– In an effort aimed at strengthening Mpumalanga’s economic landscape newly appointed MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazana Masilela, has unveiled plans to transform the province into a tourism powerhouse.
Masilela, former speaker of the Mpumalanga provincial legislature, articulated her vision during a recent meeting with the department’s executive management team held on June 18, 2024.
Emphasizing her primary goal, Masilela stated that her main focus is on developing and growing the tourism industry to enhance the province of the economy following Premier Mandla Ndlovu’s directive.
“After taking oath of office, the Premier gave me strict orders to focus on tourism development and growth. He [Premier] wants us to create our own ‘Table Mountain’ at Mariepskop with its own cable car, he wants us to create our own waves,” she said.
“He wants tourists to experience everything they go for in Cape Town and Durban all in one in our Province,” she explained.
Addressing the collaborative approach needed to achieve these goals, Masilela urged her team to embrace openness and constructive criticism. “I like constructive criticism. If you have an idea which would improve our economy, you must be free to express it,” she declared. “I am a person who listens a lot, and I am very open to suggestions.”
With the separation of the ffinance portfolio from economic development and tourism, the new MEC will now focus exclusively on leading the dapartment poised to usher in a new era of growth and opportunity for Mpumalanga. The acting Head of Department, Mr. Chain Chunda, ushered in and welcomed the MEC, committing to supporting her in fulfilling her mandate. Also in attendance at the meeting were Mduduzi Vilakazi, CEO of Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, and Vusi Mtsweni, CEO of Mpumalanga Economic Regulator.
