The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, in conjunction with the Mpumalanga Tourism Parks Agency (MTPA) officially launched Tourism Month on September 3. Tourism this year is under the theme ‘Tourism and Peace: 30 Years of Connecting People, Places, and Cultures.’

Masilela emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, highlighting how Mpumalanga’s rich cultural and natural heritage continues to connect people, places and diverse cultures. She outlined key strategies for the future, including strengthening of tourism infrastructure, promotion of sustainable tourism practices and positioning Mpumalanga as a top travel destination locally and globally.

“Tourism Month 2024 promises to be a dynamic celebration, filled with events and initiatives that highlight Mpumalanga’s diverse offerings—from cultural and nature-based tourism to thrilling adventures. With strategic partnerships, media engagement and an unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism, Mpumalanga is set to reaffirm its status as a leading destination while driving economic growth and enriching the experiences of all who visit,” she said.

Masilela added that domestic tourism is the key to the provincial economy, especially the township tour and encouraged locals to embrace it because it’s not expensive, easy to access and it will sustain jobs for those who are working in the establishment. “We encourage locals to be the ones who visit the sectors and share them on social media so that people from other provinces can also have an interest in visiting them. Tour operators also need to do their part in ensuring that tourists are well taken care of and make sure that the sectors are neat so that people can keep coming back,” she said.

The chairperson of the Hazyview Chamber of Business and Tourism, Goodman Nkosi, said they are ready to welcome visitors and their township tourism routes have everything for everyone. “Most of our Kasi tours are visited by people outside the country and a few locals. We are hoping locals will take advantage of Tourism Month and take a short left in the township and learn our way of doing things and how people in the past used to survive. We are working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure their safety while exploring our villages on reasonable prices,” he said.

Nkosi added that supporting local tourism is very important because it creates sustainable jobs for locals. He also requested locals to always guard tourists in their township because they spend their money there and grow the local economy.

The MTPA acting CEO Justus Mohlala, has announced the nature reserves that will take part in the exciting Mpumalanga Parks Week initiative that start will start September 9 to 13 and only South Africans will access hem for free.

This are the reserves.

• Andover Nature Reserves
• Barberton Nature Reserves
• Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserves
• Kromdraai Camp
• Loskop Dam Nature Reserves
• Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserves
• Manyeleti Nature Reserves
• Mkhombo Nature Reserves
• Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserves
• Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserves
• Songimvelo Nature Reserves
• SS Skosana Nature Reserves