/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

More than two thousand members of the community and tourism business owners from Khayelitsha attended an Imbizo to engage with the Deputy Minister Tourism, Ms Tokozile Xasa, on the socio-economic factors that impede tourism growth in the area.

“I am pleased that you came out in large numbers to engage with us. It shows your commitment to seeing tourism grow in this area, and it also affirms your desire to be an integral part of that transformative process,” added Xasa.

Tourism is one of the key growth sectors in the Western Cape, and it has created more than 200 000 employment opportunities.

With the drive to transform the sector and make it more inclusive, there is a concerted need for communities to be more involved in the Department’s programmes and initiatives that will enable them to actively participate in the Industry.

“The radical transformation of our economy can only be achieved when we create an inclusive environment that promotes active participation from our citizens.”

“We are working with other government departments and industry stakeholders to channel our efforts towards creating an inclusive tourism sector, which all South Africans can actively participate in,” said Xasa.

Deputy Ministers from the Department of Communication, Human Settlement and Small Business Development were among the guests who attended the Imbizo to respond to concerns raised by the community.

Concerns raised ranged from complaints about the lack of adequate housing and basic services, to a lack of finance and initiatives that are targeted at improving SMME’s in townships.

“As government, we commit to escalating and finding solutions to the concerns raised at this engagement. Tourists are looking for authentic cultural and township experience. Working together, we can build Khayelitsha into a must see tourism destination,” concluded Xasa.

Issued by GCIS on behalf of the Department of Tourism