View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository
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tourism potential are to be developed within the framework <strong>of</strong> partnership. The emerging<br />
tourism industry in Ulundi is characterized by tourism routes, such as battlefields route and<br />
the Zulu heritage route. Local knowledge <strong>of</strong> historical sites, places <strong>of</strong> interest and culture<br />
position local entrepreneurs as potential tourist operators. All tourism stakeholders should<br />
not see themselves as competitors but as complementing one another. The B & B operators,<br />
Amafa aKwaZulu Heritage, tourism ZDM, tourism KZN and all tourism stakeholders in<br />
Ulundi ought to come on board for a more comprehensive integrated tourism plan for Ulundi.<br />
Tourism development potential along P700 is very paramount and has far more sustainable<br />
capabilities. B & B, traditional self-help accommodation, art and craft markets as well as<br />
information centres can be established along the P700 with the aim <strong>of</strong>attracting domestic and<br />
international tourists to ensure commercial ribbon development through sustainable tourism.<br />
The synergy between tourism and agriculture can be realized by the supply <strong>of</strong>produce for the<br />
tourist industry. The growth and development <strong>of</strong>agriculture and tourist economic themes can<br />
fulfil the Provincial Department <strong>of</strong> Finance and Economic Development's key concerns as<br />
enshrined in the provincial LED projects.<br />
The highest agriculture potential in the entire <strong>Zululand</strong> District Municipality is in the north<br />
and north-east <strong>of</strong> the region, particularly in the Upongolo Local Municipality. There are<br />
currently development projects in crop production around Ulundi, Nongoma, Upongola and<br />
AbaQulusi. The generally dry climate <strong>of</strong> Ulundi has created a condition that is apparently<br />
conducive for the commercial cultivation <strong>of</strong> soya beans and livestock production. The<br />
proposed soya beans project is a partnership exercise between <strong>Zululand</strong>, Umzinyathi and<br />
Amajuba District Municipalities. The memorandum <strong>of</strong> agreement is that <strong>Zululand</strong> and<br />
Urnzinyathi will supply the raw soya beans for processing at Amajuba. Ulundi which falls<br />
under <strong>Zululand</strong> District Municipality may not benefit from the direct employment<br />
opportunities and infrastructural development spin-<strong>of</strong>fs that the processing plant at Amajuba<br />
will command. However, this project paves the way for the rural crop farmers to form co<br />
operatives and work on a relatively large scale operation. This also has the capacity to<br />
increase disposable income and improve the quality <strong>of</strong> life <strong>of</strong> the people. What remains an<br />
envisaged challenge to be borne by farmers however is the transport cost to freight the soya<br />
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