors from the African continent and the world over.
The first phase of the liberation route was identified by Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) – which was also hosting GSDM and other municipalities and tour operators from Mpumalanga Province at the Tourism Indaba.
The first phase covers six towns, namely Secunda, Bethal (eMzinoni), Ermelo, Saul Mkhizeville (Driefontein), Daggakraal and Volksrust.
These towns were honoured because of the struggle credentials they have and their leaders who gallantly fought apartheid.
The political leaders are: Gert Sibande, Saul Mkhize, Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme, Nokuthula Simelane and Mahatma Ghandi.
MEC Kholwane said the development of this Route will be done in phases – with the first phase concluded in the Gert Sibande District of Mpumalanga.
Kholwane said: “The rationale behind our Liberation Heritage Route is thus intended to preserve our country’s struggle history for posterity.
“Mpumalanga’s Liberation Heritage Route highlights the sites that featured prominently during South Africa’s liberation struggle, as well as paying tribute to the freedom fighters that selflessly fought for justice and freedom that we so, enjoy today.”
Kholoane spoke about struggle heroes and a veteran journalist who have been part of the Gert Sibande District.
“Bethal’s cultural precinct and Nomoya Masilela Museum pay homage to many of South Africa’s prominent liberation struggle heroes such as Richard “Gert” Sibande, Nokuthula Simelane, Ruth First and Henry “Mr Drum” Nxumalo.
“The humble settlement of Daggakraal that overlooks the stretching landscapes of the highveld is home to the Oxford-educated Dr Pixley Isaka Ka Seme, who established the precursor to the African National Congress (ANC). In 1912, Seme founded the South African Native National Congress (SANNC), along with fellow African Lawyers Alfred Mangena, Richard Msimang and George Montsio.
Kholwane said Ermelo played a pivotal role in South Africa’s liberation struggle as it was a stop-over for the ANC’s Umkhonto weSizwe members who were travelling to Swaziland and Mozambique, and it also experienced forced removals during the 1960s.
“In addition, the surrounding region is also brimming with cultural, natural and geographic attractions,” said Kholwane.
He added: “Most South Africans only know Secunda as an industrial and commercial centre, but the town has a liberation history that includes some of the country’s bravest freedom fighters, who died for democracy and racial equality.
“Set in the surrounds of pine forests and one of South Africa’s largest dams is Saul Mkhizeville, which played an important role in South Africa’s liberation struggle.
“It was in Volksrust that human rights activist Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba, were arrested on numerous occasions, alongside other Indian protestors, for peacefully marching against the Black Act and Immigration Law.
“Gandhi’s Satyagraha Campaign resulted in the Gandhi-Smuts agreement of 1914 and better living conditions for Indians.”
“The rationale behind the Liberation Heritage Route is intended to preserve our country’s struggle history for future generations. We must therefore continue to celebrate the selfless contribution made by the freedom fighters. It is important to note that the towns highlighted are not the only ones within the province that were home to various freedom fighters and involved in the grassroots liberation struggle.
“A number of towns have been identified that may be added to the route in the future and they include Evander, Leandra and Standerton. Further research may identify more towns that could be added to the route” explained Kholwane.
The launch was attended by Councillors and other political leaders from the three District municipalities of Mpumalanga – Gert Sibande, Ehlanzeni and Nkangala, tour operators and other business people.
Councillor Fikile Nyembe (MMC: Planning & Economic Development) was the programme director, while GSDM was also represented by Councillor Nhlakanipho Zuma (MMC: Finance) and Councillor Aubrey Maboea (MMC: Human Settlement, Public Safety, Roads & Transport).
Miss Mpumalanga promoter and former Ligwalagwala FM presenter Gugu Nyirenda, who discovered the current Miss South Africa Nontando Kunene, was also present.
Other guests included the Acting Head of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in Mpumalanga, JS Mgidi, Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, Thulani Nzima, MTPA board members, businessman and music promoter Johan Sibiya and representatives from Regional Tourism Organisations.
MEC Kholwane appealed to tour operators to promote the Gert Sibande phase of the Mpumalanga Liberation Heritage Route to local and international tourists.
“Each of these sides provides tourism products and services that will encourage tourists to visit and experience the Route in its entirety.
“We therefore implore on you, the Tour Operators, to partner with us, by including this Route in their packages of experiences in order to sell this product to domestic and international tourists,” said Kholwane.
He said: “According to the World Travel and Tourism Council Report on South Africa, it is estimated that in 2014 alone, the tourism sector contributed over 1.7 million jobs to the economy of the country.
“Consequently, the sector contributed 10% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
Nziuma said: “We invite you to take a shot left to the Gert Sibande District and tour the Liberation Heritage Route and explore the rich and authentic history of South Africa. This will afford you an opportunity to learn more about the destinations that featured prominently during the liberation struggle.”
Information is available on www.mpumalanga.com or you can download it from the Mpumalanga Travel Guide App available on apple and android phones.
