A shared vision of business and government to create a prosperous and sustainable region was highlighted by Oupa Pilane, new Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) President, at his inauguration.
“It has dragged on long enough,” he said of Pilgrim’s Rest, adding that it was owed to the town’s residents to find a lasting solution. Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane, Mpumalanga MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, responded that government was committed to solving the issue of Pilgrim’s Rest and was mindful of both the urgency and that the contribution of all stakeholders was needed.
Kholwane said the province would host World Tourism Day 2017 in the latter part of next year. “Let us use this event to enhance our working relationship.”
Linda Grimbeek, COO of KLCBT, said priority areas included improving the private sector’s relationship with government, the regional water supply, poor state of roads, poor state of public tourism attractions, finding a permanent solution for Pilgrim’s Rest, the safety and security of tourists, the buy local campaign and corruption and the promotion of integrity. Repair work and improvements have commenced at some of the public attractions, but Grimbeek said there was a lot of work still to be done. However, she said KLCBT was excited about the possible privatisation of reserves within the region.
