ADVANCING TOURISM AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN OUR DISTRICT
The O.R. Tambo District Municipality MMC for Rural Economic Development and Planning, Cllr Mvuyisi Mbhede, together with Port St Johns Mayor Cllr Cebisa Sana Mazuza and the Port St Johns Local Economic Development Portfolio Head, Cllr Ayanda Gantsho, officially handed over a 13-seater ferry boat-cruise and 13 life jackets to Milani Adventures (Pty) Ltd at the PSJ Marina Restaurant in Port St Johns Local Municipality.
The initiative forms part of the municipality’s commitment to promoting tourism, supporting local economic development and creating sustainable economic opportunities for young people within the district.
Beyond direct employment opportunities, the initiative is expected to benefit a broader network of local businesses, including décor providers, caterers, beverage suppliers and accommodation establishments.
By introducing an additional tourism activity in Port St Johns, the boat is anticipated to attract more visitors, encourage longer stays and stimulate increased economic activity within the local community.
As part of strengthening tourism marketing across the district, the municipality also handed over five virtual-reality (VR) gadgets to the district’s five local municipalities.
The gadgets are intended to enhance the promotion of local tourism attractions and provide innovative ways of showcasing the diverse tourism offerings of the O.R. Tambo District.
Cllr. Mvuyisi Mbhede highlighted that the initiative goes beyond the provision of an asset, emphasising its potential to create sustainable economic opportunities and contribute to the growth of the local tourism sector.
“We remain committed to supporting initiatives that empower young people, stimulate local economic development, promote tourism and create sustainable employment opportunities. We believe that initiatives such as these are an important step towards building vibrant local economies and ensuring that the people of O.R. Tambo benefit directly from the tourism potential of our district.”
Nkosinathi Xulu and Onela Zukuza of Milani Adventures expressed their gratitude to the O.R. Tambo District Municipality for its continued commitment to supporting tourism and local economic development, noting the importance of partnerships that enable local entrepreneurs to participate meaningfully in the district’s growing tourism economy.
