EASTERN CAPE – Municipal Manager of Mbhashe Local Municipality, Mkhululeki Nako, joined by the Senior Manager for Development Planning, Sikhusele Cobokana, and other municipal officials, conducted an oversight visit to the Qatywa Eco-Tourism Development in Elliotdale, a flagship project of the Eastern Cape Department of Tourism, last week.

He said the development is 98% complete, with only minor touches remaining before the facility is ready for operation. As part of the visit, Nako met with members of the Qatywa Trust to discuss the progress of the project and plans for the future management of the eco-tourism lodge.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the journey of the development and the collaborative efforts that have brought the project to this important milestone. He commended the dedication of the traditional leadership and the Qatywa Trust for their continued commitment to ensuring the successful completion of the development. He also recognised the positive impact the project has already had by creating employment opportunities for local residents during the construction phase.

Nako emphasised the importance of community participation, noting that the long-term success of the facility will depend on strong partnerships and mutual trust between all stakeholders. He reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to supporting the development by making use of its conference and accommodation facilities whenever possible, helping to strengthen its long-term sustainability.

“The process of appointing an operator to manage the lodge is currently under way. This process is being undertaken collaboratively by the Eastern Cape Department of Tourism, Mbhashe Local Municipality and the Qatywa Trust to ensure that the facility is managed effectively and delivers lasting benefits to the surrounding communities.

“Discussions also explored opportunities to expand the facility in the future, with a shared vision of growing the development into a leading tourism destination that will attract more visitors and unlock additional economic opportunities for the area,” he said.

He added that once operational, the Qatywa Eco-Tourism Development is expected to boost tourism, stimulate local economic growth, create sustainable employment opportunities and showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Mbhashe, positioning the municipality as an attractive destination for visitors from across South Africa and beyond.

Spokesperson for Mbhashe Local Municipality, Babalwa Magqwanti, said the community of Qatywa initiated the project with the support of the Department of Tourism and Mbhashe Local Municipality. According to her, the Qatywa Community Development Trust manages the establishment and liaises with the community and government.

“The community will benefit as the establishment will attract tourists, and this will benefit people through job creation and small business establishment. This establishment will promote beautiful coastline estuaries and forestry through a community development project.

“The community are the beneficiaries of the project through the establishment of the Qatywa Community Development Trust, which will manage the project and report back to the community,” said Magqwanti.

She added that they will also benefit by being employed at the lodge, and ever since the project started, almost 80% of this community has benefited. The project started on 16 January 2023.

Magqwanti confirmed that it is currently at 98% completion and is expected to be completed in August. “This area is regarded as one of the top tourist destinations of choice in Mbhashe, which is unique in terms of eco and adventure tourism — estuaries, forestry, beach, sporting activities, marine activities and a boat launch site.”