Tourism continues to be hampered by protests

HAZYVIEW - The tourism sector in the Lowveld continues to suffer as service delivery protests continue.

In the most recent incident, tourists could not reach Orpen and Phabeni via the Kruger Gate of the Kruger National Park (KNP) for an entire week.

The Shabalala community had again embarked on a protest demanding better roads and water, barricading the R536 and R537, and threatened to continue to do so until their grievances were heard. The R536 leads to Phabeni Gate and other private game reserve lodges. Tourism businesses will suffer as they are unable to transport their guests to the KNP.

The chairperson of tourism in Hazyview, Goodman Nkosi, has condemned the barricading of roads and the disruption of tourism in the region. “If this continues, it will collapse tourism businesses, and international tourists will think twice before visiting our area. There are alternative ways for people to voice their concerns besides protesting. I would like to appeal to the Government to always attend to the queries of the community to avoid unnecessary protests,” he said.

The chief operating officer of the KLCBT, Linda Grimbeek, said the sector is currently working on a tollfree number to assist tourists during emergencies. This will direct them to safer routes and obtain the nearest accommodation for them when there is no way out. “With the protests that can start at any time, tourists, especially those who are not familiar with our area, will be able use the number when they are distressed. We will divulge more information once we finalise the number," she said.

Grimbeek said in resolving the ongoing protests, they are engaging all parties to understand their issues and ensure that the relevant departments respond to the community. It has been noticed that most of the protesters do not know which channel to follow when they have grievances. “Some of the community only know that blocking roads and protesting are the only solution when they have issues with service delivery.

“As the KLCBT, we will communicate with the people and make sure that the right politician is addressed in order to avoid protests that will affect businesses,” she concluded.