APPROVED IDP DOC 2011-16.BA PHALABORWA.pdf

There is a possibility of creating a traffic roundabout (traffic circle) where there are traffic lights at
present, and this would not only ease vehicle flow but would also assure higher visibility of the
Centre.
There is unused land (part of the Bollanoto property) extending to the north and northeast and this
would be used for the Living Tree Museum, walks and trails, and some of the “touch and feel”
animal experiences. Additional land may be available - at a price.
The Municipality is currently considering the establishment of a legal municipal entity, which will be
charged with the day to day management of Bollanoto tourism centre. The consideration takes into
account the importance of public private partnership to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
Annual Marula Festival
The Marula Festival has become an annual event with Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality declared a
permanent host. The festivities for 2011 were held over a period of three days in the picturesque
town of Phalaborwa. The build-up activities of the festival will start on the 19 February 2011 in all
the five (5) traditional authorities. The main venues for the 2011 activities will be Impala Park
Stadium, Hans Merensky Golf Club and Spekboom Farm.
Key issues with regard to tourism in Ba-Phalaborwa:
Immigration bottlenecks in the Giryondo boarder;
Crime and potential cross-border criminal activities may scare tourists;
Lack of cross referrals between the KNP and accommodation facilities in the Ba-Phalaborwa
area;
Commercial banks meeting the needs of international tourists;
Ensuring that the previously disadvantaged groups join the tourism industry as role players;
Development of suitable infrastructure to meet the different tastes of tourists;
Branding Ba-Phalaborwa as a tourist destination of choice;
Lack of ownership of the tourism products by the stakeholders; and
Cluttered signage
e. Trade
Currently, the trade situation in the Ba-Phalaborwa municipal area is segmented between the formal
and the Informal sectors. There are currently 189 registered formal businesses in Phalaborwa town;
85