This year’s Stanza of Umthayi Festival coincides with the celebration of improved economic performance for Umkhanyakude district
The KwaTembe community on the most northern part of uMkhanyakude District, will once again this coming weekend join forces with the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal in rolling out the red carpet to welcome thousands of visitors, some from the neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Swaziland as they grace this year’s instalment of Umthayi Marula Festival.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Mr Sihle Zikalala described this annual ritual which attracts more than 20 000 people as a catalyst for economic development for this rural part of the province.
“Umthayi is an integral part of the eco-tourism business in our province hence it was strategically infused into the integrated regional socio-economic development plan that was initiated by the heads of state of South Africa, Mozambique and eSwatini when they established the Lebombo Spatial Development Initiative back in 1998. The objective of the initiative was to promote tourism as well as fast tracking the growth of the economies of the three neighbouring countries.”
Mr Zikalala said the festival has directly or indirectly bred a number of game-changing economic developments including the road infrastructure that now links the province of KwaZulu-Natal to Mozambique.
“The new road infrastructure has unlocked many economic opportunities for both Mozambique and KwaZulu-Natal. The number of people who travel through the Kosi Bay Border post has increased exponentially since the road was officially opened late last year. During the 2017 festive season, just over 40 000 people used the border post and at the same time last year, this number jumped to over 60 000 which confirms a 20 000 increment.”
The popular Umthayi Festival continues to attract many visitors including overseas tourists that are fascinated with the region’s rich cultural heritage. Investment in infrastructure development such as road upgrade and other related amenities would go a long way in transforming this district into a model of what a democratically elected government could do to change the lives of the people for the better.
The vision of Madiba and his eSwatini and Mozambique counterparts is being systematically translated into tangible outcomes that are destined to turn this area into a global eco-tourism hub under banner of the UNESCO declared iSimangaliso World Heritage Park.
Umthayi Festival will take place as follows:
Date: 23 February 2019
Time: 7h00 am
Venue: Emfihlweni, Mhlabuyalingana Municipality
Enquiries:
Nathi Olifant
Cell: 060 970 5113
Bongani Tembe
Cell: 082 327 2600
