Socio-economic assessment of the proposed tourism development at Mount Aux Sources, Eastern Free State, South Africa
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Date
2008-03
Authors
Links, Sebiloane Lebotsa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus)
Abstract
This study assesses the Potential Socio-economic Impact of the Tlokweng/Sentinel
Cableway Development in the Tsheseng Community of Qwaqwa, Eastern Free State,
South Africa.
The survey was carried out during a month of July 2002, amongst a total of 200
households drawn from a random sampling involving three areas in Tsheseng,
namely; Thibella, Dinkweng and Phomolong villages. The villages are located in the
former homeland of Qwaqwa in the Eastern Free State (South Africa).
In more specific terms, this research aimed at providing a critical examination of the
contribution of this project in enhancing the standard of living of the people of
Tsheseng (Qwaqwa). To put forward the recommendations on how the perceptions of
these people can be integrated into the reality of the project was a challenge. It is also
aimed at providing information from the respondents on how they foresee the impact
of the project in tourism within the area.
The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection and
analysis. Primary and secondary sources of data were used and modem methods were also employed to analyse and draw conclusion from the research.
The study's findings indicate that most of the households are not educated. As a
result, they lack the capacity to be innovative. The study further revealed that
Tsheseng people are far away from the CBD's and industries and as such, they are
confined and marginalized through the non-interactive conditions imposed on them in
their villages. These indicate a lack of incentives and high unemployment rate
because of non-existence of clear and proper development and job opportunities
intended to enhance the welfare (social status) of the Tsheseng people and Qwaqwa as
a whole. The results further show that the people of Tsheseng acknowledge the fact
that the project can be implemented with the hope that it will alleviate the alarming
rate of unemployment. If this can be achieved, it will lead to betterment of the lives
ofTsheseng people as well as on the tourism development process in South Africa. In conclusion, the study recommends that the cable car should be implemented as one
of the flagships (services) of the tourism industry in order to alleviate unemployment
and provide better living conditions expected by many people of the world. The study
also recommends such a development with a clear understanding that tourism will be
ranked amongst the best businesses in the study area and in South Africa as a whole.
With this project in hand, some problems such as underdevelopment, poverty,
ignorance and isolation could be minimized and tourism will flourish.
Description
Keywords
Tourism -- South Africa -- Northeastern Free State, Northeastern Free State (South Africa) -- Economic conditions, Northeastern Free State (South Africa) -- Social conditions, Dissertation (M.Sc. (Tourism Studies, School of Environmental Science))--University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus), 2008