Businesses Urged to Invest in Ulundi to Boost Tourism

Ulundi Mayor, Wilson Ntshangase, has called on the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) to assist entrepreneurs aiming to open hotels in Ulundi to promote tourism and economic growth in the city. His appeal comes as part of a broader effort to develop the area and boost the local economy.

Ntshangase expressed frustration that, despite Ulundi being a city with rich cultural history, it has only ever had one hotel, the Garden Court Ulundi. He highlighted this issue during the launch of Tourism Month at the Umgungundlovu Multimedia Centre on Thursday. Hosted by Edtea MEC, Reverend Musa Zondi, the event is part of the larger effort to boost tourism in the province.

“Ulundi hosts various cultural activities, but visitors are often forced to seek accommodation in neighbouring towns due to a lack of facilities here,” Ntshangase said. He emphasised the need to encourage businesses to invest in the city, especially in the hospitality sector, as it would create job opportunities and stimulate development.

Cultural Richness and Heritage

Ulundi, located in the heart of Zululand, is known for its deep cultural heritage and historical significance to the Zulu nation. Ntshangase stressed that investments in the city would capitalise on these unique aspects, making it an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore Zulu history.

Dr Mxolisi Dlamuka, CEO of KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Council, Amafa, also spoke about the importance of Ulundi and the surrounding areas in the broader tourism strategy for Zululand. He announced that the council aims to transform eMakhosini Ophathe Heritage into a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dlamuka emphasised that collaboration with local municipalities and the Zulu nation is essential for achieving this goal.

Reviving Zululand’s Historical Sites

Dlamuka outlined plans to develop Zululand into a key tourist destination, noting the upcoming restoration of the KwaCeza Palace, which is expected to draw both local and international visitors. The revival of this site forms part of a larger strategy to connect tourists with the region’s rich history.

He added that significant historical milestones will be marked in the coming years, including the 200-year anniversaries of Queen Nandi’s death in 2027 and King Shaka’s death in 2028. These milestones are expected to attract considerable attention and boost interest in Zululand as a cultural tourism hub.

Tourism Growth Post-Pandemic

Reverend Zondi praised the steady increase in visitors to Zululand, with numbers rising from 305,018 in 2022 to 364,160 in 2023, reflecting a promising rebound from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the region’s unique cultural and heritage offerings as key drivers of this growth.

Zondi also announced that the KZN Tourism and Film Authority is embarking on a new era following its merger with Tourism KZN and the Film Commission. This merger is expected to elevate the Zulu brand on the global stage, enhancing the region’s appeal to tourists.

Government Commitment to Tourism

The Edtea MEC detailed the government’s continued investment in tourism infrastructure, with a focus on various projects across the province. Zondi mentioned that R12 million has been allocated towards initiatives such as the Drakensberg Cable Car, beach development, the KwaXolo caves, the Highover Game Reserve, and others. These projects aim to improve tourist experiences while promoting economic growth in those regions.

In addition, Zondi shared that the department has supported 30 tourism enterprises to strengthen their participation in the sector and has invested R33 million in training 150 tourist guides across various categories, including nature, adventure, and culture.

Conclusion: A Call for Investment

Mayor Ntshangase and Reverend Zondi’s appeal for businesses to invest in Ulundi reflects a broader effort to promote tourism as a key driver of economic development. The cultural richness of Ulundi, combined with planned investments in infrastructure and historical site restoration, positions the city as a potential tourism hotspot in KwaZulu-Natal.

By fostering partnerships between businesses, local government, and the Zulu nation, Ulundi can unlock its full potential as a thriving destination for both cultural tourism and economic growth.