Picture: Modimong Game Reserve Tourism Site/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Residents in Modimong village, near Taung, urge the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism to ensure that the Modimong Game Reserve Tourism project gets off the ground.
It is alleged that the department has already spent R1 million on the project, but it remains a pipe dream.
One of the residents who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “The tourism sector is one of the key economic drivers in South Africa. So, we urge the department to ensure that the project gets off the ground because we believe it will create job opportunities.
“You will remember that, North West has the highest rate of unemployment and is sitting at 53%. So, the project will boost the local economy and reduce the high rate of unemployment. As a young person, I have the inspiration of running my well-established company, especially in the tourism sector.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said: “The DA in North West conducted an oversight inspection in Modimong in Greater Taung and found no progress on the planned tourism development by the Provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment Conservation and Tourism, despite an almost R1 million feasibility study.
“The business plan and the feasibility study were conducted during the 2017/18 financial year by Urban-Econ Development Economists (Pty) Ltd but seems to be gathering dust somewhere within the department’s offices. The DA submitted written questions to the then MEC, Keneetswe Mosenogi last year, who responded that R987.921.00 was paid for the feasibility study.”
Sonakile further said in a follow-up question this year, North West Premier, Bushy Maape indicated that his government is still trying to secure an investor to launch the project and also blamed the delay to the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that the feasibility study included a situational analysis, a concept plan, a marketing plan, and a business plan for the Modimong Nature Reserve.
“The project is aimed at stimulating local economic growth and creating at least 51 direct new job opportunities for permanent staff. The DA will now write to the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to provide timeframes as to when the project will be implemented to the benefit of Taung residents. This can’t be another incident where the NWPG spends taxpayer money on a plan that is never implemented. Modimong residents deserve better,” said Sonakile.
The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism spokesperson, Jerry Matebesi failed to respond to the media inquiry sent to him almost three weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the statistics show that the tourism sector contributes about 9% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The National Department of Tourism (NDT) said during the first months of 2016, there was up to R39.3 billion in foreign direct spend in the country.
“The NDT’s strategic goals over the medium term are to maximise domestic tourism and foreign tourist arrivals in South Africa. Expand domestic and foreign investment in the South African tourism industry, expand tourist infrastructure, improve the range and quality of tourist services.
“We also want to improve the tourist experience and value for money. Improve research and knowledge management, contribute to growth and development, expand the tourism share of GDP, improve competitiveness and sustainability in the tourism sector.”
The Guardian 