The potential of sustainable coastal tourism as a driver of economic development within Mthunzini area, Umlalazi Municipality, Kwazulu-Natal
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Date
2021
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Abstract
The South African government through ‘Operation Phakisa’ targets the oceans’ economy as a driver for the Nine-Point Plan, which intends to ensure development, transformation of the economy, job creation and unlocking a multitude of opportunities for investment. Amongst many sectors within the oceans economy, tourism has been identified by all spheres of government as a sector with potential for economic development that must be enhanced. This is particularly important in view of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 14, which advocates for conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development and SDG 8 which promotes sustainable, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. This study argues in response to the South African authority to call for the feasibility of creating a vibrant economy through the development of tourism resources of Mthunzini coastal Area in uMlalazi Municipality of South Africa. This study was premised on the sense that economic development cannot be divorced from environmental sustainability. To this end, the study employed the Ecological Economics theory to strengthen arguments for economic possibility with a strong emphasis on the concept of sustainable development. This study adopted a qualitative research approach, and data was gathered through semi- structured interviews with (n=16) participants. The data was analysed using thematic and content analysis. The study revealed the significance of sustainable coastal tourism as a catalyst for economic development in terms of improving the livelihood of the community, job creation, and infrastructure development. The implications of these findings include the need to strengthen public private partnership (PPP) as a mechanism to leverage funding, maintenance, and development of the infrastructure, improve educational programs and awareness and investing extra efforts to market and advertise Mthunzini more efficiently, and possibly make the town to reach a Blue Flag status. Marine tourism, aquaculture development were recommended and suggested areas of further research in expediting the Operation Phakisa Oceans Economy.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Department of Development in fulfillment of the Requirements for a Master of Arts in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Zululand, 2021.
Keywords
Sustainable Coastal Tourism, Economic Development, South African government