View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

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Municipality (ZDM), the spatial development framework (SDF), poverty relief infrastructure programmes, agricultural development and tourism development programmes and initiatives. Chapter six has presented an analysis and interpretation of data. Following the above discussion on the situational and local economic development analysis of Ulundi, one may not be far from concluding that there are quite a number oflandscape and cultural attributes in the area yet most residents know little about them, let alone taking the initiative to market them for their potential tourism spin offs. The agricultural and tourism potentials as well as infrastructural resources ofthe Ulundi have not been fully maximised. In an effort to improve the economic picture of development potential, a broader spectrum of network and partnerships that seek to incorporate the private sector, entire Zululand District and beyond into its broad economic development strategies becomes a developmental alternative for the growth and development of Ulundi. This would provide a meaningful and an appropriate realignment between its neighbouring districts and local municipalities, communities, stakeholders and service providers for good working relationships and effective service delivery. From the aforementioned analysis, it should be noted the strength of Ulundi hinges mainly on its tourism and agricultural potential. As the cultural core ofthe District, tourism activities in the area should be seen as central to development, especially being the birthplace ofthe Zulu Nation, incorporating some of the richest historical sites in Africa, its wildlife and living cultures. The Emakhosini development, the airport and the P700 link to the Cengeni Gate of Hluhluwe - Umfolozi Park are part and parcel ofthe existing opportunities which can play an active role in stimulating the tourism potential into real economic spin offs in the area. The synergy behveen tourism and agriculture cannot be underestimated. A closer look at Ulundi is no exception to this synergical pattern. The general climate of Ulundi has created a condition that is apparently conducive for the commercial cultivation of soya beans and potential livestock production. The study therefore recommends a feasibility study (land evaluation exercise) based on a bio-physical and management requirements of the soya crop and its production system. Approximately 70% of the land surface in KZN is only fit for livestock grazing and this is also true for the Zululand District. It was also pointed out by the 216

ZDM (planning Unit) that the natural growth ofthe aloe plant has also raised interests among both foreign and local investors to harvest the product. Less has been done to engage in a feasibility study ofharvesting this resource. A more conducive economic environment that is suitable for general business welfare is necessary. The chamber of commerce has not been functional in Ulundi. These business administrative gaps create an impression that the local businesses are not supported by both the local and district municipalities. In the midst ofthe strengths and prevailing opportunities mentioned above, there are equally obvious weaknesses and threats facing the study area It appears though that a section of respondents would favour industrial development (Figure 6.9) especially aloe harvesting and processing. Limited entrepreneurial skills and reluctance to take calculated risks could be perceived as part of the factors hindering the actualisation of the opportunities that tourism and agriculture present to the locals. Government has programmes to support ventures such as Land Redistribution and Agricultural Development (LRAD) grant of Land Affairs and Agriseta to ensure skills development through cooperatives. However, it is apparent that little is known about these programmes among household heads. Ulundi is currently characterised by non-diversified economy, limited shopping and residential facilities as well as unemployment. The political decision to relocate the provincial capital to Pietermaritzburg from Ulundi affected negatively the employment and economic activities of the area. Even with a strategy based on the analysis of its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, Ulundi may struggle with nearby coastal centres. A more sustainable strategy informed by the analysis ofits strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Ulundi as typified above is necessary at this stage. Some degree of economic deflation may be expected; and should be managed to reduce the sociological impacts. Chapter six dealt with the situational and land use analysis ofthe local economic development ofUlundi. The objectives ofthe research were restated to give a fresh focus to the work: Objective 1 217

ZDM (planning Unit) that the natural growth <strong>of</strong>the aloe plant has also raised interests among<br />

both foreign and local investors to harvest the product. Less has been done to engage in a<br />

feasibility study <strong>of</strong>harvesting this resource. A more conducive economic environment that is<br />

suitable for general business welfare is necessary. The chamber <strong>of</strong> commerce has not been<br />

functional in Ulundi. These business administrative gaps create an impression that the local<br />

businesses are not supported by both the local and district municipalities.<br />

In the midst <strong>of</strong>the strengths and prevailing opportunities mentioned above, there are equally<br />

obvious weaknesses and threats facing the study area It appears though that a section <strong>of</strong><br />

respondents would favour industrial development (Figure 6.9) especially aloe harvesting and<br />

processing. Limited entrepreneurial skills and reluctance to take calculated risks could be<br />

perceived as part <strong>of</strong> the factors hindering the actualisation <strong>of</strong> the opportunities that tourism<br />

and agriculture present to the locals. Government has programmes to support ventures such<br />

as Land Redistribution and Agricultural Development (LRAD) grant <strong>of</strong> Land Affairs and<br />

Agriseta to ensure skills development through cooperatives. However, it is apparent that little<br />

is known about these programmes among household heads. Ulundi is currently characterised<br />

by non-diversified economy, limited shopping and residential facilities as well as<br />

unemployment. The political decision to relocate the provincial capital to Pietermaritzburg<br />

from Ulundi affected negatively the employment and economic activities <strong>of</strong> the area. Even<br />

with a strategy based on the analysis <strong>of</strong> its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats,<br />

Ulundi may struggle with nearby coastal centres. A more sustainable strategy informed by<br />

the analysis <strong>of</strong>its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats <strong>of</strong> Ulundi as typified above<br />

is necessary at this stage. Some degree <strong>of</strong> economic deflation may be expected; and should<br />

be managed to reduce the sociological impacts.<br />

Chapter six dealt with the situational and land use analysis <strong>of</strong>the local economic development<br />

<strong>of</strong>Ulundi. The objectives <strong>of</strong>the research were restated to give a fresh focus to the work:<br />

Objective 1<br />

217

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