Sharon Hammond
Dispossessed villagers living near the Kruger National Park’s Numbi Gate may soon become partners in an R85-million Hilton International hotel.
If the project is approved by Mpumalanga’s development tribunal and the Department of Environmental Affairs, impoverished members of the Mdluli tribe will be able to cash in on their heritage by having an equity share in the Mdluli Hilton Lodge.
They’ve been promised 40% of net profits per year and will be given first option on spin-off business opportunities such as provision of curios, entertainment and maintenance contracts.
The Mdluli tribe has been ekeing out a largely subsistence living since it was forced off the 850ha property in 1969 and the Kruger National Park took over its administration.
The park conceded four years ago it did not, in fact, legally own the land and returned it to the tribe in May this year. Since then, both the tribe and the Department of Land Affairs have explored methods to sustainably develop the property.
“We looked at putting members back on the land as subsistence farmers but believe the hotel development to be a better long-term alternative,” said Steve Ballot of ACER Africa Development Consultants which was contracted to draw up the environmental scoping report.
He said not only would the Mdluli people, represented by the Mdluli Trust, have a stake in the Mdluli Hilton Lodge, but the Kruger National Park would have a buffer zone between it and nearby rural settlements.
Leader Chief MZ Mdluli has given his approval to the development.
The project, initiated by Team Development Concepts, will ensure 160 jobs. – African Eye News Service
ENDS