Newly appointed KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu will tomorrow (15 May 2009) mark his first week in office by opening a multi million rand lodge.
Situated a stone’s throw away from where the Bhambatha Uprising took place more than a century ago, the opening the lodge will also see Mabuyakhulu outlining his vision for boosting tourism and economic development in the province.
Named after one the titans of the liberation struggle, Bhambatha kaManciza, who led the Poll Tax Uprising in 1906, the building of the Bhambatha Lodge is aimed at stimulating tourism in Ngome, Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal midlands.
This is in keeping with the government’s objective to develop rural areas in order to fight poverty and unemployment.
The lodge, which is a joint venture between the government, the private sector and the community, is situated in Msinga, one of the province’s poorest areas. Once fully operational, it is hoped that the lodge will be a major tourist draw card, thus becoming a catalyst for other economic activities in an area which has high poverty levels, in spite of its historic significance.
Members of the media are invited to witness the opening of the lodge.
The details are as follows:
Date: 15 May 2009 (Friday)
Venue: Matishane Sports Grounds
Time: 9h00
For more information please contact:
Bheko Madlala
Cell: 082 808 1984
Issued by: Department of Economic Development and Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
14 May 2009
