Recreation and Tourism

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Motorised outdoor recreation pursuits in the Lower Umfolozi and Hlabisa Coastal Districts of KwaZulu-Natal
(1996) Mahaye, Antonia Thandi.; Magi, L.M.; Soni, D.V.
Modern life is often accompanied by severe physical, intellectual and emotional stress as people battle to survive. Recreation activities provide people with an outlet to release this stress. In the past few years a great deal of attention was focused in the way people spent their leisure time. This study focuses on outdoor motorised recreation pursuits in the Lower Umfolozi and Hlabisa Districts of KwaZulu-Natal as one of the ways in which leisure time can be spent. Motorised recreation, which covers the use of various machines such as motor¬cars, caravans, campers, trailers, beach-buggies, motor- cycles, beach tricycles, and motor-boats, is one of the recreation facilities that has been either ignored or overlooked. Basically, this was because of the disparities in the provision of recreation facilities and resources in general. Motorised recreation has therefore over the past years been regarded as an "elitist" activity that could only be taken advantage of by a few who could afford and also who "by right" could utilise those facilities. The fundamental aims of the study are to: (a) investigate the socio-economic demographic characteristics of recreators who participate in motor-related outdoor recreation activities with a view of making a contribution towards effective planning and provision of recreation resources. The resources that are provided should be those that are required by the target community and those that will satisfy the needs of the group they are intended for; (b) examine the various physical facilities existing in the study area for motor-related recreation activities. During the planning phase it is important to know what is available and what should be upgraded, improved or substituted; and (c) reveal the attitudes of the recreators, managers of recreation facilities as well as the people who live around the recreation facilities. Before embarking on the task of providing the recreation facilities it is very important to know the attitudes of people who will be using the facilities. Some of the hypotheses that were postulated for this study are: (a) Participation in motorised recreation activities varies in terms of the major demographic variables. (b) The majority of recreators who participate in motorised recreation are Whites. (c) The recreators, managers and local people have a positive attitude towards motorised recreation activities. (d) Car ownership is a prerequisite for participating in motorised recreation activities. Data for this study was gathered through the use of questionnaires which were distributed to the respondents as well as using the person-to-person interviews. The respondents included recreators who were participating in motorised recreation activities, the managers of the recreation facilities and local people who stay around the recreation facilities. The main findings of the study revealed that whilst the respondents have a positive attitude towards motorised recreation, Whites still seem to form the largest percentage of recreators who participate in this pursuit. Findings reveal that this situation has a bearing on the history of South Africa which deprived Africans of motorised recreation experience. There was also lack of knowledge about motorised recreation which is necessary as a foundation for the formation of attitudes towards recreation. Education and income featured prominently as factors that have an impact on the rate of participation in motorised recreation activities. It was found that recreators need cars to participate and benefit fully in motorised recreation activities and this was lacking. Education was seen as a stepping stone towards the acquisition of skills and capacity to acquire facilities for participation in recreation activities. This study has serious implications for planning and management of recreation facilities in the Lower Umfolozi and Hlabisa Districts. The awareness programmes seem to be of primary importance, to conscientise Africans about the availability of the resources that can be used for motorised recreation facilities. Accessibility, in terms of finance, should also be looked into if all people are to be given equal opportunities to participate in motorised recreation activities. Unlike other forms of outdoor recreation activities, motorised recreation depends on the use of a motor machine to participate fully, therefore a vehicle is a necessity. Facilities can therefore be provided after having taken serious consideration of the above factors.
The local community's cognition of the development of gaming facilities in Richards Bay and environs
(1998) Mwandla, Emmanuel Misumuzi; Magi, L.M.
The gaming practice or activity commonly known as gambling has become a major force in the tourism industry and an important money earner in the economy of many countries. It has always been a popular form of recreation yet gambling remains a controversial issue in many societies. The Empangeni-Richards Bay urban environment has been confronted with the emerging debate whether or not to introduce casino gaming or not in the area. This study examines the local residents' perceptions of the proposed establishment of a casino gambling resort in their locality. The study has revealed two opposing perceptions, the group lobbying for and the group lobbying against the casino. The group in favour of the casino proved to be in the majority, emanating from the poor Black population whose members hope for job opportunities and increased tourism activity. The anti-casino lobbying group was found to be in the minority and comprised the higher income people from the prestigious residential areas of Richards Bay, who fear the disadvantages associated with commercial gaming. The study makes several recommendations relating to what would be best for both groups in the study area. Some of these include that: (a) the gaming casino is to be located away from both prestigious and lower income residential areas; (b) the casino should be established for purposes of promoting eco-tourism, where its location assumes a balance between natural wildlife and modernised African cultural artefacts and facilities for attracting tourists. (c) a gaming studies and research institute should be established at a local provincial university, so as to facilitate tourism education among the populace, as well as gaming-based skills and professional training. In conclusion, the study found that there was significant support for the establishment of the gaming casino, with the hope that its negative social, economic and environmental impacts could be well managed and minimised.
Tourism constraints of UMlazi Township residents
(1998) Mbongwe, Ntombizodwa Julia; Butler-Adam, J; Magi, L.M.
The tourism industry is today recognised as being an activity of global significance. It is therefore not surprising that tourism is receiving attention from governments, the private sector and academics. Here, in South Africa too, tourism is receiving this attention yet there are communities in this country which still do not enjoy the opportunities offered by tourism. It is for this reason that a study of tourism constraints of Umlazi township residents is undertaken. This study aims at determining the constraints that are a hindrance to the Umlazi township residents' participation in tourism. The main concern of the study is why some people do not travel to visit other places in their own country. It emerged from this study that lack of finance is the main reason why the Umlazi township residents do not travel. Other reasons that were revealed in the study were lack of knowledge, fear of crime and fear of accidents. In view of these findings the study makes some recommendations. These recommendations are related to the problems of lack of finance, lack of knowledge, fear of crime and fear of accidents. To overcome the problem of finance it is recommended that communities form groups and organise saving schemes to help them towards saving for tourism. These groups can also organise group tours at reasonable cost. The private sector should organise incentive tours for their employees. There should be joint action among various provincial governments and travel organizations in the different provinces in order to promote domestic travel by low income groups. The government should also establish special programmes for the unemployed youth in order to allow them opportunities to travel. To deal with lack of knowledge, provision of information must be given priority in a country like South Africa, where a majority of its people have been left out of tourism in the past. In order to alleviate crime, people should not rely on law enforcement alone. Communities must be involved in dealing with crime. The government must provide counselling services for the victims of crime so that the fear of crime can be addressed. To encourage drivers and pedestrians to be careful on the roads, campaigns like arrive alive, siyabakhumbiila, drive alive, should be encouraged. This can contribute towards limiting the number of road accidents in this country. This should also be a continuous exercise and not just for certain seasons. The recommendations in this study are not intended only for the area in which this study was undertaken, but for all those communities that face similar constraints.
The provision of recreation facilities for the youth in Umlazi township a socio-spatial perspective
(1998) Ngcobo, Nkosi Raymond; Magi, L.M.
This study has been designed to investigate the detrimental effects that may result from the minimal provision of recreation facilities for the youth in Umlazi The theme that has been addressed by the study is: "The constant growth of anti-social behaviour among the black youth in black townships is associated with the lack or neglect of provision, location and accessibility of recreation facilities and programmes in these townships'". The study, therefore, seeks to inform stake holders who provide youth recreation opportunities about the role that recreation participation plays in positively contributing to youth character building. More than one tool has been employed in the study for the collecting the data. These tools are questionnaires, interviews, field observation and available data. For soliciting the information about the youth's recreation participation and their opinions towards the provision of recreation facilities and programmes in Umlazi, questionnaires were used (n =226). Other methods mentioned above assisted the researcher in collecting data pertaining to the Umlazi youth total population, the number of provided recreation facilities, as well as the types of recreation programmes that are found in Umlazi. The collected data were manually analyzed using the available statistical methods of analyzing data. The operational hypotheses of the study are: (a) The inadequate provision of recreation facilities for the youth in the Umlazi township has a negative impact on their behaviour; and (b) The lack of recreation programmes for the youth ofUmlazi township leads to the youth neglecting the existing recreation facilities. The study has 6 chapters. The first four chapters of the study orientates the reader about the research, its rationale and significance; the theory behind research of this nature; the history, and the present state of affairs of the provision of recreation facilities and programmes in the study area; and the detailed discussion of the methods that the study has employed in the collection and analysis of data. In chapter five the actual analysis and interpretation of data is fully treated. The last chapter, chapter six an overall summary, a conclusion and recommendations of the study are presented. The broad findings of the research are the following: (a) The youth like to participate in multi-faceted recreation activities but the recreation facilities and programmes in Umlazi are unavailable; and (b) The provision of "new" recreation facilities for the youth in Umlazi must be accompanied by relevant recreation programmes. The availability of these recreation programmes will ensure the correct and constant usage of the recreation facilities. The recommendations that are presented by the study take into consideration the following: (a) For the provision of recreation facilities and programmes in Umlazi, a needs survey to be conducted among the youth is needed; (b) A recreation office manned by qualified and experienced staff to see to it that youth recreation programmes that are relevant to the needs of the youth are being conducted must be established in Umlazi or in the Durban South Central Local Council. (c) The location of recreation facilities and programmes must take into consideration accessibility to the clientele intended to be served; and (d) Private agencies as providers of recreation opportunities and facilities must be encouraged to invest in the recreation field in Umlazi. The study implies that the once neglected field of the youth recreation among the blacks must be re-addressed. In re-addressing this field thorough surveys need to be conducted about the clientele needs, and how these needs must be addressed using the basic economic principle of demand and supply.
Feasibility study for an Umlazi tourist information centre
(1998) Tshabalala, Sibongile Princess.; Magi, L.M.
After the first democratic elections in South Africa in 1994, South Africa was heartily welcomed into the family of nations of the world. Likewise, South Africa should extend a warm welcome to peoples of the world to its shores. South Africa must take full advantage of its political popularity under the democratically elected government. Besides, South Africa has an abundance of natural resources and is rich in history because of its racial diversity. The cultures of its indigenous people of South Africa can make this region one of the most sought after tourist destinations of the world. Tourism, like all other industries in this country, has been badly affected by sanctions, violence, crime and internal political conflict. Furthermore, the media has created a turbulent atmosphere through its exaggeration of incidents that are common to all countries of the world. These have dissuaded thousands of people who would otherwise have chosen to visit South Africa especially the Black townships and rural areas. Tourism has, unfortunately, received little attention, from both the previous and the present governments compared to other industries. A number of projects and programmes have been directed at alleviating problems of Black communities with the ultimate aim of improving their standard of living. In most cases, these programmes have failed to achieve this objective. Instead, in tourism, it is the wealthy hoteliers who have been beneficiaries and not the target population. South Africa has engaged in a number of tourism forms with the objective of including and involving Blacks such that they benefit from tourism development. Presently very few Blacks have been properly involved in tourism in a positive way. This study focuses on establishing a Tourist Information Centre in Umlazi that will provide information concerning tourism that may be required by potential tourists. Tourism needs much more than providing information to tourists, it also needs that the infrastructure available should be of a suitable standard. The development of such infrastructure in Umlazi and neighbouring townships has lagged behind in the past because of the policies that were in operation. Tourist Information Centres will help develop a high level of awareness of the potential benefits available in Umlazi Township for both the tourists and the host communities. It has been found from the tourism workshop held in May 1998 to orientate the people of Umlazi in tourism. that tourism awareness campaign seems to be the only criterion that can be used to answer all the questions and challenges pertaining to tourism industry. The survey conducted re-iterated the need for tourism education and, also revealed that the majority of Umlazi community would love to see a Tourist Information Centre materialising. The opinion survey showed that the support from the community cannot be doubted.
The impact and survival of bed and breakfast accommodation industry in the next millennium
(1998) Nhlabathi, Zandile Florence.; Magi, L.M.; Bayon, S.
The phenomenon of Bed and Breakfast accommodation is part of the tourism industry that is increasing almost in every city or town. The study examines: ♦ The role Bed and Breakfast accommodation has in tourism industry in Empangeni and Richards Bay. ♦ How do Bed and Breakfast proprietors conduct the business? ♦ Why Bed and Breakfast establishments are increasing in Empangeni and Richards Bay? ♦ What are the economic benefits and problems faced by Bed and Breakfast establishments? ♦ What is the future of Bed and Breakfast establishments? The study reveals that Bed and Breakfast market (in Empangeni and Richards Bay) is dominated by business people and holiday makers. The Bed and Breakfast market faces growing competition from other parallel segments within the industry such as transport, tour operation and travel agents. Findings reveal that Bed and Breakfast product is changing and extending its range of products by offering not only Bed and Breakfast but other services such as full service Bed and Breakfast and extended stay Bed and Breakfast. The results of the investigation emphasises that the viability of Bed and Breakfast accommodation should take into consideration factors such as right location, correct capacity and high level of utilisation. The study reveals that most Bed and Breakfast establishments are operated and managed by owners. Findings indicate that the workforce is usually not more than eight people and the term of operation is less than eight years in both towns. Findings reveal that some Bed and Breakfast have used their personal savings, bank loans and others joint venture to start the business. In conclusion, the study reflects that there is need for the industry to be regulated whereby schemes such as registration, classification and grading are applicable to Bed and Breakfast accommodation industry. The problems experienced presently in the Bed and Breakfast industry need the attention of all interested stakeholders no matter how big or small they are.
The potential of the Bhambatha rebellion for cultural tourism development
(1998) Zondi, Olga Thulile Ntombizethu; Magi, L.M.
Heritage tourism is gaining widespread acceptance as a special-interest tourist attraction and as part of overall tourism planning. The tourism industry is discovering how the planned integration of historic, cultural and natural resources can help sustain local economics and contribute to a greater appreciation of each unique heritage. Heritage tourism is emerging as one of the most promising areas of economic development. Recent studies show that the single greatest motivator for travel in the 1990 is to understand culture. What has become known as 'heritage' attraction here is based on the history of the region, the buildings, historic monuments as well as traditional events and cultural performances. This study examines how the areas of Mpanza Valley and Ngome near Greytown, affected by the Bhambatha Rebellion of 1906, can develop heritage tourism. It also investigates how local communities can meaningfully participate in, and benefit from this unique feature of their culture. In order to put the investigation in perspective, the study briefly traces the events of the Bhambatha Rebellion and highlights important factors in heritage tourism planning and management. An investigative approach to the study was adopted. Six workshops and meetings were held with the Bhambatha Commemoration Committee. Other interviewees included officials from the Department of Economic Affairs and Tourism, the Greytown Museum as well as the Directorate for Arts, Culture Museums and Youth Affairs. Findings of the study indicate that local communities, government departments and agencies are already making attempts at tourism development within the region. In conclusion, the study found that there was a significant opportunity for tourism development and that the study area has the potential to attract local as well as overseas tourists.
An investigation into tourism training needs in the Newcastle local council areas
(1999) Buthelezi, Paulos Mandlenkosi; Magi, L.M.; Maharaj, B.
The investigation has sought to establish if the people already involved in the tourism industry have undergone any training. If not in which areas do they feel they need training. These areas or aspects in which they fed they need to be trained in, constitute Tourism Training Needs. The investigation has also sought to establish the focus of Tourism Training Programmes in the two institutions, Damelin and Manpower Services Commission Private Colleges, found in the Newcastle Local Council Areas. It has further purported to establish whether these Tourism Training Programmes adequately equip students with all the skills and expertise valuable to the tourism industry job market. A descriptive survey has been chosen for use in this investigation. Data has been gathered through the use of questionnaires and interview schedules. Two sets of questionnaires with structured questions have been designed for the Frontline Staff and Tourism Students. Three sets of interview schedules have been designed containing semi-structured questions by which the interviewer has probed the interviewees. Tourism establishments and facilities from which respondents have been drawn have been selected on the basis that they have been within a ten kilometre radius from the Newcastle Central Business District (CBD) and have been accommodating five tourists and more. This investigation has established that the majority of the Frontline already in the industry are lacking in training and as such they have recommended the establishment of Department of Education and Training for Tourism, Tourism Training Needs have been found to exist and amongst others are communication skills, conflict resolution skills, hospitality skills, hygiene skills, public relations skills and serving skills. The investigation has further established that training (of whichever form/kind) so long as it is related to tourism, has great impact on the Marketing and Service Quality of the tourism establishment and facilities. Management has been found to have been trained in Non-Tourism management and consequently they feel they need contextualized management training, that is, Tourism Training Management. The researcher has discovered that Tourism Training Programmes of the two institutions (Damelin and MSC College) focus on Travel Tourism and train students to be employees in the Travel Agencies and Tour Operation Companies.
Tourism and hospitality management in the new millennium : a case study in KwaZulu-Natal
(2000) Bayon, Samuel Edson.; Magi, L.M.
As the world's tourism and hospitality industry sees the dawn of the new millennium, the twenty-first century, tourism and hospitality managers will begin to face many pragmatic challenges and opportunities. The fundamental issue which is identified in this study is the maintenance of high standard of quality of service in order to remain a competitive advantage within South Africa as well as the global tourism and hospitality market as a whole. The main areas of concentration this study is expecting to see tourism management changes in the new millennium include: the role played by new technologies, the business practices and general consumer demands. This research seeks to investigate the nature of managerial work in tourism and hospitality industries, specifically in hotels, travel agency, tour operators and tourism authorities. In a given situation, the begging question is whether this work fundamentally similar or different from that which is done in other industries? Furthermore, this study endeavours to find out what determines the nature of that work and, in so doing, puts forward approaches to the management process in the tourism and hospitality industry, specifically those which have to be adopted in the new millennium. As such, the main objectives of the study include the following: (a) To discover how managers intend to cope with the various changes that they will be exposed to in the new millennium, xm (b) To look at the present profile of managers and their expected profile changes in the new millennium, (c) To examine the evolving strategies that are being put in place to cope with challenges and strategies for the new millennium, (d) To examine and put forward a responsible approach to planning and development of the tourism and hospitality industry, (e) To resolve the conflict between the front-office managers who perceive their section of the hotel as separate from the rest of the establishment, (f) To establish a balance between the various components of the tourism product in terms of both quality and capacity. For example, infrastructure and the environment, accommodation and transportation, attractions and services, (g) To understand the need and development of appropriate training facilities and programmes, which are intended to both maximise employment opportunities and achieve the desired standards of quality. To achieve these objectives the study uses two fields of management studies available and relevant to changes in tourism and hospitality. These are: (a) current management functions in the tourism and hospitality business, and (b) the wider field of management, which focuses on managerial work as a whole. The methodology that used for this study are a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies utilising techniques such as focus groups, observation, in-depth interviews, telephone interviews, mail questionnaires and the non-participant observation technique. The latter technique was the most preferred method of data collection, because it offered the best alternatives, such as allowing for the simultaneous collection of qualitative and quantitative data. The breakdown of the final sample included four (4) tour operators, five (5) travel agents, two (2) provincial tourism authorities and 250 tourism and hospitality customers. A quantitative approach using statistical techniques was used for the 250 customers, whereas the case study approach was used to analyse the rest of the sample. In these cases the meanings and interpretations of the researcher were used as the main interpretative approach for the views and actions of the managers. However, this was balanced with the managers' interpretations of events. The main and general conclusions that were arrived at, with the help of the above methodologies, were that the tourism industry in the new millennium should move with the customer and therefore planning should be flexible in order to accommodate the customer at all times. Future growth strategies for tourism and hospitality management designed to keep customers satisfied, are those that use a combination of advertising, product innovation, service improvement changes in product and service, with more emphasis on direct selling, entailing personal contact with the customer. It is also evident from the findings that business travelers in the Durban area would prefer branded tourism and hospitality products rather than their counterparts in Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay would. On the whole, the preference for both business and leisure customers is for branded products. Travel agents believe that the bulk of their business comes from business customers and in the future, the emphasis is expected to be on the business traveler market. Tour operators are looking at buying smaller travel agents that they can use as retail outlets and heavy concentration on the domestic tourism and hospitality market. Tourism authorities are expected to concentrate on supporting community projects as a means of creating employment in the provinces. The intimidation of tourists in the provinces is because the community believes that tourists are the reason for increased crime, high prostitution, sexually transmitted diseases and an increase in the price of basic food and rent. The customer in the new millennium is expected to be very different, and rate standard requirements higher than the willingness to pay. The reality of the situation creates a desperate need for tourism and hospitality managers to search actors and forces in the business environment that may be utilised to the advantage of managers. One element that needs to be introduced urgently in all tourism and hospitality organisations is training in customer care. The study points to a very advanced technological environment, with emphasis on product design and the size of the capital of the organisation. The pages that follow will answer these questions and look at other issues in the study in greater detail.
Community participation in tourism development at KwaNgcolosi, Kwazulu-Natal : a feasibility study
(2000) Mazibuko, Nozipho Prudence; Magi, L.M.
Community participation in tourism developments in KwaNgcolosi (KwaZulu-Natal) forms an integral part of the government objectives in the tourism industry which are inter alia to, build a world class tourism industry and to integrate historically disadvantaged people into the mainstream of the industry. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which KwaNgcolosi communities are involved in tourism development in their area. It also aims to undertake a feasibility study of the establishment of the Zulu Cultural Village at KwaNgcolosi by the community members where they could be really involved and benefit. The following objectives were set for this study: ^> To reveal the level of involvement by the local community in the development of tourism infrastructure. => To establish the social, economic and environmental benefits and problems the community experiences from the existence of the KwaNgcolosi reserve. => To identify problems that hinder the community's participation in tourism development in their area. => To undertake a feasibility study on the development of a Zulu Cultural Village where the KwaNgcolosi community will be involved. The results from the survey indicate that there are a number of local people who really want to get involved in the tourism business as traditional dancers; sell traditional craft work; become cleaners and so forth. At the present moment KwaNgcolosi community's involvement in tourism development in their area is mostly at the level of temporary jobs which are occasionally offered to unskilled labour. Jobs offered to semi-skilled and skilled labour are limited. Problems seem to be more prominent than benefits. Some of the problems identified are: the lack of jobs from KwaNgcolosi reserve; no improvement in the general infrastructure; local artistic talent not used and pollution from cars. The lack of tourism awareness has been identified as one major contributing factor that hinders community participation in tourism development, as well as the breakdown of communication between Msinsi Holdings which is a company that is responsible for the administration of KwaNgcolosi reserve and the KwaNgcolosi chief. The feasibility study of the proposed Zulu Cultural Village was successful. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will encourage the establishment of the proposed Zulu Cultural Village. Some of the recommendations that emerged from the study include the following: => Mechanisms should be made by Msinsi Holdings and the KwaNgcolosi chief to provide kiosks or shelter for community members who want to sell their traditional handcraft in or near the KwaNgcolosi reserve. => The KwaNgcolosi chief must work hand in hand with Msinsi Holdings to improve the general infrastructure in KwaNgcolosi area. => Tourism awareness campaigns are needed in KwaNgcolosi community. => Community members interested in establishing a Zulu Cultural Village project, must be encouraged and supported by all stakeholders. The researcher concludes by indicating that there is a potential for community participation in tourism development at KwaNgcolosi, because the type of tourism product to be developed is related to their culture and they have most of the cultural skills, they only need to be empowered with business running skills and financial support to start the proposed Zulu Cultural Village business. It is only when the community benefits financially, socially and otherwise, that their participation in tourism development will become meaningful to them.
The impact of subsistence farming and informal settlement on Dukuduku Forest as a tourist resource
(2003) Ntombela, Thulani Eugene.; Nzama, A.T.; Magi, L.M.
Dukuduku forest is one of the largest remaining stretches of coastal sand forest in South Africa More than 10 000 illegal squatters have invaded the forest and chopped down the trees and undergrowth in the area. This has created many problems such as extinction of some plant and animal species. The cleared areas have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which in turn scares off the tourists from the area. The invasion of this indigenous forest has led to it being excluded from being part of St Lucia Wetland Park, which has recently acquired the status of being a World heritage site. Pursuant to problems associated with St Lucia Wetland Park and the neighbouring natural forest, the objectives of this study include the following: • To discover the impact of subsistence farming and informal settlement on the Dukuduku Forest as a tourist resource. • To identify activities the Dukuduku Forest dwellers are engaged in which may be a direct cause of the destruction of the natural forest S • To reveal forest management options that may be taken to save the natural forest from devastation. • To distinguish tourism related benefits, which are associated with the Dukuduku Forest reserve. • To indicate the extent to which the local community participates in the management of the forest The collection of data was achieved through the survey questionnaires and field observations in the study area. Residents of the forest and principals of five schools in the forest were interviewed. Person-to-person interviews were conducted with the resettlement project manager. The study revealed that more and more people still invade the forest. They include fugitives who have committed a number of illegal acts, refugees from violence-ridden areas, immigrants from Mozambique and many unemployed and homeless folk. Attempts to resettle the Dukuduku forest dwellers have so far not been a success, but the government is still trying to resolve the issue. Loosing Dukuduku natural forest will be a huge blow to South African tourism since the forest is a natural resource for leisure and an aesthetic potential to attract tourists.
The provision of tourism and recreation facilities along the N2 national road in the Stanger-Mthunzini districts
(2003) Gumede, Ntshekane Goodness
This study is conducted with a view that the provision of tourism and recreation attractions contributes greatly to the social, physical and economic development in the Stanger-Mthunzini Districts. The study is also carried out with a view that tourism has a great potential of boosting the economy of the study area and the entire country of South Africa. The study has therefore operated with the following objectives in mind: • To determine the adequacy of tourist attractions and service facilities in the study area. • To investigate the extent to which members of the local community are aware of the existence of the tourist attractions. • To find out the nature of tourist participation patterns within the study area. • To establish the extent to which members of the local community benefit from the availability of tourist attractions. • To examine if there is any co-operation between the managers of attractions, developers and the members of the local community. • To establish the level of involvement of the local community in tourism related decision-making Pursuant to the listed objectives, this study identified related hypotheses towards finding answers to the research question. The method of collecting, analysing and interpreting data involved computer manipulation of data utilising the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of this study reveal that most of the stated objectives were met. The study revealed that most members of the local community do not associate the development initiatives with their immediate needs. They see the presence of the existing attractions as not benefiting them in any significant manner. It was also established that the members of the local community do not use local attractions extensively, due to the lack of exposure to them and the fact that most of the people in the study are not highly educated. Respondents revealed that most of them are employed to do manual work in the sugar-cane plantations. The conditions under which they work, leave them with neither adequate financial resources nor time to participate in recreation activities. In terms of behaviour and attitudes, the study indicated that the members of the local community have negative feelings towards the provision of tourist recreation. The reasons usually given were that they were not invited to participate in decision-making. Other respondents claimed that they were driven away from the land they originally occupied and owned, for purposes of constructing some of the tourist attractions. Some recommendations have been made to improve the way in which the members of the local community perceive the attractions in their locality. These include doing public awareness of these attractions, involving the members of the local community in decision-making, providing them with employment. The government should play a role in developing and empowering the youth and women by equipping them with skills required in the tourism industry.
An investigation into the potential of Amanzimtoti and surroundings as a tourist destination
(2003) Gumede, Dumisile Cynthia; Magi, L.M.
Tourism is an industry that will be able to alleviate poverty problems for many developing countries. The great multiplier effect in this industry means that every unit of tourist expenditure goes through several rounds of income creation before its effect is exhausted. South Africa, regarded as one of the new destinations, has a chance to plan tourism activities so as to promote sustainable development and avoid the known pitfalls and negative effects of this industry. This means that all its tourism related policies, such as Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Sports and Recreation and Reconstruction and Development, should be based on the principles of sustainable development. The Durban Metropolitan Area, and its sub-areas, is one of the popular destinations in the KwaZulu-Natal. The mission of the Durban Metro, also called Ethekwini Municipality, is to turn this region into South Africa's premier 'playground'. Its strategies to realise this dream include among other things: the development of Ushaka Marine Island Park, the Suncoast casino, the Sugar Mill casino, and many other initiatives. Amanzimtoti District is part of Ethekwini Municipality, known as the South Operational Entity (SOE). It therefore should share the vision of the Durban Metro, and also contribute to alleviating unemployment as well as congestion problems for the total area. This study was conducted with a view of finding out if there were any recreation and tourism-related developments taking place in Amanzimtoti, as well as its potential and standing as a tourist destination. On the whole, the lack of tourism awareness in the study area has been identified as a major hindrance to a superior level of tourism development, promotion and delivery. There seem to be lapses in communication between the tourism stakeholders such as authorities, local communities, service providers and the tourists themselves. The findings of this study went a long way and conclusively established that Amanzimtoti, as an important component of the Durban Metropolitan area, has not reached its full potential as a tourist destination in terms of the existing recreation and tourism infrastructure and facilities. In addition, perceptions of local authorities, communities and visiting tourists, indicate that the area has not reached maturity as a tourism resort, service area and destination.
Shongweni Resources Reserve : community participation, preferences and perceptions
(2003) Gumede, Zenzele Simon; Magi, L.M.
The study was conducted in the light of the background that there is a rising concern from the government that the companies should give socio-economical benefits to the local communities. In the aspect of recreation and tourism the Department of Sports and Recreation (DSR) is expecting the reserve to give the socio-economical benefits to the local communities in a very participatory way. The reason above led to the initiatives to explore at the local reserve, which is Shongweni Resources Reserve whether it co-operates with what have been said in the white paper. For example the White Paper (1994:35) said Recreation development should be demand driven and community based. It also said communities must be empowered to participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of recreation programmes. The people responsible for looking at that realised that there was poor relationship between the Shongweni Resources Reserve and local communities. It was from that perspective that there was a need for someone to conduct a study that would look at their relationship and the reasons and motives behind that relationship. The study had specific objectives to be explored, which are: • To determine the relationship between the local communities and the reserve. • To establish whether the communities are being involved or participate in the reserve activities. • Investigate whether there is any development initiative the reserve is offering to the local community. • Find out whether the local people are aware of the kind of socio- economic development they can get from the reserve. All these four objectives have been met because the whole study was formulated around these objectives. The study looked at the relation between local communities and the reserve and found that it is not healthy. It also looked at the communities whether they are involved or not, and found that they are very participating. The development initiatives the reserve is offering to local communities have been also explored and the findings showed that there are development initiatives the reserve is offering to the communities. The issue of whether the local people are aware of the kind of socio-economic development they can get from the reserve was also looked at, and found that the local people are not aware of the type of socio-economic development. There are also expectations that have been formulated as guidelines for the study. There were four expectations that had been formulated, and out of those four expectations half of them have been proven correctly and half of them have been proven wrong. The expectations that have been formulated are: • That there is poor relationship between the local communities and the reserve. • That the local communities are less involved in the activities of the reserve. • That there are inadequate recreation and tourism development initiatives offered to the local communities. • That the local people are not aware of the socio-economic development benefits for them in the reserve. There were different findings that were found. Most of the people considered development as medium and the community members are prepared to take the responsibilities of the development of the Shongweni Resources Reserve. They are fairly involved in the management and maintenance of the reserve. The involvement of communities in participating for the recreation activities is happening. This has happened by considering the period and the frequency of their participation, which have positive responses. The communities are also allowed to use recreation activities found in the reserve. When considering the socio-economical aspects, the reserve is giving very less economical aspects to the local communities. They are not allowed to sell their crafts and to cut wood for carving, and there are very few local employees. There are various factors that were found to be the cause of bad relationship. One of them was the communities were not clear about community benefits they should get from the reserve. The recommendations that have been surfaced are that the reserve should be transparent, socio-economical improvement, and to conduct the future study that would involve the Shongweni Resources Reserve staff to include their perspectives.
Spending patterns of patrons at the Sun Coast Casino and entertainment world with special reference to responsible gambling
(2005) Balmahoon, Shireena; Magi, L.M.; Nzama, A.T.
Recreation is an emotional experience within an individual, resulting in a very personal reaction and attitude from the recreationist. The recreation activity is intended to deliver to the recreationist a sense of pleasure and personal worth. One such recreation activity is gambling. Gambling, according to Magi (2002), is the intentional act of betting with the sole purpose of winning or gaming. For many centuries gambling has been a form of recreation, however, it has always been and still is a controversial issue. This study has attempted to investigate the spending patterns of patrons at the Sun Coast Casino and Entertainment World with special reference to responsible gambling. This study examines the spending patterns of patrons, especially on the gaming floor with responsible gambling forming the core of the investigation. Some of the objectives of this study are: • To establish the main reasons why patrons visit the Sun Coast Casino and Entertainment World. • To evaluate the extent to which the level of education of patrons influences responsible gaming. • To establish the extent to which gaming patrons are aware of and practise responsible gambling. • To investigate the spending patterns of patrons at the Sun Coast Casino and Entertainment World in terms of the amount spent on gaming, entertainment, dining out, movies and the games room. • To reveal the socio-economic levels of patrons who frequent the Sun Coast Casino and Entertainment World. • To determine whether the patrons would frequent the casino more often if more entertainment and care was available for children. Utilising a sample of 116 respondents, this study revealed that only a moderate number of 42.2 percent of the patrons who were interviewed between the ages of 18 and above indicated that gaming was the main reason for visiting the Sun Coast Casino and Entertainment World. Approximately 38 percent of the patrons indicated that recreation was their main reason for visiting. Less than 8 percent of the patrons indicated that they preferred to watch movies and 11,2 percent indicated that dining was their main preference. A significant majority [75%] of the patrons indicated that they are aware of responsible gambling and only 6 percent gambled more than 75 percent of the money that they had with them during a single visit. Approximately 60 percent of the patrons acquired their knowledge on responsible gambling from the media and 23,3 percent indicated that they have no knowledge of responsible gambling. According to about 52 percent of the patrons the government should shoulder the responsibility of being responsible for the promotion of responsible gambling and a further 35 percent of the patrons felt that the casinos should be responsible for the promotion of responsible gambling. With regard to educational levels, those patrons with matriculation and above gambled more in each of the spending categories. Approximately less than half [46%] of the patrons indicated that they earn more than RIO 000 a month. However there is a significant number [8%] of the patrons at the Sun Coast Casino and Entertainment World that belong to the less than R3 000 a month category. The age group that frequents the Sun Coast Casino and Entertainment world the most is the 26 - 45 year age group and the below 25 year age group visits in smaller numbers. Below 10 percent of the patrons are from Durban and the surrounding areas. Approximately 15 percent of the patrons come from provinces outside KwaZulu-Natal. The largest percentage (35,6 percent) of the patrons are from the Durban North (Kwa Mashu, Inanda, Phoenix, Mount Edgecombe) area. The majority of patrons also felt that they would definitely visit the Sun Coast Casino and Entertainment World more often if more entertainment was available for the children. Generally the below 45 year age group felt more strongly about the need for more entertainment for children than the patrons who fell into the above 46 year age group. This study makes several recommendations, some of which are: • Organizations that assist problem gamblers need more funding. • Free drinks, free slot machine vouchers and most valued guest cards should be banned. • The general public must be informed of responsible gambling. • Marketing in the gaming industry should be minimal or banned. • More research should be undertaken in the field of tourism gaming. It is very important to mention that this study has revealed that literature and information on responsible gambling is very scarce and that there is a need to make such information available to the gaming people. Literature that combines recreation and gaining is also very scarce and there is a need for additional research in this field of study. A recommendation that stands out very clearly is the need to educate the general public on the concept and meaning of responsible gambling, as well as all related benefits of notion.
Utrecht, a town within a game park: tourism potential, perspectives and perceptions
(2005) Zikhali, Azaria Themba; Magi, L.M.
There has not been a good understanding between the complex nature of the environment and tourism couple with the single degree of administrative fragmentation. Environmental conservation has been perceived as a threat to social and economic development, a threat that has only recently subsided as a result of effort towards the classification of sustainable development. It therefore, goes without saying that without due regard to the appropriate development guideline, the integrity of public and private lands within communities has often been at risk owing to the sacrificing of socio-ecological values at the expense of profit. National parks will be useful, not only as preserves for indigenous plants and animals, but also as recreation grounds for the people. It is well to consider how comparatively few and small are the areas of this description which will be permanently available for the residents of Adelaide Plains .. .there must come at a time when these plains will be thickly populated from hills to sea, and then, if not now, the need for more breathing space will be recognized. The Mt Lofty range is gradually passing more and more into private hands, and before many years have elapsed it will be difficult to find a place where one may enjoy the beauties of nature without fear of trespassing (Nancel986, in Butler and Boyd 2000). The image of national paries and their acceptability appears to be generally high in this era, with a few exceptions where local populations have been or feel disadvantaged by the establishment of parks. That is why the study was interested in establishing the perceptions of the local communities towards the Balele game park, within which a town lies. The fundamental objectives of the study are: a) To establish the perceptions of the communities towards the game park, within which a town lies. b) To determine the level of awareness and participation of local communities of and in Balele Game Park. c) To assess how the host community benefit from Balele Game Park. d) To investigate the number of local, domestic and international tourists who visit Balele Game Park. e) To discover the types of natural resources and cultural resources which are found within a Balele Game Park. These objectives were formulated in order to find out the potential the Utrecht Balele game park has to tourism and the perspectives and perceptions the local communities have towards it. In achieving properly focused analysis and interpretation of data, which could lead to effective conclusions, some hypotheses were devised. The hypothesis that were postulated for the study are: a) That the communities see the parkas the business industry for whites b) That there is a low level of awareness and participation of local communities in tourism activities in the game park c) That the local communities are not benefiting from Balele Game Park. d) That the Balele Game Park attracts a bigger number of domestic and international tourists than local tourists. e) That there is a lack of natural and cultural resources to meet the needs of the tourists The most findings of the study are that (i) the game park is seen as the business industry for whites; (ii) there is a high level of awareness and low level of participation by local communities of and in tourism activities; (iii) the communities are not benefiting from tourism activities of the game park, since they are not fully involved; (iv) the Utrecht Balele game park attracts most of its tourists from local area as against domestic and international tourists; and (v) there are natural and cultural resources and facilities in the park, but they are not meeting the needs of the tourists. Tourism is considered as one of the significant ways to enhance positive relationship between parks and local people. There are several studies indicating that programmes based on revenue generated by or through park-based tourism have had positive impacts on local communities, which not only offer employment opportunities but also develop in them positive feelings towards protected areas.
Ithala game reserve as a tourist destination: community perceptions and participation
(2005) Mayise, Zanele Sonto; Magi, L.M.
The study was conducted against the background that Ithala Game Reserve has a lot of tourism benefits. These benefits must be shared among the various sectors of the community such as the people who were evicted from Ithala and KZN Nature Conservation Services. The study was aimed at finding out whether these tourism benefits compensate for loss of land. This aim was narrowed down to the following objectives: • To investigate the level of understanding that Ithala people have towards the meaning of tourism. • To identify the criteria and strategy used by authorities to determine the beneficiaries of tourism resources at Ithala Game Reserve. • To determine the level of participation of local people in decision- making concerning tourism related matters. • To examine the level of accessibility to tourism resources of the Ithala area. • To assess the extent to which tourism benefits enhance the livelihood of the people around Ithala Game Reserve. The study hypothesised that: • That the Ithala people have a poor understanding of the meaning of tourism. • That there is no clearly defined criteria and strategy used by authorities to determine the beneficiaries of tourism benefits. • That the Ithala people do not participate actively in decision-making concerning tourism benefits. • That the level of accessibility to tourism resources is relatively restricted among the Ithala community members. • That tourism benefits do enhance the livelihood of the Ithala community in a sustainable manner. Data was collected through the use of sets of questionnaires, which had both open-ended and closed sections. After this data was collected, it was analysed through the use of computer programme, Statistical Package for Social Sciences. This programme was used to formulate frequency tables and to relate variables. There were various findings that were deduced from the responses of all interviewees. It was discovered that the Ithala community has limited knowledge about tourism and its benefits in their area. Such limitation resulted from the fact that for a long time, the Ithala community has been excluded from tourism development initiatives. This community was scattered over a large area after eviction, so they know very little about what is happening in the area. Another stumbling block to access tourism benefits is that the recent arrangements to involve the community in the tourism management are still neatly typed in the Memorandum of Understanding (the legal document that was signed by the Claimants, The Board, NCS), which is not easily accessible to people. People can begin to accept the prevailing situation provided they have sufficient knowledge about tourism. To address the concerns of the community, various recommendations were suggested. These included tourism awareness strategies, consultation and involvement of local people in tourism development initiatives, translation of tourism brochures into Zulu and construction of a cultural village. Once local people begin to grasp the concept of tourism, they will begin to accrue more benefits from this lucrative venture.
Tourism promotion and development among the previously disadvantaged communities in Umkhanyakude Municipality
(2006) Dube, Cynthia Nokubonga; Magi, L.M.; Nzama, A.T,
The study on tourism promotion and development of the previously disadvantaged communities in Umkhanyakude District Municipality was conducted against the background that, the area has got all it takes to be considered a well developed tourist destination. It was surprising to see that the majority of school leavers in the area are loitering around the streets and eventually caught up in drug addiction. In most families, the head and bread winners are women and relatively unemployed. Women and men are also caught up in liquor consumption. Very few or none of these communities in the study area conceive of tourism as salvation industry that would create employment opportunities for them. The study had specific objectives, some of which are: (a) To established the level of tourism understanding and awareness among the Umkhanyakude communities. (b) To investigate the adequacy and provision of the tourism infrastructure in the study area. (c) To find out whether the previously disadvantaged communities in the study area participate in tourism activities. (d) To determine the perceptions of previously disadvantaged communities towards tourism and tourism opportunities in the study area. (e) To ascertain the strategies used by the Umkhanyakude Municipality to encourage local communities to participate in tourism. A number of hypotheses directly related to the objectives of the study were postulated and assessed towards finding answers to the research question, undergoing a series of analyses and interpretation of research data collected. The findings of the study were considered to be constructive, despite shedding substantial negative viewpoints on aspect of tourism understanding and awareness, provision of the tourism infrastructure, participation in tourism activities, availability of tourism business opportunities in the study area as well as the role of Umkhanyakude District Municipality in improving the situation. The study is concluded by recommending the intensive participation of the local Municipalities in providing funds; training and development of the local communities.
Cultural tourism as a development vehicle in Ulundi: perceptions and prospects
(2007) Dlomo, Penelope Lulu; Magi, L.M.; Nzama, A.T.
Increasingly, at the international as well as in South Africa, tourism is viewed as the largest industry in the world. It is believed that tourism offers enormous opportunities for the creation of growth, development and wealth to destinations and its local communities. Clearly South Africa certainly has many features which make it attractive to international tourists- game reserve, good weather, geography and even its political history. It is also clear that one of South Africa' most abundant resources are the people and their diverse cultures. It is only recent that people's cultures have begun to be appreciated and acknowledged for their true tourism potential. So cultural tourism is gradually gaining widespread acceptance as a true tourist attraction and also emerging as one of the most promising areas of economic development in South Africa. On the basis of this background, this study examines how cultural tourism can be seen as a development vehicle in Ulundi and how its local communities can benefit from it. The study further investigates the community's perceptions and expectations of cultural tourism in the area. In order to put the investigation in its proper perspective, the following objectives were formulated: • To investigate and identify community based cultural tourism activities in the study area that could promote tourism. • To reveal perceptions and expectations of Ulundi community towards cultural tourism. • To determine the level of understanding that Ulundi community has towards the meaning of cultural tourism. • To assess the extent to which cultural tourism benefits the community within the study area. • To examine the importance and value of conserving culture for future generations. • To establish the level of participation by Ulundi community in cultural tourism activities. These objectives were analysed on the basis of hypotheses, which were structured in such a way that they were equivalent or somewhat similar to the objectives. These hypotheses were intended to assist in asking questions and providing educated answers to the questions. The collection of data for this study was done through the use of the questionnaire, which had both open-ended and closed ended questions. It was therefore analysed through the use of computer programme, Statistical Package for Social Sciences. This programme was used to formulated frequency tables and graphs to reflect responses of the subjects interviewed. The main findings of the study revealed that there exists positive perception towards cultural tourism in the study area. The community also had a variety of expectations as cultural tourism has not brought any remarkable improvements in their area. It was again discovered that the community was aware of cultural tourism benefits. The only setback was that they have long been excluded from enjoying such benefits so they tend to be sceptical where there are no visible and tangible improvements. Although this community was aware of tourism benefits but they seemed to know very little about what is happening in the area, hence their minimal participation in local tourism and its activities. In order to address the raised concerns of the respondents, various recommendations were suggested. These included tourism awareness initiatives, easy access to finance by prospective entrepreneurs, community development programmes and adequate dissemination of cultural tourism information. It is without doubt that once the Ulundi community is constantly exposed and involved in tourism matters, they will begin to see and enjoy more benefits of this industry.
Provision of recreation facilities at Osizweni Township, Newcastle
(2007) Madi, Nomvula Purity; Magi, L.M.
The study on provision of recreation facilities at Osizweni Township, Newcastle was conducted against the background that the local community is not provided with sufficient recreation facilities, it was surprising to see that the majority of local community is not participating in recreation activities. The study was aimed at finding the level of provision of the recreation facilities in the study area. This aimed was narrowed down to the following objectives. • To establish the level of understanding and meaning of recreation as an activity in the study area • To reveal the level of awareness of the community about the provision of recreation facilities in the study area. • To indicate the participation levels of the local community in recreation activities. • To investigate the level of provision of recreation facilities in the study area • To establish the extent to which members of the community perceive the benefit arising from the availability of recreation facilities in the study area. The study hypothesised that: • That the local community have a little understanding and meaning of recreation. • That some of the local community members are aware about the provision recreation facilities in the study area and some are not aware. • That the participation level in recreation activities in the study area is low. • That the provision of recreation facilities in the study area is inadequate. • That everyone in the local community perceives the benefit arising from the availability of recreation facilities in the study area. Data was collected through the use sets of questionnaires, which had both open-ended and closed ended. After this data was collected, it was analysed through the use of computer programme, Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). This programme was used to formulate frequency tables and to relate variables There were various findings that were deduces from the responses. It was discovered that the provision of recreation facilities at Osizweni community is inadequate. The inadequacy of recreation facilities in the study area has resulted to lower level of participation in recreation activities. In addition it was discovered that the local community is aware of the recreation facilities found in the study area, the problem is that the recreation facilities are not up to standard. To address the concerns of the local community various recommendations were suggested. These included provision of recreation facilities, youth development programmes, providers of recreation facilities and availability of recreation facilities as benefits. Once the local community is provided with adequacy recreation facilities, they will participate in recreation facilities and the crime level will decrease.

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