Drakensberg cable car set to boost tourism

Tourism in South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountain area is set to grow when the region gets its own cable car.

The Drakensberg is a naturally scenic part of South Africa with its spectacular mountain scenery. The area is a firm favourite among many South Africans who often view it as a convenient local option for mountain scenery and activities.

DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS

The Drakensberg region is equivalent to something like Europe’s Alps for many South Africans.

Hiking, mountaineering, exploring nature, camping and swimming in crystal-clear water are all possibilities in the Drakensberg area during the summer months.

In the winter, the mountainous area is also a tourist drawcard since its peaks are often covered in snow. However, the area is not always on the tourist map for international visitors to South Africa. This is set to change.

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BOOSTING TOURISM

Tourism to the area is set to increase once the cableway is completed and operational. The cableway will afford inspiring 360° views of the Drakensberg Mountains.

According to The Witness, KZN MEC for Economic Development and Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea), Siboniso Duma, conducted an oversight visit to monitor the progress of the cable car project that was restarted earlier this year, on Saturday.

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BENEFITS FOR REGION

The cable car project will certainly boost tourism in the local area. But it will also benefit tourism of bordering provinces and neighbouring Lesotho.

“The area attracts both international and domestic leisure tourists, who mostly come for hiking and adventure. The plan is for the cableway to be located in a part of the Drakensberg that currently has minimal tourism infrastructure and accommodation,” Duma said.

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VARIOUS PROJECTS

The cable car project is just one of a number of projects that are in the pipeline for the Drakensberg area. 

“The seven ancillary projects attached to the anchor project will generate hundreds more jobs and business opportunities will extend to all sectors of the economy,” Duma said, per The Witness.

CREATING EMPLOYMENT

Drakensberg’s cableway project is set to create sustainable employment and boost tourism in the area. 

The project will contribute to permanent employment and to the development of other related business activities.

“It will bring about an increase in business in the area, which will create a considerable number of new jobs, particularly in the construction and hospitality industries, including the increase in the number of retail and restaurant outlets. The cableway itself will place 151 people in permanent and sustainable formal jobs.”

PROJECT UPDATE

Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) CEO Neville Matjie provided a status update on the project.

He said a feasibility study and business plan had already been developed and there was interest in the project, from investors.

“However, certain studies still need to be completed, including packaging the project for investment,” Matjie said. 

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