LIMPOPO – Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet), MEC, Thabo Mokone, said the tourism sector was heavily affected by the lockdown regulations brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mokone spoke at the recent launch of Tourism Month which was held at Black Aloe Waterfront at Letebejane village. The launch was preceded by a two-day media excursion of the Sekhukhune district that sought to showcase the tourism wealth the region has with diverse attractions ranging from museums to agri-tourism projects in the area.
“We want to deal with internal tourism to ensure that during the upcoming Festive Season all the tourism establishments are filled to capacity.
“If we all get vaccinated it will be easier for us to celebrate any given moment like other countries. We know that women are the ones at the forefront of our industry and we want to dedicate this month to women. When you liberated the women, you liberated the nation,” said Mokone.
He said he wants the people of Sekhukhune to benefit from what government plans during the Tourism Month Campaign.
“We did our utmost best to ensure that the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone is approved and to date, R34-m has been budgeted for this project. We want to see Sekhukhune keeping up with development in other districts as there is much potential here,” he said.
He told CV that a calendar of events has been generated to encourage local travel to all citizens to know their province.
“It is during this time that most of the provincial special tour packages are developed and tested via different media and content creator tours that are undertaken.
“It is important to note that the launch of Tourism Month was also an opportunity to announce the commencement of Limpopo Wildlife Mahala week from September 6 to 12. The objectives of Wildlife Mahala Week are, firstly to get our people to acquaint themselves with what the provincial parks and resorts have to offer, secondly to create a culture of travel and thirdly, to create awareness on nature conservation,” he explained.
The Mayor of Sekhukhune, Stan Ramaila, thanked Mokone for the visit and efforts made towards economic growth in Sekhukhune.
“We are also pleased because the media representatives who came today will help that the event becomes known throughout South Africa and the world.
“I wish to thank MEC Mokone for fast-tracking the approval of Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ, which will no doubt boost the economy of the district,” said Ramaila.
The eleven Limpopo Wildlife Resorts which will participate in the Wildlife Mahala week are Lekgalameetse, D’Nyala, Nylsvlei, Doorndraai, Rust de Winter, Mokolo, Schuinsdraai, Wolkberg, Makuya, Nwanedi and Blouberg Nature Reserves.