Oversight visits by MEC Mosenogi in Nature Reserves within Bojanala District
The MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Ms Kenetswe Mosenogi recently embarked on a week-long tour and oversight visit to tourism establishments under the management of the North West Parks Board (NWTB) in the Bojanala District. The visits aimed at examining the status and services that the facilities offer, unblock challenges that might be encountered in the parks as tourism is one of the sector that contribute positively to the growth and development of the economy of North West province.
MEC started her visit at Vaalkopdam Nature Reserve, which is situated about 60kms outside Brits. It is a popular angling spot that offers camping, fishing, game view and bird watching, hiking and a general peaceful nature and outdoors experience for families and weekenders.
During her engagements with management NWTB she urged them to intensify the marketing of the Nature Reserve as it has the potential to attract more tourists and can sustain itself through revenue generated.
The management presented its intention to register the Wild Life College to focus on wild life and conservation matters which she gave them go-ahead and urged them to ensure adherence to all legislative requirement which include accreditation processes.
Mosenogi completed her oversight visit at Kgaswane Nature Reserve situated approximately 7km outside the Rustenburg Central Business District. Kgaswane Nature Reserve which is 5300ha offers a unique nature experience as compared to other 15 nature reserves in the province. It hosts a population of variety of antelopes and has conservation significance under the Magalies Biosphere and the beginning of the Magalies Mountain Range.
The reserve caters for a wide range of interests and is famous for its hiking destination. Kgaswane hiking trails and overnight trail of either 19.5km or 25.3km which has amenities to accommodate 12 hikers. It also offers various activities ranging from Game drives, Hiking, Birding, Camping, Picnic and Braai facilities.
In her remarks, MEC alluded that the reserve has a great potential to grow to become one of the most attractive tourism destination in the North West Province. She urged the Nature Reserve management to come up with more development and activities such as establishment of restaurant, swimming areas especially around the water stream which start at Kgaswane then Hex river and ends at Vaalkop dam to attract more visitors, and position the establishment as a preferred tourism destination of choice.
Mosenogi will visit other Departmental projects within Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Ngaka Modiri Molema in due course.
