The KZN Department of Sport and Recreation in collaboration with stakeholders celebrated the successful launch of the Dundee July Legacy Project at the Dundee Race Track, highlighting significant tourism developments in KwaZulu-Natal.
The project saw public and private sector stakeholders collaborate to unleash the economic development potential of the traditional horse racing value chain, including infrastructure improvements, training, tourism and manufacturing.
The Project was launched by Ms Hlengiwe Mavimbela, MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation with MEC for Social Development, Mrs Nonhlanhla Khoza, and representatives of stakeholders.
The dedicated partners involved on this project in attendance were the Department of Sports & Recreation; Umzinyathi District Mayor; Endumeni Local Municipality; Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), KZN Gaming & Betting Board; Ithala Development Finance Corporation (IDFC); and Tourism KZN.
Tourism KZN and the official partners have prioritised the tourism industry as one offering opportunities for the business sector.
At the event, Ms Hlengiwe Mavimbela, MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation said: ‘We are one province, having one plan to build one future. With this investment, government is bringing together all like-minded people to plan and deliver services for our people.
‘While we still have a long way to go in reviving the province’s industries, we are working around the clock to do so.
‘The proactive efforts by the official partners to assist the Dundee and Ladysmith communities does not go unnoticed. Through this project our aim is to identify and create economic opportunities in the traditional equine sector by ensuring growth in all aspects of the value chain from sports, agriculture, tourism and gaming.’
Following the unveiling of the Dundee July Legacy Project, Tourism KZN hosted media on a guided tour of Talana Museum, a visit to the Battlefields Route and ended with a relaxing sunset boat cruise at Spioenkop dam.
Talana Museum, situated on a 20-acre heritage park, comprises 23 buildings dedicated to subjects as diverse as war and agriculture, mining, industry and domestic life.
The farm, bought in 1982 for the development of a museum to commemorate the centenary of Dundee, includes the home and farmstead of one of the founders of the town, the site of the first coal mining activity in this area and portion of the Talana battlefield.
Media had first sight of the unspoilt Battlefields Region, a site of concentration of historical battles that took place over numerous years and shaped the history of both South African and British history.
Within easy driving distance there are numerous wildlife, game and nature parks, many with the Big Five. There are Zulu culture and heritage sites, Bushman paintings and the remains of iron age settlements.
The tour ended off with a visit to the 4 400-hectare Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve which lies close to Ladysmith and Winterton with breath-taking views from the summit of Spioenkop alone making the journey here worthwhile.
Good morning from the N3 Gateway! Spioenkop Dam by Stephen Pryke pic.twitter.com/VoBKfj0M94
— N3 Gateway (@N3Gateway) August 17, 2016
It is a popular weekend watersport destination, whilst also offering a serene game reserve environment – white rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a wide variety of antelope grace these plains, and the bird life is in high-volume.
No matter the experience you’re seeking, KZN is yours to discover!
The travelling public is urged to frequently visit the TKZN digital platforms for great specials on offer.
To remind you of the tourism sights, sounds and experiences on offer, watch the video:
Pictures: Supplied
Featured picture: Screenshot from Youtube
