On Thursday, 17 August, the Department of Economic Development, the Environment, and Tourism met with the Collins Chabane and Giyani Municipality, as well as local traditional offices, to address the dispute between the two municipalities concerning the relocation of the Shangoni gate at Kruger National Park from Collins Chabane Local Municipality to the Greater Giyani Local Municipality.
Last year, residents of Mtititi in the Collins Chabane Municipality protested along the D40 road from Mtititi to Malamulele. They insisted on having their own Kruger gate and demanded that the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, the Environment, and Tourism open the Shangoni Gate for them to operate their small- and medium-sized businesses.
Mr Fish Mahlalela, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, facilitated the discussions with the municipalities on Thursday.
In a telephonic interview with this newspaper, Mr Sindi Zwana, the media-liaison officer for the department, stated that significant progress had been made in resolving the dispute. The government encourages small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) as they play a crucial role in job creation and local economic development. Once the dispute is resolved, communities living near the Shangoni Gate will have the opportunity to operate various businesses, including the selling of traditional beads and attire, traditional food, providing hospitality and accommodation services, running restaurants, and showcasing cultural entertainment to tourists.
Zwana mentioned that the department was looking forward to these businesses' commencing operations by April next year.