Kholwane engages traditional leadership on the proposed commercial development projects in the Blyde Nature Reserve
MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mr. Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane says even though investment in tourism infrastructure in communities will surely benefit the local people, they must be firstly consulted to seek their concurrence.
He said this recently (Tuesday, 17 May 2016) when he, together with his Health counterpart, Mr Gillion Mashego, met the Executive Committee of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders at Blydepoort outside Graskop.
“The traditional leadership is a critical stakeholder as they represent their people, and should thus be consulted on anything that will happen in their area of jurisdiction. In this regard, MEC Mashego and I have been mandated by the Premier and the Executive Council to consult the traditional leadership in respect of the proposed tourism infrastructure projects in the Blyde Nature Reserve.
These projects includes the proposed Skyway at God’s Window and the Cable Car linking the 3 Rondavels on the escarpment and the Swadini Dam Peninsula, amongst others”, explained MEC Kholwane.
The Executive Committee of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders (MHOTL) was led by its chairperson, Kgoshi Lamek Mokoena and his deputy, Inkosi Ngomane. Kgoshi Mokoena has applauded government for valuing and taking the traditional leadership on board, stressing that they fully support the proposed tourism infrastructure projects in the area.
“In the past we were never consulted, but I am grateful that the ANC-led government believes that we as Magoshi, have a significant role to play in the whole process. We fully support the proposed development”, indicated Kgoshi Mokoena.
The two MECs have committed that all issues raised by the traditional leadership, such as community beneficiation from future proceeds of the proposed projects, will be addressed.
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