South Africa is home to a vast range of tourist attractions that draw millions of people every year to the country. However there are still many areas that remain undiscovered by tourists.
The North West province is one of these undiscovered jewels and the provincial government is now working hard to ensure the region captures a slice of the fast growing cultural tourism market that tourists have said they want.
With this goal in mind, a new project has been established to create the Ma – Afrika Cultural Village in the Mogwase region in the North West.
The project is ideally situated close to a number of already well-established international tourism attractions, such as Sun City and the Pilanesberg National Park.
Ma Africa is intended to be a cultural tourism attraction that preserves the social heritage and diversity of the people in the region, filling an important niche in this sector of the South African tourism market.
Recent surveys of international tourists departing South Africa have revealed a definite trend of people wanting to experience the heritage of and cultural lifestyle of the country.
Ma – Afrika is designed to become a multi cultural facility, representing a fusion of all the major cultures which were historically present in the region. It is intended that the food, music and activities offered at the Village will remain true to local tradition.
The proposed development will consist of the following facilities:
• Accommodation for 48 guests in traditionally constructed rooms
• Restaurant and Shebeen
• Conference Facility
• African Day Spa
• Craft Market
• Interpretation Centre
• Cultural Arena
The activities at Ma Afrika should present an opportunity to showcase the local cultures of the area and will include:
• Cultural Experiences and Tours
• Craft Market
• Off Site Shows
• Sangoma
• Traditional Weddings
• Interpretive Bush Walks
Potential equity investors and shareholders are invited to invest in the Ma Afrika project, which is currently estimated to cost R19-million.
Key financial indicators for the project indicate it should turn in a small operating profit in its first year, even with an occupancy rate of just 30%.
It is expected the village will generate a net operating profit of more than R5-million by 2013.
For more information about the Ma Afrika project, or any other tourism opportunities in the North West province, contact Invest North West:
Name: Hantie Hoogkamer
Email: Hantie@inw.org.za
Tel: +27 14 594 2570
