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View/Open - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

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tourism potential are to be developed within the framework <strong>of</strong> partnership. The emerging<br />

tourism industry in Ulundi is characterized by tourism routes, such as battlefields route and<br />

the Zulu heritage route. Local knowledge <strong>of</strong> historical sites, places <strong>of</strong> interest and culture<br />

position local entrepreneurs as potential tourist operators. All tourism stakeholders should<br />

not see themselves as competitors but as complementing one another. The B & B operators,<br />

Amafa aKwaZulu Heritage, tourism ZDM, tourism KZN and all tourism stakeholders in<br />

Ulundi ought to come on board for a more comprehensive integrated tourism plan for Ulundi.<br />

Tourism development potential along P700 is very paramount and has far more sustainable<br />

capabilities. B & B, traditional self-help accommodation, art and craft markets as well as<br />

information centres can be established along the P700 with the aim <strong>of</strong>attracting domestic and<br />

international tourists to ensure commercial ribbon development through sustainable tourism.<br />

The synergy between tourism and agriculture can be realized by the supply <strong>of</strong>produce for the<br />

tourist industry. The growth and development <strong>of</strong>agriculture and tourist economic themes can<br />

fulfil the Provincial Department <strong>of</strong> Finance and Economic Development's key concerns as<br />

enshrined in the provincial LED projects.<br />

The highest agriculture potential in the entire <strong>Zululand</strong> District Municipality is in the north<br />

and north-east <strong>of</strong> the region, particularly in the Upongolo Local Municipality. There are<br />

currently development projects in crop production around Ulundi, Nongoma, Upongola and<br />

AbaQulusi. The generally dry climate <strong>of</strong> Ulundi has created a condition that is apparently<br />

conducive for the commercial cultivation <strong>of</strong> soya beans and livestock production. The<br />

proposed soya beans project is a partnership exercise between <strong>Zululand</strong>, Umzinyathi and<br />

Amajuba District Municipalities. The memorandum <strong>of</strong> agreement is that <strong>Zululand</strong> and<br />

Urnzinyathi will supply the raw soya beans for processing at Amajuba. Ulundi which falls<br />

under <strong>Zululand</strong> District Municipality may not benefit from the direct employment<br />

opportunities and infrastructural development spin-<strong>of</strong>fs that the processing plant at Amajuba<br />

will command. However, this project paves the way for the rural crop farmers to form co­<br />

operatives and work on a relatively large scale operation. This also has the capacity to<br />

increase disposable income and improve the quality <strong>of</strong> life <strong>of</strong> the people. What remains an<br />

envisaged challenge to be borne by farmers however is the transport cost to freight the soya<br />

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