Bushbuckridge - Local authorities in Mpumalanga's Bushbuckridge area have initiated a plan to establish a tourism owners' forum to encourage more people to develop tourism in the region.
Bushbuckridge Municipality Manager, Cansa Lisa says accommodation establishments such as lodges, guesthouses and hotels were invited to join the forum, as well as restaurants and food and beverage businesses.
He also urged existing tourism business owners within the municipal area to register or update their details.
Mr Lisa said the tourism industry included numerous other business opportunities including tour operators; travel agencies; taxi, bus and transfer companies; vendors; traditional dancers and those in the arts and crafts sector.
He said it was important for local communities to be involved in all stages of responsible tourism development, which includes the planning, decision-making and implementation of tourism development activities in their region.
"Tourism has to be in harmony with the priorities of the local communities. The forum will provide training and consultancy to local communities, tourism organs and the private sector," he said.
He said the initiative would also promote community-based tourism.
Chairperson of the Mapulana Heritage Council, Mperekeng Chilwane said the Bushbuckridge area was adjacent to the world-famous Kruger National Park and near to established tourism towns like Graskop and Sabie.
It is home to the Mapulana people whose history can be traced to the 1700s when they arrived from Botswana as five clans who united and called themselves Bana Ba Tau Sehlano (which means the Five Children of the Lion).
The five clans were the Bakone, Baroka, Batau, Bakutswe and Mambai people.
President of the Mapulana Heritage Council, Alexandra Makadikwe, said the council was lobbying to make Sepulana an official language by 2010. He said a committee had already been set up to develop a Sepulana dictionary.
Mr Makadikwe said the language was spoken throughout the province, but in colloquial form.
Bushbuckridge has recently produced two prospective 2010 FIFA World Cup players who come from the area. Orlando Pirates recently signed goal-scorer Katlego Mashego and last year signed Reason Chiloane, who both hail from the area.
Those interested in joining the tourism forum can obtain forms at Office no 48A in the Bushbuckridge municipal complex. The closing date for registration is January 30.
