UNITED DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT

MEDIA RELEASE

ECO-TOURISM URGENTLY IN NEED OF REGULATION

STATEMENT ISSUED BY MTUTUZELI MBADI, MP
UDM SPOKESPERSON FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM

The United Democratic Movement calls on the government to urgently address concerns regarding the eco-tourism industry in South Africa.

During a recent strategic development workshop the United Democratic Movement emphasised its commitment to job creation, alleviation of poverty, increased rates of economic growth, as well as its vision of mobilising the creative spirit inherent in our rich diversity towards our transformation into a Winning Nation. Thus the UDM is pleased to note the developments within the tourism sector in South Africa, especially the proposed establishment of a technical committee to advise the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, and the project for international marketing of South Africa by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

The actual implementation of tourism-friendly policy seems to be proving  quite a task for the ruling party. As such the UDM is concerned about the state of affairs of eco-tourism and the marketing of this vital sector of the South African economy.

Such concerns include the deficit experienced by most protected areas, the dilapidation of facilities within these areas, and the lack of regulation of the licensing of the various services rendered there. Coupled with this is the question of illegality of gaming in South Africa's 422 protected areas, which amounts to 6.7 million hectares. Of further grave concern is the postponement of a crucial media briefing by the government to address these issues. This is further aggravated by the bickering between Environmental and Tourism Minister Valli Moosa and the Land Affairs MEC for the Eastern Cape, Mutile Mamase. The Minister was recently quoted as saying that he "...reminded the MEC that the conditions that he so bitterly complained about,fell under his control."

The implementation of scientific and pragmatic appraisals has been suggested as a route to possible solutions but thus far these calls have gone unheeded. Formal status, legal recognition and education is also sorely needed, yet the economic value of this sector of South Africa has largely gone unrecognised by the ruling government.

In light of the upcoming National Tourism Indaba the UDM calls on the government to urgently address these concerns, thereby creating economic opportunities for all South Africans.

Enquiries:
Prof. Mbadi, MP
UDM Spokesperson for Environmental Affairs and Tourism

Cape Town
24 April 2001