View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

opportunities for the Zululand Region and has the potential to act as a pro-growth catalyst for
local economic development ofcommunities like Ulundi.
5.3.1.2 KwaCeza spring water bottling project
Under the auspices ofthe Zulu monarch, this project seeks to bottle spring water from caves
which were historically used by King Dinuzulu and his soldiers during his battles with the
English. Employment in the bottling plant and the tourism venture is limited to the local
population of KwaCeza. The locals can render services like tour-guiding, war
demonstrations, Zulu dancing, curio selling and water bottling. As a pro-growth local
economic development option, this enables the local community to earn a living from the
local resources. This will help in reducing migration to urban centres, retain skill where it is
most needed and ultimately generate prosperity (Dube et aI., 2006). The multiplier economic
effects and overall tourism potentials ofthis venture to the Zululand District Municipality and
KwaCeza area may be significant.
5.3.1.3 Upongola Biosphere Reserve
This project is seen as the northern anchor project in the District and involves the whole
Upongola Municipality area and a number of local tourism and LED initiatives in the area.
The project involves the registration of the Upongola Municipality as a biosphere reserve
(Figure 5.1.), which places it on the same footing as the Greater 5t Lucia Wetland Park {now
called Isimangaliso Wetland Park]. The Upongola Municipality has all the required land uses
and natural diversity within its boundaries to qualifY to be registered as a biosphere reserve.
This reserve surrounds the dam ofthe same name and covers a total surface area of I I693ha.
The dam attracts many water-related bird species and a number of game species are brought
into the area
This natural resource will by and large benefit the Zululand District Municipality and
communities, as thev. will have direct access to international funding- for the District. In this
regard the study seeks to embrace regional-oriented and intermunicipal approaches that
ensure effective intermunicipal realignment for mutual and collective benefits of landscape
and cultural attributes.
113