eThekwini Municipality’s Philip Sithole on uplifting township tourism

The Africa's Travel Indaba, currently taking place in Durban, is a platform showcasing some of the best tourism destinations Africa has to offer. In line with promoting township tourism, CNBC Africa's Fifi Peters spoke with Philip Sithole, the Deputy City Manager for Economic Development and Planning at eThekwini Municipality. The discussion centered on the municipality's initiatives to uplift township tourism and address key issues such as infrastructure development, safety concerns, and economic empowerment. Townships have become a crucial aspect of the tourism sector in eThekwini, with Sithole emphasizing the importance of including them in the overall tourism promotion strategy. He highlighted the concept of 'Deviant tourism', underscoring the need to guide international visitors to experience the products being promoted. Uplifting townships involves transforming them into economic hubs through strategic investments and infrastructure development. One of the key focus areas for eThekwini Municipality is improving accessibility to townships by addressing transport infrastructure. Sithole mentioned the significant investments made in enhancing roads leading to townships, thereby creating more efficient transport corridors. Additionally, the municipality has allocated substantial funds towards improving electricity access and bulk infrastructure in various townships. By bolstering these essential services, eThekwini aims to attract more visitors and investors to township areas. Furthermore, Sithole discussed the municipality's plans to establish light industries in townships, fostering economic growth and job creation within these communities. By supporting tourism corridors like the one in Umlazi's V section, eThekwini Municipality aims to leverage the historical significance of these areas to attract both local and international visitors. Reflecting on the recent challenges posed by flooding in the region, Sithole acknowledged the impact on business operations and emphasized the need for continuous infrastructure development. Despite these obstacles, the municipality remains committed to positioning Durban as a premier destination for tourism and investments. Sithole stressed the importance of integrating communities and creating cohesive societies through strategic infrastructure projects. Addressing safety concerns in townships, Sithole acknowledged the existing perception of crime and the need to actively address it. The municipality has implemented measures such as establishing police and metro stations in townships like Umlazi, Phoenix, and Inanda to enhance security and reassure visitors. By providing essential services closer to communities, including social work support and emergency response teams, eThekwini Municipality strives to create a safer environment for residents and visitors alike. As eThekwini Municipality continues its efforts to uplift township tourism and drive economic development, collaboration with local businesses and community stakeholders remains essential. By fostering a conducive environment for investment and promoting the unique offerings of townships, Durban aims to solidify its position as a thriving tourism destination in South Africa.