A proposed border post between South Africa and Mozambique at Mbuzini could further boost business opportunities for tourism SMMEs and operators in the area.
The proposed border is near the Samora Machel Monument, a popular tourist attraction in the Nkomazi area of Mpumalanga.
Potential beneficiaries include transport operators, accommodation establishments, restaurants, vehicle-service businesses and traders selling local products.
Joseph Phiri, a transport operator, said the economic impact would depend on the project’s confirmed status, infrastructure investment, cross-border traffic and whether travellers had reasons to stop in southern Nkomazi rather than pass through.
“More movement between the two countries could help businesses, but only if we are prepared to serve those customers. We need information about the opportunities, better connections between attractions and businesses, and marketing that makes travellers aware of what is available locally,” he said.
Kelly Mashele, owner of Likazi Guest House, called for businesses to work together.
“We want tourism to bring customers throughout the year, not only when there is a special event or a once-off visit. If businesses can work together and visitors know what is available, tourism can become a stronger source of income for families and communities,” she said.
Southern Nkomazi’s tourism attractions could open new markets for small businesses, but entrepreneurs need better access to visitors, infrastructure and tourism opportunities to turn the area’s potential into sustainable income.
The area’s main attractions include the Samora Machel Monument, Masibekela Dam and Mahushe Shongwe Game Reserve offer opportunities to develop heritage and nature-based tourism.
However, the challenge is whether increased tourism activity will translate into customers, sales and jobs for local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
“We have attractions that can bring people into our area, but the important thing is making sure those visitors also support local businesses,” said Oscar Nkosi, a manager at 1352 Exclusive Lifestyle & Shisanyama.
“If someone visits the monument, they should also know where to find local food, accommodation, transport services and handmade products. That is how tourism can create income beyond the attraction itself.”
Turning attractions into business opportunities
The Samora Machel Monument commemorates the former Mozambican president and those who died in the 1986 plane crash. The site offers an opportunity to connect heritage tourism with locally owned businesses. A 40th anniversary commemoration of the plane crash is set to take place at the Monument next week.
Developing tourism experiences that encourage visitors to explore nearby communities could create demand for tour guides, restaurants, accommodation providers, craft sellers and transport operators.
Masibekela Dam and Mahushe Shongwe Game Reserve offer further opportunities for nature-based tourism and recreational activities. These attractions could support businesses that provide guided experiences, catering, outdoor activities, and locally produced goods.
Nomakhosi Dlamini, a representative of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism, said attractions alone do not guarantee revenue for nearby enterprises.
“We need to move beyond telling people that Nkomazi has beautiful places to visit. We need to show them what they can do when they arrive and where they can spend their money. For small businesses, tourism becomes meaningful when visitors buy something, book a service or return with other customers,” she said.
Visitor numbers, spending patterns, and the share of tourism revenue that reaches local businesses remain important measures of the area’s economic potential.
