Current Edition >> Archives Section >> Bua le Batho >> August 2004
September is traditionally Tourism Month and for this year the Free State is evidently geared better and more aware than ever before to make the most of it. Although at present lagging behind sectors such as mining, manufacturing and agriculture, the tourism sector in the Free State is poised as the sector with the highest and fastest percentage growth.
As such, tourism in the Free State can as from now make a significant impact on economic growth, job creation and improvement in the standard of living.
To achieve this, the challenge for the Free State is more than ever to synergize between the governmental sector on the one hand and the private sector (especially existing as well as emerging tourism product owners) and in a joint drive to market the Free State as tourist destination.
To this end, this edition of Bua le Batho as a communication medium between the Free State Provincial Government and the public in the province provides a glimpse of the vast potential for constructive synergy.
At the official launch of Tourism Month 2004, held at the Back-to-Basic Restaurant in Bloemfontein, the Dept. of Tourism, Environmental & Economic Affairs, said in a media statement that the thrust of the Tourism Month Programme is to ensure that communities are knowledgeable about how this industry is shaped around them. Tourism is the fastest growing economic sector in South Africa, contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The growing tourism industry presents a valuable opportunity for the Province to contribute alongside other provinces in the national urge to create jobs and fight poverty. Currently the Province has a minimum share in domestic tourism trips and this situation needs to be improved steadily over the period. The promotion of South African Domestic Tourism, poses an enormous challenge to the Free State Provincial Government.
It is for this reason that the Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs has vigorously engaged the District Municipalities to formulate strategies for enhancing corporate governance between these two spheres of government. The Tourism Month Programme for this month do reveal the results of numerous meetings held between the two spheres of government in bringing solutions to the problem of enhancing domestic tourism within the Free State and how communities can be roped in as active participants.
In building this participation the Department will also be ensuring that communities become custodians of local products, be it tourist attraction places, arts & crafts or any other products established in their areas. Value in mass participation will certainly increase the Provincial GGP.
The Free State Government participates in the Tourism Month Programme to encourage every citizen of this Province to take pride in our heritage and celebrate with us and the rest of the world.
The theme for this year's celebrations is “Sho't left: it's possible!”, being derived from the lingua franca of SA taxi commuters to indicate their intention to board off at the next left corner of the road. The theme was chosen to illustrate the need for government in all spheres to encourage domestic tourism. Emphasis will be on previously disadvantaged communities to ensure that not only do they become aware about domestic tourism but equally become active participants.
The Province will furthermore be involved in the Two Nations Marathon to be held between South Africa and Lesotho at Ladybrand. This is because of the sharing of a common border between the two countries and also to promote the principles of NEPAD.
The department will also introduce a student retreat programme aimed at linking students to the culture of utilizing their leisure time in supporting domestic tourism products and in return benefit from these ventures. Students will be exposed to hiking trails, quad bikes and other tourism activities.
In the Eastern Free State a heritage route is to be organized, because this region in particular offers a golden opportunity of heritage in our Province that need to be exposed nationally as well as internationally. Furthermore the department will be launching a disability hiking trail with a view to ensuring that disability is being addressed by tourism products.
Other significant developments in the tourism sector in the Free State entails, firstly, infrastructure development at the Vredefort Dome. An international inspection team for Heritage Site Declaration in the Free State is being held from 29 August to 3 September 2004 with the purpose to assess the potential of the Dome being declared as an international heritage site. Spin-offs from such declaration could be far-reaching in terms of tourism development.
Good as all this may sound, awareness and entrepreneurship amongst the youth and other segments of our communities, need to be intensified. It is the belief of the department that such campaigns will enhance responsible tourism and increase the pace of sustainable human development.
“Sho't left, it's possible!”
Government and tourism stakeholders in South Africa have joined forces to declare September, Tourism Month, to highlight the incredible potential of tourism as a source of income and job creation.
In our young democracy, tourism is an industry with big growth potential for the people of the Free State Province. The promotion of Domestic tourism provides us with a platform to enhance growth and development in the Province. The key objective of Tourism Month in the Free State Province is to make every Free Stater aware of their role as tourism ambassadors, so as to create, nurture and develop tourism.
Tourism Month has a two-pronged strategy - firstly, to encourage domestic tourism and secondly, to raise awareness about the undiscovered tourist sites in our province.
The activities that have been planned are geared towards encouraging interactive participation of our people in the tourism industry. We plan to tap into the experiences of the youth and women to help us to uncover all the natural, cultural and historical sites in the Free State and the interesting places in their regions. To achieve tourism's full potential it is critical that all 'Free Staters' support the industry and provide excellent hospitality and service to their guests.
By embarking on an aggressive awareness campaign, we aim to build upon the dynamic partnership that have developed between government and the private sector in this industry.
The Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs and all districts in the province have planned regional events and activities supported by local artists, celebrities and entertainers that will introduce local tourist sites throughout the province. We will be showcasing our province throughout the districts with the many events/activities that have been organized by the Department of Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs.
With the theme for this year Tourism Month being Sho't Left, it's possible, that we intend to discover new treasured places in our province and promote those with welcoming faces.
By assisting us to expand our vision of a strong and vibrant tourism industry, we are working collectively to strengthen our economy, promote community solidarity and a united Free State.
Welcome to the Free State Province!
Regarding the celebration of World Arbor week this year, the Department of Tourism, Environmental & Economic Affairs says in a media statement that there are notably few annual events with the appeal or the significance of Arbor Week and therefore every Free Stater in every community is urged to join in celebrations in the province. The environment in which we exist is our single most important shared interest and it is our common responsibility to protect, conserve and promote.
From 1 - 7 September, South Africa celebrates National Arbor Week - Beke ya Ditlhare. The week's celebration is officially launched at a ceremony at Dihlabeng, with this year's theme being “mehlare ke bohwa bja rena” (trees are our heritage). Concerted efforts are being made to give impetus to conservation and by targeting the youth about the value and role of trees in their lives.
As trees are a resource that requires protection and are to be used for the benefit of people, not just for urban neighbourhoods but also for our rural communities, the department will henceforth accentuate the following issues :
How forestry and trees are being used by communities in relation with the state, for the eradication of poverty and promotion of economic advancement.
The need to build on the marvelous heritage of urban forests by further extending greening initiatives to township and rural areas.
Despite efforts in the past, townships and rural areas across the Free State have not generally enjoyed the benefits of tree planting and therefore it is needed to vigorously educate, encourage and promote a culture of tree planting. The most important focus of this year's festivities is to enhance a better understanding of trees, mainly indigenous trees covering less than 1% of our total land area in South Africa.
The utilization of forests by rural communities for economic advancement and prosperity is crucial in achieving a better life and freeing themselves from the shackles of poverty that many of our people find themselves in. The Free State Government, through its Environmental Management Directorate, has made enormous efforts in ensuring that there is better participation in all environmental greening activities.
National Arbor Week thus aims to encourage people to become active supporters of sustainable and equitable living, to promote awareness and an understanding that communities play key role in changing attitudes towards trees, their importance, existence, conservation and care, and to develop partnerships that will ensure that nations and people enjoy a better quality of life.
More info can be obtained from KL Lekhu, Communication Officer, at tel. (051) 400 9567 or cell 082 443 5514.
In his Budget Speech deliverd in the Free state Legislature on 8 June 2004, the MEC for Tourism, Economic & Environmental Affairs, Dr. Benny Malakoane, presented the following vision for the road ahead for tourism promotion and development in the province :
“Tourism development and promotion forms part of the growth sectors identified in growing the provincial economy. Tourism is a multifaceted industry that stimulates the development of infrastructure such as roads, railways, air travel and public transport as well as accommodation and services. Accordingly, tourism encourages economic activity through various forward & backward linkages. Furthermore, tourism presents communities, SMME's and the informal sector with opportunities for entrepreneurship.
“Hence, as Government, we acknowledge the pivotal role of the tourism industry in the Free State, especially in terms of its potential contribution to economic growth & job creation, poverty alleviation and as a major income generator. The domestic market represents the bedrock of the Free State tourism industry. This is backed by the fact that approximately 2.9 million domestic trips were undertaken to the Free State in 2002/2003 - this represents an increase from 2.2 million trips in 2000/2001. Latest figures from South African Tourism (2003), indicate that from the total number of foreign visitors to South Africa, approximately 12 percent visited the Free State. Of these, the majority originates from Africa & Middle East, followed by Europe.
“As a department, we are adamant that the tourism industry should be expanded to allow for the development of new tourism products, with the specific aim of addressing Black Economic Empowerment. The department is committed to get PDI's in the broad spectrum of tourism products, ranging from tour operators, tour guides, accommodation, conference, etc. The partnership and co-operation with our development roleplayers is of critical importance to enable us in succeeding with this mammoth task.
“In this regard the department will within this financial year assist entrepreneurs (specific focus on unemployed women and youth,) with:
The establishment of 3 Bed & Breakfasts in the Northern and Southern Free State respectively,
The establishment of wholly owned black tour operator company.
"The FDC, will assist in identifying suitable entrepreneurs to operate these ventures.
“The Free State Tourism Product Directory - which was launched during last year with great success, will be updated so as to include a broader spectrum of tourism products in the province. The updated directory will be launched to coincide with Tourism Month in September 2004.
“Routes development forms an integral part of tourism development in the province. Hence the fact that the department will facilitate continued development of these routes.
“I am pleased to announce that the department will be establishing a Provincial Tourism Authority in this fincancial year. This authority will be charged with the responsibility of marketing the Free State Province as a tourist destination, as well as facilitating much needed investment into this sector. The Tourism Authority Bill was tabled to the Executive Council on 23 June 2004. Subsequent to that we will process the Bill, in partnership with the Portfolio Committee through the public participation process.
“We are confident about the potential of the tourism sector in creating wealth and jobs as well as facilitating Black Economic Empowerment. As part of our planning for this industry, we will be formulating innovative ideas for upcoming events, such as Bloemfontein turning 160 years in 2006, and the 90th birthday of the All Saints Church in Cape Flats/Batho. As with the World Cup in 2010, we believe it is vital that we should already plan now for these events. Other major projects, which we are working on is the Maloti-Drakensburg Transfrontier Project and the Lake Gariep Complex will be playing a major role to enhance sustainable livelihoods through tourism, especially eco-tourism and cultural as well as heritage tourism. “
A meteorite larger than Table Mountain slammed into the ground at breakneck speed near what is now Vredefort in the Free State. The resulting thousand-megaton blast of energy was nature's equivalent of a nuclear catastrophe. Except that in this case, life was probably kick-started by the development of oxygen and multicellular life linked to the impact.
Excavating a crater 90km wide and 20km deep, the explosion and shock wave pulverised the earth's rocky innards, injecting shard of granite and dolomite, and forming - among other things - a huge rock-like dome, known today as the Vredefort Dome. Concentric circles also cascaded outwards from the hub of the explosion, resulting in a huge mountain in an otherwise flat landscape throughout the North West Province and the Free State.
A climb of about a kilometre up the granite rock known as the Vriedefort Dome offers an unrestricted view of the mountains and hill around it. Many scientists believe the rich gold and diamond deposits found in a concentrated belt throughout these two provinces, many also be amibuted to the huge explosion. Two thousand million years later the Vredefort Dome Conservancy - as it is now known - is a breathtakingly beautiful place, an outdoor adventurer and tourist's dream. However, it is still relatively unknown in South Africa.
A little background dig into the Domeland's ancient past reveals that the area has a circular ground plan with at least three ring extending outwards. These rings cover an area of approximately 150km. Although much of the crater rings have eroded with rime, a spectacular part can still be seen in the beautiful outcrops near Parys in the Free State and Potchefstroom in the North West Province. Nowhere else in South Africa will you find so many clear horizontal and chronological layers so close to the surface in vertical shape - a nearly perfect half-moon.
The Dome Conservancy houses a finely balanced ecosystem. A great diversity of habitats exist, including open plains, bushveld and reverie bush valleys, ,mountains and ravines with abundant flora are found within the 150km circular ground plan. At least 99 plant species have already been identified, of which the world's largest Olive Wood Tree forest is probably the best known.
The area is considered an important birding area with over 450 species already identified Blue Jays, grey loeries and eagles criss-cross the pollution-free skies. The area contains as many identified butterflies as are found in the whole of Great Britain, and is also home to relatively uncommon animal species, such as the rooikat, aardwolf, leopard, several small buck and the endangered rock dassie. Baboon, of course abound.
Local guest farms offer plenty of activities for visitors. Apart from the usual game viewing birding, fly-fishing, angling and canoeing, visitors seeking an adrenaline rush can do white water rafting on the Vaal river, which flows through the Domeland. Or, for the ultimate rush, they can abseil from Baboon's Rock Scenic drives, hiking, horse riding, 4x4 routes and mountains biking are also high on the adventures agenda. And for anyone with a taste for something different, there's witblits and mampoer.
The mining threat has passed and now the focus is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site programme which seeks to protect natural and cultural properties of outstanding universal value against the threat of damage. There are currently almost 600 natural and cultural sites protected worldwide, including Robben Island, the Lucia Wetland, Sterkfontein, etc. The Vredefort Dome has already been nominated and at present an official
The Head of the Department of Tourism, Environmental & Economic Affairs, Mr. Morule, has during an interview explained that it is important that Free Staters establish greater synergy in the tourism sector in the province. He explains that it will lead to greater marketability of the Free State Province as a tourist destination.
“Community support is important for tourism, as it is an activity that affects the entire community. Tourism businesses depend extensively on each other as well as on other businesses, government and residents of the local community. Economic benefits and costs of tourism reach virtually everyone in a region in one way or another.”
He furthermore said that “packaging of services and opportunities can be an effective and cost efficient way for businesses, and communities, to increase tourism visits and the spending of tourists. By combining interesting and complimentary types of services, tourism businesses can benefit from the "synergy" created by offering tourist packages.”
Tourism can be a significant element of a community's economic development - creating jobs and bringing money to an area. Hence, the fact that the Department of Tourism, Environmental & Economic Affairs is inviting tourism product owners to talk to the department on best practices and proposals for the development of packages, which could be marketed domestically and abroad.
The Free State needs to orientate itself towards the successful Bid to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa. Again to get perspective, it is necessary to view matters within the framework of the bigger picture.
In its Bid preparations, South Africa presented 13 world-class stadiums as prospective match venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Of these 13 Stadiums seven are currently operational and require relatively minor upgrading, three exist but require major upgrading and three will be newly constructed.
Free State Stadium
The Free State Stadium was substantially upgraded in advance of the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the structure now stands as a fully functioning venue for international sports events. Situated within the city's sports precinct, the stadium is only a few minutes' drive from proposed FIFA and team hotels.
This dedicated sporting environment, which includes in close proximity independent stadiums for cricket, hockey, athletics and swimming, as well as several secondary fields, has been repeatedly proven ideal for the application of safety and security, the provision of ample parking and the presentation of excellent corporate hospitality. 6000 VIP guests can be entertained, some in uniquely converted luxury train carriages placed conveniently behind the main stand.
In advance of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a second tier will be added to the main grandstand on the western side of the ground, increasing the net capacity beyond the 40 000-mark required for venues to stage first and second round matches. Additionally, new turnstiles will be erected, the floodlights will be upgraded, electronic scoreboards will be installed and the sound system will be revamped to the required standards. By then, the Free State Stadium will be ready to welcome both participating teams and visiting supporters to a world class venue.
FIFA inspection comments
In response, the FIFA Inspection Group issued a report opinionating that three stadiums in South Africa would easily be suitable for the 2010 World Cup, viz. Cape Town (Newlands), Johannesburg (Ellis Park) and Durban (King's Park Soccer Stadium), which all have been venues for world events such as the Rugby World Cup. Furthermore, five stadiums would have to undergo partial refurbishment to qualify as 2010 World Cup venues, viz. Bloemfontein (Free State Stadium), Pretoria (Loftus Versfeld), Rustenburg (Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace), Orkney (Oppenheimer Stadium) and Johannesburg (Soccer City).
The report labels the hotel sector in South Africa as first-rate. The Inspection Group confirms that there are enough hotel rooms to accommodate everyone taking part in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, including media representatives and fans from around the world, both in the main cities (Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria) and in the other cities suggested as 2010 FIFA World Cup venues (Rustenburg and Bloemfontein). With regard to Polokwane, at the time of the visit, the group believes that the hotel infrastructure does not measure up to FIFA requirements.
The report stated furthermore that almost all telecommunications are digital and all of the venues will be connected by fibre optics.
Prospective opportunities for the FS
Firstly, doping test samples in South Africa are analysed by the world-class laboratory at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. This facility was approved and accredited by the International Olympic Committee in May 1995 and has been deployed to analyse thousands of test samples every year ever since. During a FIFA World Cup in South Africa, samples will be able to be accepted around the clock and results will be provided to the relevant authorities within the space of 24 hours.
Secondly, apart from the prestige of hosting the World Cup, the event would bring significant economic benefits and job creation, particularly in sectors such as tourism, clothing and textile, information and communication technology, transport, construction, hospitality, media, and related sectors.
Thirdly, apart from the direct boost from hosting the 2010 World Cup events, the likely spin-offs of an improved image abroad will have an event greater impact.
Estimates of Grant Thornton
According to consulting firm Grant Thornton, which drew up the financial impact report for South Africa's World Cup bid committee, the 2010 World Cup will pump R21,3 billion into SA's economy, generating an estimated R12,7 billion in direct spending and creating an estimated 159 000 new jobs.
SA's booming tourism industry will benefit from the estimated 235 000 visitors expected for the tournament, while construction and engineering companies will look to a slice of the estimated R2.3 billion to be spent on infrastructure, building and upgrades in the lead-up to the event. The SA Revenue Service will also be smiling at the prospect of an extra R7.2 billion that Grant Thornton expects to land in the state's coffers.
Intangibles
Analysts believe the biggest long-term benefits for the country will come from "intangibles like an enhanced international profile and an improved sense of pride and unity among local people because the world's most popular sport crosses the racial divide"
Despite the progress made in the 10 years since the country held its first democratic elections, SA's economy continues to struggle against negative perceptions, with foreign direct investment amounting to "a trickle" compared to other emerging market countries. Hosting the world's biggest sporting event should help remove the reservations many foreign investors have about a country known more for its high crime rate than its developed infrastructure.
Real benefits
It would therefore seem apparent that the Free State as a Province must not just use this event to identify opportunities for black economic empowerment, but also to focus on how this World Cup can actually help us address real poverty alleviation. Furthermore, Free Staters need to work out strategies to turn one-time World Cup visitors into "repeat customers", while other elements of business should be looking for ways to create permanent jobs. Therefore the 2010 hosting presents also to the Free State an immense but exciting challenge - one for which the province needs to gear itself the earlier the better.
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