Villagers can now cash in on canyon

RURAL villagers living near the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga are now able to cash in on the hordes of tourists who visit the area each year. The Provincial Department of Public Works has built a R1,9m craft market, boma and workshops next to the canyon. "The community approached us with a plan for a cluster project that would take advantage of the village's position next to one of South Africa's main tourist attractions," said department spokeswoman, Ina Georgala. Matibidi village is situated in picturesque mountains about 45km from Graskop and its people are very poor. The new centre, called the Matibidi craft centre, is expected to bring some relief. It was built as part of the department's poverty alleviation programme, which has implemented 69 similar projects in the past seven years. Construction began in August last year, creating 123 jobs for people in Matibidi village and training 77 local people in management and technical skills. It was completed in March this year and will be formally handed over to the Thaba Chweu municipality today (Tuesday). The municipality will be responsible for the maintenance and management of the centre. (African Eye News Service)