Be a tourist in your own district

KAROO NEWS - This was the message shared in Addo last week Friday, where the tourism sector of the Sarah Baartman District was officially opened by Executive Mayor of the district municipality, Cllr Khunjuzwa Eunice Kekana.

"The tourism sector has been negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, as many businesses had to close," Kekana told those present at the event. "We must now change this disruption, and I encourage communities to start by being tourists in their own areas first."

The event, held in Tourism Month, highlighted the importance of supporting the local tourism industry, specifically as part of economic development in rural areas. The Sarah Baartman District Municipality promoted their "Seven Wonders," which include the Karoo and its Valley of Desolation.

The other wonders are Addo; Baviaans and Gamtoos Valley; Makhanda; Jeffrey's Bay and St Francis Bay; The Sunshine Coast and Tsitsikamma and Langkloof.

"This tourism month allows us the opportunity to acknowledge the important role of tourism in our communities, and people can start by discovering these seven wonders," Kekana said. She added that the sector must continue to follow the necessary Covid-19 regulations, and locals and tourists must remain vigilant in the fight against the pandemic.

Suné van der Mescht, of the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser, takes fun to new heights.

Mayor of the Sunday's River Valley Local Municipality, Nombulelo Bixa, thanked all those who have played a role in decreasing the number of local Covid-19 infection.

"It has not been an easy journey. I have also lost family members, but here we stand today," Bixa said. She encouraged locals to support their tourism industry.

The two mayors, Kekana and Bixa, practised what they preached after the event, by ziplining together at an adrenaline-filled session at Adrenaline Addo. Thereafter Kekana took on Adrenaline Addo's giant swing, where she was joined by Graaff-Reinet Advertiser Sales Consultant, Suné van der Mescht.

Executive Mayor of the district municipality, Cllr Khunjuzwa Eunice Kekana, gets ready to zipline. Photos: Paula-Ann Smit