KwaMaqoma, Eastern Cape — The official Mthontsi Lodge launch in KwaMaqoma, near Fort Beaufort, marks a significant milestone in the government’s strategy to expand rural tourism in the Eastern Cape. The newly unveiled facility aims to ensure that local communities directly benefit from the tourism economy, transforming the region’s historical and natural attractions into sustainable economic opportunities for residents.
Shamilla Chettiar, the Acting Director-General and Deputy Director-General for Destination Development at the Department of Tourism, highlighted the department’s strategic shift toward rural development. According to Chettiar, the initiative is designed to ensure that tourism benefits all citizens and stimulates the broader economy, rather than being concentrated solely in urban centers.
The lodge is situated on a site of profound historical significance, recognized as the location of the longest resistance against colonial rule led by Chief Maqoma and his brother Sandile. Developed in partnership with the local Mthontsi cooperative, the Mthontsi Lodge features chalet accommodations, a backpackers facility, a conference center, and a restaurant. Chettiar explained that the core purpose of this infrastructure is to grant communities ownership of tourism assets, allowing them to participate meaningfully in the economy and generate generational income.
Addressing the historical barriers to community ownership in the sector, Chettiar noted that tourism has the unique capacity to develop rural economies at a fraction of the cost of other industries. The construction of the R31 million facility created 28 jobs and benefited nine local Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs). Currently, the lodge has created five permanent jobs, with employment fluctuating between five and 20 people depending on peak seasons and facility demand.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the Department of Tourism is providing comprehensive support through SMME and enterprise development programs. Chettiar emphasized the importance of leaving behind the skills and operational know-how required to run the facility. This ensures that local participants not only own the assets but are also equipped to create lasting jobs within their own communities.
Although officially opened at the launch event, the lodge has been operational since December and has already hosted four major events, successfully generating revenue. Chettiar highlighted the department’s strategy of “building for locals,” noting that popular local destinations naturally attract outside visitors. The department will continue to support the lodge through marketing initiatives and by linking the cooperative with other enterprises to foster sustained community growth through tourism.
