View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

attlefields and the broad coastal area of northern KwaZulu-NataI known by the market as
Zululand. The ZDM acknowledges Ulundi as the cultural core ofthe district and all tourism
activity should be focused on the theme of it being the birthplace of the Zulu Nation,
incorporating some ofthe richest historical sites in Africa like the Ulundi battlefield where the
memorials to the Zulu and British dead are located, and KwaZulu Cultural Museum which
houses one of the most representative collections ofZulu material culture available; wildlife
and living cultures (Sibiya, Pers. Cornm., Tuesday, 2I-02-2006a).
According to ZDM, the Provincial Department of Economic Development in collaboration
with the Office ofthe Premier (the leading agent) sees the Ophathe Emakhosini development
as having high labour absorption during the construction and infrastructure development
phase (Sibiya, Pers. Comm., Tuesday, 2I-02-2oo6a).
In order to accentuate its local economic spm offs, it is envisaged that preferential
procurement must be instituted in the hospitality operations. The tribal authorities of Ximba
and Mpungose are prospective participants and active stakeholders as the protected area
includes a section ofthese tribal areas. This approach also calls for business linkages with the
private game reserves. Over 40"10 land ofthe ZDM is under the Traditional Authority and the
Ngonyama Trust usually controls the rural plots. The rural land with high tourism potential is
to be developed within the framework of partnership. This potential tourism industry in
Ulundi is characterized by tourism routes, such as battlefields route and the Zulu heritage
route. The ZDM pointed out that local knowledge of historical sites, places of interest and
culture positions local entrepreneurs as potential tourist operators and ground handlers (Rohrs.
Pers. Comm.• Friday, 17-11-2006).
Meanwhile, it was pointed out that tourism has been active only at the district level. and little
is said or done by the local municipality to promote it at the local, national and international
fronts. The Ulundi Community Tourism Association (CTA). the vehicle of Ulundi tourism
has not been operational over time until 2007. All tourism stakeholders may see themselves
as competitors for better service and improved product line to tourists who visit the area. The
B&B operators, Amafa KwaZulu Heritage, tourism ZDM, tourism KZN and all tourism
174