Welcome to the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, a veritable paradise for sightseers and outdoor enthusiasts. A state-of-the-art cable car is set to bring tourism to new heights in this magnificent region, which, for many South Africans, rivals the appeal of Europe’s Alps.
The Drakensberg region is a summer paradise, perfect for hiking along breathtakingly beautiful routes, camping out under a blanket of stars, and swimming in refreshingly clear lakes and rivers. When winter arrives and covers the mountains under a blanket of snow, they become an enchanting destination. Even still, the Drakensberg does not see nearly as many foreign tourists as one might think it would. This will soon alter.
The planned cable car will provide spectacular 360-degree vistas of the Drakensberg Mountains, an achievement expected to significantly increase tourism. KZN MEC for Economic Development and Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma visited the cable car project recently to check on its development and talk about the positive effects it may have on the area.
Positive Effects All Over The Area
The cable car project will have far-reaching effects, increasing tourism in the immediate area, nearby provinces, and even in Lesotho. Because there isn’t much in the way of tourist infrastructure or lodgings where the cable car is supposed to go, it’s a relatively undiscovered gem. Duma remarked that the area was frequented by “leisure tourists from around the world, who come primarily for hiking and adventure.”
A Chorus of Projects Beautifully Choreographed
The cable car project is the centerpiece of a larger effort to revitalize the Drakensberg region. “The seven ancillary projects attached to the anchor project will generate hundreds more jobs and business opportunities will extend to all sectors of the economy,” Duma said.
Economic Prosperity and Job Creation
The cable car project is a shining example of long-term job creation that will boost the regional economy and attract more visitors. The effort is projected to spur economic expansion, creating many new positions, mainly in the building trades and the hospitality industry (which includes the retail and restaurant sectors). The cableway itself will considerably benefit the local community by providing stable employment for 151 individuals.
Neville Matjie, CEO of Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), recently provided an encouraging update on the project’s development. He cited the recently concluded feasibility study and business plan as evidence. Matjie also disclosed that there is a financial interest in the concept, however, additional research is needed before it can move forward.
The Drakensberg cable car project, in a nutshell, offers renewed optimism for the area. The Drakensberg Mountains are already a popular tourist destination in South Africa, but with the completion of the cable car system, they are expected to become a major draw for visitors from all over the world. It’s high time for the rest of the world to see what all the fuss is about in this part of South Africa.
About the Author:
Musa Khumalo is a seasoned writer and editor at Africa Nova, where he brings to life captivating stories from the heart of the African continent. With a deep-rooted passion for travel, luxury experiences, and culture, Musa’s work shines a spotlight on the diverse landscapes, people, local craft, and experiences that make Africa a world within itself.
