Mpumalanga Premier officiates a sod turning ceremony of a multi-million rand tourism project in Thaba Chweu
17 September 2021Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane has officiated a sod turning ceremony to mark the construction of a multi-million rand Skywalk project in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality. She was accompanied by MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Vusi Mkhatshwa, Acting Thaba Chweu Executive Mayor, Cllr. Fridah Nkadimeng and Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), Mr Victor Mashego.
The project involves the development of a glass walkway suspended off the edge of the cliff, to give tourists a 360-degree panoramic view, and is located within the proximity of the famous Graskop Gorge. It is envisaged that three hundred (300) job opportunities will be created during the construction phase, while a hundred (100) of them will be permanent once the project is completed.
Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane says the event marked a significant milestone in Mpumalanga's journey to assume the status as one of the country’s major tourism destinations through the use of natural resources. "The God’s Window Skywalk project is an extraordinary example of how our Province can utilize its resources such as its natural beauty, scenic landscapes, well-managed national parks, culture, the arts, and what is referred to as the creative economy, in order to create a better life for our people," the Premier explained. She added that the Provincial Government will be watching the roll-out of the project to provide support where it is necessary to ensure that it succeeds.
The sod turning ceremony took place in September as the country is celebrating tourism and the diverse cultures and heritage. Mtshweni-Tsipane says government’s support for the project is geared towards contributing to the growth of international and domestic tourism in the province.
The construction of the Skywalk Project is seen as a major boost towards Mpumalanga’s aspiration of growing the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Mtshweni-Tsipane cited tourism as a sector known for its resilience to economic downturns and crises..
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Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Ms Kholofelo Nkambule: Spokesperson (MTPA) @ 082 451 2548
Dr Mohau Ramodibe: Spokesperson (Economic Development and Tourism) @ 082 771 9950
(A) Provincial Government’s Spokesperson: George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za