TOURISM CONSTRAINTS OF UMLAZI TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS ...

exposure deprived blacks of the knowledge and even awareness of what ishappening in tourism.The document on the Reconstruction and Development Program has this to sayabout the exclusion ofblacks from the tourism industry:Tourism in South Africa has been geared essentially tothe local white and overseas markets, and has beenadversely affected by apartheid and the resultantsanctions. All aspects of tomism were provided on aracial basis, including infrastructure, lodgings and evennational parks and game reserves and recreational areas(The Reconstruction and Development Program, 1994 :106).This led blacks to believing that tourism is not for them but only for white peopleand overseas tourists. Blacks were left ignorant of what tourism really is.According to the White Paper on Tourism (1996), there is a perception amongstblacks that tourism refers only to people travelling around and staying in hotels. Toa black person, the wider opportunities offered by tourism are not generally knownor appreciated.One ofthe greatest deficiencies in the South African tourism industry is the absenceof education and training and awareness of opportunities in this industry.Thepreviously neglected groups in the South African society are highly affected by thislack of education. In the townships like Urnlazi and in rural areas, there are noinformation centres and the residents are not exposed to any form ofeducation abouttourism.tackled.The job oflevelling the playing field is a massive one but it needs to be25'.