The first steps have been taken to make SA’s first world heritage site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal, self-sustainable.
The park, spanning about 280km of the province’s east coast, is managed by the iSimangaliso Authority and falls within the portfolio of the department of environment, forestry and fisheries, which recently came under fire in the auditor-general’s 2019/2020 report for, among other things, wasteful expenditure.
The R4bn project, earmarked for completion in 10 years, will commercialise about 48 existing and new products which will enable the park to sustain itself.
Jabulani Ngubane, iSimangaliso’s executive manager of tourism and business development, said the park’s new commercialisation strategy has been drawn up in partnership with the local municipality and local communities.
He said four investors have shown keen interest.
“Our focus is to build lodges, resorts, bush camps, tented camps and hotels, and we are surprised at the interest that has been shown,” said Ngubane.
He likened the park to a sleeping giant.
“Now it is time for the giant to wake up,” he said.
Last week, officials held an on-site summit with local stakeholders – mayors, representatives of the communities and traditional leaders – to explain their plans.
A business summit is being planned for August, where the projects will be unveiled to prospective investors.
Some will be ring-fenced at the summit to enable local communities to invest and benefit.
The planned projects, 24 of which are new, will stretch from Maphelane to Kosi Bay, where the building of a hotel is being planned.
“This would have to get an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and other requirements. If we develop a five-star or upmarket hotel there, we would consider conservation, environment and potential investments,” said Bheki Manzini, the head of communications at the park.
Manzini said the development plans have started and R25m has been set aside in this financial year.
“Some projects, like roadworks and ensuring that municipal services are available at various nodes, are under way, while others have been completed, including park signage, reservoir maintenance and the refurbishment of the Crocodile Centre.
“Charters Creek lodge is being given a fresh look and new buildings are going up. This project will be ready by April next year, enabling the park to showcase its unique attractions of bush, ocean and mountain.”
If we develop a five-star or upmarket hotel there, we would consider conservation, environment and potential investments.
— Bheki Manzini, head of communications, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Redeveloping the Maphelane resort as a high-density beach establishment, with a maximum of 250 beds, 30 of them self-catering chalets, is part of the plan.
A restaurant and beach bar/kiosk are also on the cards, while at Fani’s Island, on the park’s western shores, chalets and camping/caravanning sites are planned.
Manzini said the park has 278,000 guests in an average year and the hope is that the new and updated attractions will increase visitor numbers.
Solomon Mkhombo, mayor of the Umkhanyakude District Municipality, said park infrastructure has failed in recent years.
Facilities, including roads, have been neglected and this has affected tourism.
However, Mkhombo said accessibility has improved and facilities are being revamped.
“We want to minimise human interference in the park and keep it as original as possible because that is what the world envies. When they come here, they find that there is a 200km coastline stretching as far as the Mozambique border.”
Nombuso Mlambo, secretary for People’s and Parks (Youth), which represents communities living inside the park and those who have claimed land, said: “There should also be an opportunity to transfer skills in terms of running these organisations.”
Mandy Muir, tour operator and owner of Heritage House accommodation, said any developments at iSimangaliso will make a huge impact on the St Lucia area.
“We are positive about it because it will mean that we, as tour operators, can do more for iSimangaliso and everyone will benefit,” she said.
Abigail Mncwango, tour operator of Whale Safaris, said after being hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, the developments will help the tourism industry to restore its former glory.
