Below It, Above It and On It, Land is Everything

14 November 2022

Perseverance can be attributed to the first phase of the Mont’Dor Orpen Kruger Lodge that was launched in Mpumalanga on the 10th of November. The current 10 unit luxury accommodation bordering the world renowned Kruger National Park is a venture that has the potential to reinvigorate the rural co-operative business models around the country that seeks to address the imbalances of the past and to develop a fair and inclusive South African economy.

Deputy Minister of Tourism AM Mahlalela acknowledged the significance of the event in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the local Bushbuckridge municipality, Indalo Inclusive and Mont’Dor of the private sector for their unwavering commitment to the project. The Minister affirmed the vital importance of the travel and tourism sector and its immense potential to spur revenue generating employment and creating infrastructure building activities.

The value of social cohesion, meeting people face to face and enjoying hospitality of the locals cannot be overstated. Escaping to the bush and experiencing a oneness with the wildlife, fauna and flora can do wonders for the health, wellness and psyche, is what Mont’Dor hotel group has invested in. Their goal is to add a further 70 accommodation units and other facilities in the phases that follow for the lodge that is 100m away from Orpen Gate to the Kruger National Park.

Indalo Inclusive South Africa is a Not-for-Profit company with a mandate to support and promote social, green, inclusive and responsible entrepreneurship. The NPO partnership with the project has led to creating space for entrepreneurs in a sector that offers a range of economic activity in a myriad of services and products associated with the tourism, travel, and hospitality value and supply chains.

The Government Communication and Information Services (GCIS) played its role in creating greater awareness of this milestone achievement. The South African government is committed to building a just, fair inclusive nation by restoring the dignity of the people and preserving the heritage, culture and traditions of the country through sustainable and dynamic engagement. After all, the land does not belong to us, we belong to the land.

K Bhana