LOUIS TRICHARDT – The official opening of the Zoutpansberg Regional Tourism Resource Centre on August 31 was strategic in promoting the region as a prime tourist destination.

The Tourism Resource Centre on the corner of Songozwi Street and the N1, is a combined initiative of the Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board and the Makhado Municipality. The Tourism and Parks Board constructed the main building as well as the thatch roof rondavels. The rondavels are for the use of local manufacturing and marketing entrepreneurs. The Makhado Municipality donated the land and took responsibility for the parking lot, ablution block and exterior surroundings as well as all municipal connections.

In his welcoming address the mayor of Makhado Municipality, Cllr Brighton Tlakula stressed the fact that the tourism industry creates entrepreneurial opportunities. He said that cultural exchange would take place as a result of the Tourism Resource Centre, which was meant for all to make use of.

"The new tourism resource centre is the central point from which to communicate the worth of the region," Mr Edgar Mushwana, Chief Executive Officer of the Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board explained. He officially launched Tourism Month, as well as the Solar Eclipse Plan.

"What a pleasure if we offer hospitality and a crime free holiday to our tourists. How we treat our visitors will determine whether tourism will grow or not," Mr Mushwana stated. He pleaded with the community not to mug tourists and not to hide perpetrators.

Dignitaries who attended the official opening included Dr Alfred Nevhutanda, Member of the Provincial Legislature, several mayors and mayoral committees and traditional leaders, namely Khosi Mpephu, Khosi Mashamba, Khosi Madzivhandila and Khosi Mulima. The Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board was represented by CEO Mr Edgar Mushwana, the Chairperson Ms Nana Magomola, Mr Charles Maluleke, General Manager Department of Finance and several board members.

All the dignitaries and the guests signed the South African Welcome Pledge. Everyone pledged to smile and greet tourists and to keep them safe, to keep the country clean and to provide good service, to show off our friendly people and beautiful places and to make sure that "tourists have a jol and come back to sunny South Africa."

The Chairperson of the Makhado Tourism Initiative (MTI), Mr Jan Joubert pledged their support to local, regional and provincial government. They share the concept that tourism is an important vehicle to bring advancement to all communities and alleviation of squalid conditions. He said that MTI's vision is to make the Soutpansberg a preferred tourist destination.

"Entrepreneurs should be the driving force and government should have a supportive role," Mr Joubert said. MTI is the umbrella body for local CTA's including Nzhelele Tourism Association, Ribola Tourism Association, Tshakuma Tourism Steering Committee and Soutpansberg Marketing and Tourism Association.

The energetic Xincayicayi Dance group along with Indian and Tshikona Cultural Dances highlighted the programme, which was directed by Mr Moses Ngoneni.

The Zoutpansberg Regional Tourism Resource Centre opened its doors for business on Monday, September 2.