L.E.D PROGRAMMES

OUR MANDATE

The LED Programmes Section is mandated to foster sustainable economic growth through the development of tourism and agriculture within the district.

SUB-SECTION

AGRICULTURE

Facilitate connections between local farmers and markets, helping them access fair prices for their produce through livestock auctions.
Support SMMES by providing seeds such as groundnuts and beans to the farmers on the UEDA database.
Conduct outreach and extension services to educate farmers on practices, and market trends.
Provide direct and hands-on support to farmers, through providing transportation of produce to farmers on an agency farmers’ database.
Gathering and analysing data related to agricultural production, identifying trends, and using insights to guide decision-making.
Ensure that local farmers adhere to agricultural regulations and standards, promoting the production of safe and high-quality food products.

TOURISM

To collaborate with local businesses, government agencies, and communities to foster tourism development in the district.
To promote community-based tourism initiatives that empower residents and preserve local culture and heritage.
Adverting uThukela tourism products and events on an entity’s digital media platforms and through tourism campaigns.
Preserving, and promoting local culture, traditions, heritage to attract cultural tourists.
Encouraging trade compliance to ensure the safety and quality of tourism services.
Encourages local entrepreneurs to develop unique offerings to attract more tourists to uThukela district.

EVENTS

GROUNDNUTS SEED DISTRIBUTION

Published on the 11 June 2024

In June, the uThukela Economic Development Agency took a significant step towards uplifting the communities by distributing groundnut seeds to Enkaseni, Engodini, and Sun Ville residents. This initiative, in collaboration with the uThukela District Municipality and Inkosilangalibalele, aims to empower previously disadvantaged farmers to make a sustainable living.

A total of 80 bags of 50kg groundnut seeds were distributed among the farmers in these areas. From the planting of the seeds to harvest time, these dedicated farmers will receive hands-on assistance and guidance to ensure a successful yield.

Moreover, the agency will go the extra mile to assist these farmers in securing a fair market price for their produce. By facilitating market connections and advocating for fair trading practices, we aim to empower our farmers economically and ensure that their hard work is duly rewarded.

#CommunityEmpowerment #SupportingFarmers #EmpoweringCommunities #FairTradeOpportunities

Join us for Vintage Sunday

Published on the 07 June 2024

” The Streets of Ladysmith” from June 14-16, 2024, in Ladysmith. Experience a nostalgic journey through the heart of our beloved town. Don’t miss it.

#VintageSundays

#LadysmithStreets

LIVESTOCK AUCTION

UEDA in partnership with Mdukatshani, Siyaphambili, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) organized a Goat Auction Event in Umhlumayo. The primary objective was to support previously disadvantaged farmers by providing a platform to sell their livestock at fair prices, thereby improving their livelihoods. Additionally, the event aimed to promote community engagement and economic empowerment.

This high rate of participation and sales indicates the effectiveness of the event in meeting the needs of local farmers and providing them with a platform to sell their livestock at fair prices.

The figures for the Auction were as follows:

DETAILS	20 MARCH 2024
ASSOCIATION	SIYAPHAMBILI
No. Goat sold	97
Total price (TP)	R 187 050

TOURISM ACTIVATION

An impactful tourism activation took place at N3 South Bound, Ultra City (Estcourt), and involved active participants. The primary objective of this initiative was to captivate the attention of travelers along the N3 route, enticing them to choose UThukela District as their preferred destination for the upcoming Easter holidays.

Representatives from UEDA, UThukela District Municipality, Inkosilangalibalele Local Municipality, Alfred Duma Local Municipality, and Okhahlamba Local Municipality, actively engaged in the activation, bringing diverse perspectives and resources to the event. Comprehensive marketing materials were distributed to showcase the diverse attractions and offerings within the UThukela District, encouraging travelers to explore the region during the Easter holidays.

UTHUKELA FAMILY DAY

Published : 06 November 2023

UTHUKELA FAMILY DAY featuring Dlala Thukzin

Date: 17th December 2023

Venue: Setters Park (Ladysmith)Time: 10h00 am till 18h00 pm

WINTERTON INN – STRAAT

Published: 27 October 2023

WINTERTON INN – STRAAT 4TH NOVEMVER 2023TIME : 8 AM TILL 4PM # FRESH FOOD#ART CRAFTS STALLS#GAMES#HOMEMADE HEALTHY#LOCAL ENTERTAINMENTEnquiries & Bookings 082 548 9910wintertonmuseum01@gmail.com

HIKE & WINE
ABOUT DRAKENSBERG UNESCO WHS

Published : 27 October 2023

HIKE & WINE ABOUT DRAKENSBERG UNESCO WHS

Venue : Royal Natal Park,Gudu Falls 10,9 kmDate :25th of November 2023 R500 INCLUDES:HIKE,SHUTTLE TO AND FROM BERGVILLE SPORT COMPLEX,LUNCH,REFRESHMENTS,POST HIKE ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONAL ADD-ONACCOMMODATION MORE DETAILSPRETTY 065 930 6776ZEE 078 190 8191info@psntravel.co.za

Drakensburg Social Market 1st Annual

Published: 26 October 2023

VENUE: BERGVILLE SPORT COMPLEXDATE: 26TH OF DECEMBER 2023TIME: 9:00 AM TILL 18:00 PMFOR MORE DETAILS: 068 393 8497

HLANGANANI CHRISTMAS MARKET

Published : 24 October 2023

Hlanganani Christmas Market in Partnership with The Ladysmith Country club

Venue : The Ladysmith Country ClubDate : 25th November 2023General Info : 082 416 6248Stall Bookings : 072 798 1701

THE ROYAL NATAL UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE VISIT

Published: 20 September 2023

UEDA TOURISM VISITED THE ROYAL NATAL UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

On the 15th of September 2023 the Tourism team took a familiarization trip to the Dankensberg Royal Natal Heritage Site. It is one of the renounced heritage sites in the Okhahlamba Municipality

#heritagemonth

#tourismmonth

TOURISM KWAZULU-NATAL DISTRICT STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT – WORKSHOP INVITATION

TORISM WINTER ACTIVATION

Published: 14 June 2023

TOURISM WINTER ACTIVATION

The Unforgettable Happens in uThukela

Date: 15 June 2023

Venue: Montrose Ultra City

Open at 10h00

UTHUKELA WINTER SPECIALS LINKS:

Jazz at the drankensberg

Published: 22 March 2023

Outrage Concepts cordially invites you to attend Jazz at the Drankensberg

Date: 25 March 2023

Venue: Cathedral Peak Wine Estate – Winterton

Open at 10h00

9TH ANNUAL CHARITY VALENTINE’S jol and PICNIC

Published: 14 February 2023

Mahata-Mmoho MCC in partnership with Umthambo Othembekile Entertainment presents:

9th Annual Charity Valentine’s Jol and Picnic with Prince Kaybee

Date: 18 February 2023

Venue: Trenchgula Game Lodge at Ladysmith

Open at 6am

UEDA TOURISM DESTINATION MARKETING

09 November 2022

Uthukela Economic Development Agency (UEDA) embarked on a Tourism Destination Marketing Campaign to create awareness of some of the best Tourism products found in Uthukela. UEDA also sought to understand the core challenges that are a hindrance to the industry’s recovery post Covid-19, as well as to gather from the product owners what their suggested solutions would be. UEDA Destination Marketing Campaign supporting Tourism Economic Recovery initiative

# Re-thinking Tourism

# TourismSurvived

# UEDA

# Drakensberg

# Uthukela

# Dragonviewlodge

# BergAirLifestyleCentre

# ChocolateFactory

UEDA Tourism takes it upon itself to ensure that the Tourism Industry in uThukela District regains its market share by providing support for the tourism business within the area.

The Tourism Destination Marketing awareness campaign dates were as follow:

26- 27 September 2022
14-27 October 2022

TOURISM CAPACITY-BUILDING WORKSHOP:
IN-HOUSE TRAINING

UThukela Economic Development Agency Tourism section partake in a corporate capacity-building workshop that was held in UEDA main boardroom. The capacity building was on the 12th of August 2022.

This was the first of many capacity-building workshops to be held in the uThukela Economic Development Agency. The purpose of this workshop was to educate and equip work-related skills and knowledge to employees with the aim of improving their efficiency and productivity and producing quality work at all times.

The workshop was facilitated by the Tourism and special programs manager. The topic of the workshop was the importance of producing quality work at all times in the workplace. The workshop was attended by three tourism interns.

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS EDUCATIONAL TOUR

As tourism officials, we need to know the product that we are selling to the tourists and by doing that it is offered an experience since we will be visiting all the tourism products in our uThukela District (Alfred Duma Local Municipality, Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality, Okhahlamba Local Municipality and uThukela Economic Development Agency) It will also assist us in referring tourists to our neighbouring local Municipalities.

Date: 28 September 2022

Venue: Central Drakensberg

Time: 07:30 am
– 16:30pm

Tour was held as followed:

BATTLEFIELDS FESTIVAL RE-LAUNCH

UThukela Economic Development Agency together with Alfred Duma Local Municipality hosted the Battlefields Festival Relaunch in partnership with other stakeholders such as uThukela District Municipality, Sister Municipalities, Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and Tourism KZN.

The Battlefields Festival Relaunch took place on Friday, 24^th June 2022 in front of the Ladysmith Siege Museum. The aim of the relaunch was to:

Create Tourism Awareness
Revive the fully-fledged Battlefields festival for the year 2023
Encourage community participation on a local, provincial, national and international level.
Attract tourists from all over the world
Through career expo, to equip the youth with knowledge and guidance on their careers

In celebrating the Battlefields festival, a tour to the Battlefields route sites (Wagon Hill and Ladysmith Siege Museum) was taken in creating awareness of these sites and in remembrance of the importance of the battlefields.

The relaunch received great support from various businesses/organizations who sponsored the event from accommodation to logistics. Departmental organizations, SMME’s, Educational Institution and Financial service providers were in attendance to offer immense support on the multicultural cuisine exhibition, career exhibition as well as arts and craft exhibition.

The relaunch was a success with great different group performers who graced the day.

BATTLEFIELDS FESTIVAL RE-LAUNCH

Ladysmith, in Alfred Duma Local Municipality was once a host of a very famous South African War that took place from 1899-1902. Alfred Duma LM is therefore rich in the Battlefields history and as a result, over the years, celebrated our history & those who played a vital role during the war. This 5-day celebration was called The Battlefields Festival and it involved stakeholders from different departments including the armies from different states. This event played a major role in attracting tourists, both domestic and international into the town of Ladysmith & beyond, and as a results, contributed so much into the economy of the district.

Alfred Duma LM has since handed over the Battlefields Festival Program to uThukela Economic Development Agency for revival, fundraising & for its implementation. UThukela Economic Development Agency (UEDA), together with the family of municipalities, will be hosting the Battlefields Festival Re-Launch on the 24th June 2022 in preparation for the main event that is to take place in 2023. As part of the economic recovery plan, it’s revival is aimed at enhancing the industry as well as eradicate the impact of Covid-19, the riots, as well as the recent floods.

UEDA TOURISM AWARENESS CAMPAIGN/ACTIVATION

UEDA hosted an activation at a local High School with an intention to create awareness of the tourism products within Uthukela District, as well as of the possible career and business opportunities in the tourism industry.
UEDA also intends to ensure the alignment of skills with the tourism industry needs.
Learners were also made aware of the importance of being hospitable towards the tourists who visit the district, in order to ensure sustainability & continuity.
The program included a question and answer session, where information was passed on to the learners.
Tourism giveaways were also handed out to the learners.

UEDA Tourism Awareness Campaign Report

UThukela Economic Development Agency planned and organized a tourism awareness campaign which took place on the 6^th November 2021.

The purpose of the campaign was to create awareness on some of the amazing activities that are found in the Drakensberg which people can venture in for a further great experience in the Drakensberg. The event was attended by people from different backgrounds and from other regions (i.e. Free State & Newcastle), a representative from Okhahlamba LM was also in attendance.

The places that were visited are places that are new like the Dragonview hotel and the chocolate factory, beer factory as some of the greatest things produced in the district as well the wine tasting estate where wine is manufactured & produced.

The campaign did only not create awareness, but also ensured that the economy circulates as places were visited and money was spent on those places.

The event was comprised of an itinerary which guided the events of the day. The event was a success with a lot of positive feedback as people have requested that more events of this nature should happen again.

This event was mainly to test how people will respond to such initiatives as the initiative required people to pay for themselves. The event brought benefits as a supplier used for transportation was a tour guide who owns a mini bus for tourists.

The Itinerary was as follows:

Lunch at Dragon Peak View Hotel (new hotel)
Chocolate factory for chocolate tasting
Beer factory
Wine stating which included a branch at Cathedral Peak Wine Estate

A prominent business person who owns shares at Appetizer delivered an outstanding motivational talk.

Prepared by: Ms S AMaphalala

“creating awareness on some of the amazing activities that are found in the Drakensberg”

CLOTHING AND TEXTILE FASHION SHOW

UThukela District is part of the Clothing and Textile Special Economic Zone as designated by President Cyril Ramaphosa in SONA 2019. The Agency has started working with small businesses, in particular the youth that already have got their clothing lines, so that they will be part of this special economic zone.

The uThukela Economic Development Agency hosted a Clothing and Textile Fashion Show which was held as follows:

Date: 18 December 2021

Venue: Ladysmith (Queen Street)

Time: 18:30

Vintage Sundays Episodes, uThukela District

UThukela Economic Development Agency partnered with Nkosi Yami Gallery Connection and hosted Vintage Sunday Event on the 19^th of December 2021, in one of the tourism establishments in Ladysmith Trenchgula Game Lodge.

The purpose of the campaign was to create awareness on some Vintage Sundays Eps is 100% black owned & supports 90% of local talent & businesses. Vintage Sundays aims at ensuring that young & local talent is put on the map and afforded a platform for them to develop & grow and therefore, contribute towards the District’s GDP.

The following are the activities that took place during the Vintage Sunday Episodes: Vintage Fashion Shows, Vintage Car Shows, Arts & Music, Poetry, Food Shows and Tourism Promotion.

uThukela Tourism Launch Held at alfred duma local municipality

Inkosi langalibalele local municipality

The SUV Challenge / Tourism Launch

UEDA, Okhahlamba LM, Siyavuya Mbete (CEO and Founder of the SUV Challenge) hosted the SUV Challenge/ Tourism Launch at Okhahlamba Sport Center to address the issue of Gender Based Violence, Road Safety, KZN Has It All and Play Your Part SA.

The day ended with a Gala Dinner that was hosted in one of the Tourism Establishment in Okhahlamba. The COE of uThukela Economic Development Agency was given a chance to market the District and shared Investment opportunities within uThukela District.

The Chairperson of the Drakensberg Experience CTO was also given a chance to do speed marketing on activities and accommodation within Okhahlamba Local Municipality.

UTHUKELA TOURISM LAUNCH AND TOURISM AWARENESS WORKSHOP

10 September 2021

In celebration of the Tourism and Heritage month, uThukela Economic Development Agency together with uThukela District and its family of municipalities today hosted an historical Tourism Launch at The Square Shopping Centre. The event was held under the theme #UthukelaIsOpensForTravel #UthukelaIsSafeForTravel. This launch involved exhibiting and showcasing what the tourism industry, as well as what the traditional crafters in uThukela have to offer.

Delegation consisted of UThukela Economic Development Agency CEO DCP Mazibuko, uThukela District Deputy Mayor Cllr NW Mchunu, Speaker Cllr PG Strydom, Alfred Duma LM Deputy Mayor Cllr T Hadebe, business fraternity, stakeholders and officials. Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September with the aim of encouraging South Africans to explore their own country. It also provides the tourism industry with an opportunity for a sustained, heightened month-long focus on the importance of domestic tourism to the economy.

The sector has been hit the hardest by the prolonged travel restrictions that halted regional and international movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “As a result some accommodations
establishment have been forced to temporarily shut doors and lay off staff. But this initiative seeks to promote traveling and explore the beauty places in our district”, said Speaker Cllr Strydom.

“This launch also aim to reignite domestic tourism and encourage the community of UThukela to explore their own district. It also showcases local destinations, accommodation, establishments, tour operators and other tourism related experience service providers”, said CEO Mazibuko. She added
that the only way to support local businesses is to visit their establishments, as charity begins at home.

Alfred Duma Deputy Mayor Cllr Thuli Hadebe said they need to do more to assist local business for them to be successful. Tourism is one of the key economic drivers of the economy and job creation. The pandemic resulted in numerous job losses not only in tourism but across the spectrum. “Tourism in South Africa as is the case in the global economy has been thrown into crisis by the COVID-19 pandemic, putting thousands of businesses and jobs at risk”, said Deputy Mayor Mchunu.

She also encouraged people at the event to go and vaccinate as it is the right thing to do. The government has reopened interprovincial travel during the adjusted level 3 lockdown. Let’s join this exciting tourism launches to reignite domestic travel at Inkosi Langalibalele LM on the 17th of September and Okhahlamba LM on the 30th of September 2021.

-ends

Issued by: Sindi Mvelase
Photography: Nonku Madondo
Communications Officers
Uthukela District Municipality
Cell: 072 175 5650

INDIGENOUS MUSIC ACADEMY

The Indigenous Music Academy is a project on the pipeline within Uthukela District that aims to support and promote the Arts & Culture Industry through ensuring access to a world class facility, which will enable it to learn, record, showcase & compete globally within this industry.

The Ladysmith Indigenous Music Academy would include a recording studio, museum, training centre, theatre, amphitheatre and crafts. This proposed development is in the interest of the public for the purposes of economic development, job creation, skills development and promotion of local music artists

BATTLEFIELDS & GUN-RUN REVIVAL

The Battlefields Annual Festival is aimed at celebrating the rich history of the society of Uthukela district and commemorate the Heroes & Heroines who took part during the South African World War 1899-1902. The festival is celebrated through different activities, showcasing different talents of the members of Uthukela communities and actually exposing & educating the youth on the history of the Battlefields. This event has a huge impact on the tourism industry, as well as the rural & township economic development. It is based on similar festivals around the country, including the Ficksburg Cherry Festival, Kansan’s Oyster Festival, Macufe Festival and Grahamstown Arts Festival

The activities include amongst others, the following:

Community Gun Run
International Gun Run
Rehearsals for Parade
Freedom of Entry Parade
Mayoral Banquet and
SANDF Careers Exhibition

RURAL TOURISM & TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The Agency aims to promote and support Rural & Township Tourism Development in order to ensure that the communities of Uthukela District benefit, first & foremost, in the economic activities within the Tourism Sector. There are a number of Tourism establishments and activities in the rural & township areas within Uthukela District and in embracing the District Development Model, Uthukela Economic Development Agency together with all the municipalities in the district, aim to ensure that these establishments and activities are well profiled, to attract tourists around the world.

VINTAGE SUNDAYS EPISODES

Vintage Sundays Episodes aim to Unite and inspire Young and Old generations from Local to International audiences, by influencing and implementing a Vintage & Classic experience. The event has an economic impact across sectors and has a potential to take the economy of the tourism industry to another level. The following are the activities that take place during the Vintage Sunday Episodes:

Vintage Fashion Shows
Vintage Car Shows
Arts & Music
Poetry
Food Shows
Tourism Promotion

WINE TASTING EVENTS

These events aim at bringing the tourism awareness within uThukela District and its’ surroundings. Uthukela Economic Development Agency believes that the tourism awareness events will give the locals exposure to tourism activities that are taking place within the district, as well as have a positive impact on domestic travels, which will in turn contribute greatly towards the GDP.

CULTURAL MARKETS/SHOWS

Cultural market is one of the economic drives within the tourism industry, with a potential to improve the lives of the communities within the district, through job creation, businesses opportunities and youth development programmes. In the cultural market the communities will be showcasing their cultural attires, art work, their handmade craft, food and more.