The historic rural town of eDumbe, formerly Paulpietersburg, is poised for a major facelift as it prepares to be declared a key heritage tourism destination.
“We have recently received funding of about R78-million from the KwaZulu-Natal department of transport to upgrade our roads. The tourism industry will create about 1 500 jobs and will benefit local accommodation facilities. By 2035, eDumbe will be a highly developed area,” said local council mayor Sibusiso Mkhabela.
The rural town borders Mpumalanga and was established in 1888. Its roots go back to what was then known as the Transvaal Republic. It encompasses two celebrated names in Afrikaner history – president Paul Kruger and Piet Joubert, a Voortrekker pioneer.
In an interview with Sunday World, Mkhabela said heritage tourism has the potential to create jobs for locals in an area which is predominantly rural.
“The eDumbe area is a gateway to KwaZulu-Natal from Mpumalanga. We must make this a strategic location to work for us. As we embark on this facelift project, this will ensure that travellers do not drive past the town but stay and explore what the town and surrounding areas offer,” said Mkhabela.
The area holds indelible traces of the history of the Zulu resistance wars. The much-revered Zulu Princess Mkabayi kaJama, aunt of Shaka kaSenzangakhona, is buried in the area.
The area hosts Luneburg – an area which was previously occupied by German settlers.
“There’s an untapped cultural tourism potential for eDumbe, and this is the reason we are investing money and resources to unleash its capability,” Mkhabela said.
eDumbe was recently crowned as the third cleanest city in KwaZulu-Natal, surpassing several big cities.
