Empowering Rural Youth: MEC Siboniso Duma's Quadbike Initiative for Somopho Hills Adventure Park - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Empowering Rural Youth: MEC Siboniso Duma’s Quadbike Initiative for Somopho Hills Adventure Park

4 mins read
r u

MEC Siboniso Duma is empowering rural youth and boosting tourism in KwaZulu-Natal with the Somopho Hills Adventure Park quadbike initiative. The park, founded by young entrepreneur Lungani Mthembu, immerses visitors in Zulu heritage and creates employment opportunities for locals. The government is committed to supporting the tourism industry, and KZN has secured the rights to host the XIX World Water Conference in 2025. With special deals and attractions available, tourists are encouraged to plan their vacations in KZN and contribute to the growth and development of the province.

Fostering Rural Tourism and Economies Through Adventure

MEC Siboniso Duma is dedicated to boosting rural and township economies through tourism during Tourism Month. This commitment is evident as the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, along with Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, have provided Somopho Hills Adventure Park with 10 quadbikes worth R1.2 million.

Situated in the rural eMpangeni region of the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Somopho Hills Adventure Park was founded in 2021 by Lungani Mthembu, a young entrepreneur and member of the Mthembu royal family. His passion for preserving Zulu heritage and untouched wilderness led him to approach the department with his vision for uplifting the local community.

Previously, the people of Somopho village mainly relied on livestock and subsistence farming for their livelihoods. However, with the development of the adventure park, 15 local youths have found employment opportunities in the tourism industry. MEC Siboniso Duma believes that Lungani’s innovation will inspire young people to develop inventive tourism products that create jobs and elevate tourism to unprecedented heights.

Showcasing Zulu Heritage and Supporting Tourism Professionals

Somopho Hills Adventure Park captivates visitors by immersing them in the rich Zulu storytelling tradition. This aspect of the park allows tourists to share their experiences with family and friends, further promoting tourism in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

MEC Duma expressed his gratitude to representatives from various sectors, such as tour operators, brand strategists, creative directors, and other professionals, for their help in rebuilding the tourism industry. As tourism heavily depends on these professionals for growth, he thanked them for assisting the department in reaching potential tourists and invited them to promote Somopho Hills both nationally and globally.

During the first quarter of this year, KZN attracted 969,765 visitors, signaling that tourism is making a comeback. The number of foreign visitors rose to 164,000 – the highest since the end of 2020 – demonstrating a revival in the international market. MEC Duma also announced that KZN has secured the rights to host the XIX World Water Conference in 2025, an event that is anticipated to bring over 3,000 delegates to Durban, thanks to the KZN Convention Bureau.

Economic Impact and Ensuring Water Infrastructure

In 2021 alone, hosting national and international conferences injected approximately R2 billion into the local economy. MEC Duma reassured stakeholders in the tourism sector that the department is working diligently to ensure a reliable water supply across the province, particularly during the summer holidays. He also discussed the allocation of over R12 billion by the Department of Water and Sanitation for repairing water infrastructure and building new dams.

As summer approaches with the arrival of spring, MEC Duma encouraged tourists to plan their vacations and take advantage of special deals on Tourism KZN’s website. KZN offers a variety of attractions, from the towering Drakensberg Mountains and the untouched iSimangaliso Wetland Park to the golden beaches along the coast.

A Lasting Impact on Local Communities and the Tourism Sector

In summary, Somopho Hills Adventure Park demonstrates the government’s dedication to strengthening rural and township economies through tourism and its lasting benefits for local communities. By investing in innovative tourism products, more job opportunities are created, fostering the growth and development of the province. The story of Lungani Mthembu and his adventure park serves as a source of inspiration for young entrepreneurs to make a difference in their communities and contribute to the tourism sector.

1. What is the Somopho Hills Adventure Park quadbike initiative?

The Somopho Hills Adventure Park quadbike initiative is an effort by MEC Siboniso Duma to empower rural youth and boost tourism in KwaZulu-Natal. The park was founded by young entrepreneur Lungani Mthembu and immerses visitors in Zulu heritage while creating employment opportunities for locals.

2. How is the government supporting the tourism industry in KwaZulu-Natal?

The government is committed to supporting the tourism industry in KwaZulu-Natal and has provided Somopho Hills Adventure Park with 10 quadbikes worth R1.2 million. Additionally, KZN has secured the rights to host the XIX World Water Conference in 2025, which is anticipated to bring over 3,000 delegates to Durban.

3. How is the Somopho Hills Adventure Park uplifting the local community?

Previously, the people of Somopho village mainly relied on livestock and subsistence farming for their livelihoods. However, with the development of the adventure park, 15 local youths have found employment opportunities in the tourism industry.

4. How is the park showcasing Zulu heritage?

Somopho Hills Adventure Park captivates visitors by immersing them in the rich Zulu storytelling tradition. This aspect of the park allows tourists to share their experiences with family and friends, further promoting tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.

5. How is the tourism industry making a comeback in KwaZulu-Natal?

During the first quarter of this year, KZN attracted 969,765 visitors, signaling that tourism is making a comeback. The number of foreign visitors rose to 164,000 – the highest since the end of 2020 – demonstrating a revival in the international market.

6. How is the tourism industry impacting the local economy?

In 2021 alone, hosting national and international conferences injected approximately R2 billion into the local economy. The tourism industry also creates job opportunities, fostering the growth and development of the province.

7. What is the Department of Water and Sanitation doing to ensure a reliable water supply for tourists?

The Department of Water and Sanitation has allocated over R12 billion for repairing water infrastructure and building new dams to ensure a reliable water supply for tourists, particularly during the summer holidays.

8. How can tourists take advantage of special deals on Tourism KZN’s website?

As summer approaches, tourists are encouraged to plan their vacations and take advantage of special deals on Tourism KZN’s website. KZN offers a variety of attractions, from the towering Drakensberg Mountains and the untouched iSimangaliso Wetland Park to the golden beaches along the coast.

Previous Story

Advancing Smart Mobility during Gauteng’s October Transport Month Campaign

Next Story

Accelerating Service Delivery in South Africa: The Thutsa Lerole Initiative

Latest from Blog

The Debate Over Starlink’s Entry into South Africa: Technological Potential vs. Regulatory Hurdles

The entry of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, into South Africa is facing tough challenges due to local laws that require foreign companies to partner with local investors. Critics argue that these rules slow down internet access, especially in rural areas. Supporters, like former politician Tony Leon, believe that easing these regulations could boost technology and improve relations with the U.S. However, Starlink recently withdrew its application to operate in the country, raising concerns about how South Africa can attract foreign investment while addressing historical inequalities. This debate highlights the struggle between supporting local interests and embracing new technology for a better future.

Unmasking the Veil: The Hidden Campaign of the Trump Administration

The Trump administration’s costcutting efforts, led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are shrouded in mystery, raising alarms about honesty in government. With major cuts to global aid, especially in health and education, trust in the administration is fading. Many worry that the figures reported as savings are misleading, and the lack of detailed information on contracts only adds to the confusion. As legal battles unfold, the need for clear communication and accountability becomes even more urgent, reminding us that open governance is crucial for public confidence.

Major Supermarkets Recall Heartland Foods Cereals: A Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

Major supermarket chains like Shoprite and Checkers are recalling Heartland Foods cereals because some labels had wrong nutritional information. Even though they didn’t get any complaints, they want to be honest and keep customers safe. Shoppers can easily return the affected cereals for a full refund, no receipt needed! This recall shows how much these stores care about their customers and keeping food safe.

The South African Housing Market: A Journey Through Economic Terrain

The South African housing market is a tale of two cities. Cape Town’s home prices have shot up by 25%, attracting many buyers despite the rising cost of living, while Johannesburg’s prices have climbed more modestly at 12%, making it a tempting option for those seeking better economic stability. Many people are reconsidering where to live, with some returning to Johannesburg for a sense of comfort and affordability. As economic pressures weigh heavily, both cities tell a story of resilience and adaptation as South Africans navigate their changing world, searching for a place they can call home.

Cape Town’s ‘Invested in Hope’ Budget: A Vision for the Future

Cape Town’s ‘Invested in Hope’ Budget for 2025/26 is a big plan to help the city and its people. With R39.7 billion set aside, the budget focuses on making essential services like water and electricity more affordable for lowerincome families. Mayor Geordin HillLewis shared this vision on a sunny morning, aiming to improve community safety by adding more police officers and reshaping the city’s infrastructure. While some celebrate these changes, others express concerns about added costs and the need for better crime prevention. Overall, this budget hopes to pave the way for a brighter future for all Cape Town residents.