KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
uThungulu District Municipality
Sector
Tourism & Leisure
Project location
Along the N2 from the junction of the R66 and then the P230 in the Mandawe area. Project location co-ordinates to be provided.
Project description
The R66 moves from an area of high activity i.e. the N2, to areas further inland where levels of activity decrease as one approaches Ulundi and beyond. The uMlalazi Local Municipality and especially the town of Eshowe are well catered for in terms of tourism attractions and facilities. Projects such as the current R66 Zulu Heritage Route will be advantageous to the upgrade of landmarks such as the Mandawe Cross.
The Zululand region is famous for its rich cultural heritage and the Zulu royal legacy in particular provides the basis for a suite of attractions appealing to international visitors. Heritage attractions include cultural villages i.e. KwaBuluwayo (approx 2 km from Mandawe Cross), Shakaland (approx 7 km from Mandawe Cross), Stewarts Farm (approx 12 km from Mandawe Cross). Other attractions on the R66 and P230 are museums, visitor centres, battlefield sites and monuments.
Building on the branding of the “Zulu Kingdom” the an extensive launch of the R66 Zulu Cultural Heritage Route is planned and a substantial number of media will be present in the area, in particular with the annual Reed Dance in September and the Annual Zulu Dance Competition in October.
The flow of tourism will enhance with the upgrade of the Mandawe Cross, as it has been a landmark for many years. The upgrade will create job creation and upliftment of the community in this highly rated unemployed area.
This attraction if upgraded and marketed in the generic uMlalazi Brochure, and the newly printed R66 Map, will attract large numbers of tourists to the area from local, national and international level.
Further attractions in the surrounding area of Mandawe Cross can then also be marketed as this will be a focal point as a destination.
Key role players:
- uThungulu District – responsible implementing agent
- uMlalazi Municipality (KZ284)
- Mthonjaneni Municipality (KZ285)
- Zululand District
- Amafa
- Tourism KwaZulu-Natal
- Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism
- Community
- Battlefields Association
- Shakaland
Objectives of the project
The upgrade of the Mandawe Cross has the following benefits:
- Functions and wedding venues can be packaged to benefit other attractions on the R66
- Contribute to the branding of uThungulu District Municipality
- Increase Tourism Revenue in the rural area of Mandawe
- Provide jobs for disadvantaged community
- Boost the other attractions on the R66 as well as the P230
Development undertakings:
The objective is now to develop and upgrade the attractions and a cluster of services that could be packaged for a wedding, conference or any special event.
Proposed development will include:
- Road access upgrade
- Sites upgrade
- Building upgrade
- Training of people in business skills
- Equipment to start businesses
- Marketing
Key beneficiaries
The impoverished community of the Mandawe area will benefit of the upgrade to the project as they will be workshopped and trained how to interact with tourists, how to make bookings for the weddings, and other events. Business opportunities such as Wedding coordinators, caterers, entertainment groups, etc. exist when this project can be developed.
