The chief executive officer (CEO) of Limpopo Tourism and Parks, Benny Boshielo, said the cholera situation in Musina should be turned into a positive initiative to restore the confidence of tourists. Boshielo was addressing senior municipal officials and tourism stakeholders during his recent fact-finding mission visit to Musina.

He said there was a need to go out on a strong marketing and communication drive to assure tourists that it is safe to visit Limpopo and Musina in particular. “This situation is not as bad as it is reported. We only have to learn from other countries that had to deal with similar situations. We are saddened by the news that there have been cancellations in bookings at our local tourist attractions, especially from the American market.”

He continued: “This alone shows that people are either not well informed about the situation, or we are not giving out enough information as it should be. We need to do more to restore the positive perception of the international community. Furthermore, we also have to determine the key markets and decide the type of information that we are going to send out.”

Boshielo passed his gratitude to the Musina Municipality, sector departments and non-governmental organizations for their tireless efforts in dealing with the cholera situation. During Boshielo’s visit, there were only three patients at the cholera treatment cubicles at Musina Hospital. “Each one of us can see that a lot of work has been done. We are highly impressed by the hard work displayed by these institutions and it shows that we are moving in the right direction. We have no doubt that this year the Musina Annual Show will go on as planned, despite the challenge of the influx by foreign nationals.”

He made an appeal to members of the media to report objectively. “My special gratitude goes to those journalists who have patriotically reported the actual facts on what is happening. Our work will become easier because we will be able to allay the fears of the tourists.”

Musina Municipality Community Service Manager Pedron Nndwa said: “We are slowly winning the battle against cholera and we have no doubt that the situation will soon return to normal. Together with our partners, we will continue to make Musina a better place to stay and invest.”