Makuleke turns land claim victory into tourism gold

By Nkhensani Mthombeni

  • Forced off their land in 1969, the Makuleke people got it back in 2004 and now run tourism lodges, eco-schools and a banana farm.
  • The village has created over 100 jobs and used tourism profits to build a school, electrify homes and tar a road.

The people of Makuleke Village were once kicked off their land and sent to places like Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Now, they are landowners and businesspeople.

The village, near the Pafuri gate of the Kruger National Park, was forcefully removed by the apartheid government in 1969.

After the end of apartheid, the community applied to get their land back under the Restitution of Land Rights Act. In 2004, they won.

Instead of asking for money, the Makuleke Traditional Council chose to reclaim the land. It has turned out to be the best decision they ever made.

The community formed a 50-year deal with South African National Parks to manage conservation in the Pafuri region. They now run three tourism lodges, employ guides and run eco-schools.

They’ve also built a banana farm that supplies major South African retailers.

Chief Humphrey Magakula said the village used a R6.4-million government grant to kickstart their projects, and doubled the amount in just three years.

Tourism income has paid for a school, new roads and electricity for many homes. “We no longer wait for government,” said the chief.

Makuleke’s location, between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, adds to its appeal, especially for cultural tourism.

“We were once the forgotten corner of the country,” said the chief. “Now people come from all over to see us.”

The community recently celebrated Makuleke Day, where guests from Swaziland, KwaZulu-Natal, Venda and the Vaal danced and shared their traditions.

Prominent guests included musician Dr Thomas Chauke and Tshwane University of Technology Vice Chancellor Tinyiko Maluleke.

The two-day event ended with a day of prayer to give thanks for the success of the community.

Pictured above: Makuleke villagers celebrate land and tourism success. 

Image source: Supplied

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