LEGACY Hotels and Resorts International has officially opened Kuzuko Lodge in the Eastern Cape.
The bush lodge represents a partnership between South African National Parks (SANParks) and a consortium of local and international business executives headed by Dr Kim Tan, a biochemist and industrialist based in the UK, and is committed to leaving an ecologically viable and community friendly footprint.
Unveiling the plaque to open the lodge, Noble Peace Prize winner Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu commended the role Kuzuko is playing in the eradication of poverty in the Eastern Cape. Addressing Dr Tan, he said: “Thank you for believing in our people and contributing towards their upliftment. This country is a scintillating success waiting to happen and projects like this one ensure that our people have the opportunity to realise their potential.”
The lodge has undertaken a number of socially conscious projects. These include organising a nursing sister to visit the area once a month, giving locals access to health care, and ensuring that all children of school-going age within the community attend school. The lodge is also a member of the Heritage Programme.
In addition, the lodge has partnered with Umziwethu, a Port Elizabeth based project that seeks to take people from disadvantaged backgrounds and train them for jobs in the hospitality industry. Once trained, Umziwethu places its students with its partners in the tourism industry. Kuzuko has already employed several students from the programme as chefs, waiters and field guides.
The bush lodge is situated on a private concession of the Addo Elephant National Park and comprises of 24 bungalows with private lounges and deck areas, a restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, spa, gym, business centre and conference facilities. Activities include stargazing, game drives, bird watching and guided game walks.
