Socio-economic assessment of the proposed tourism development at Mount Aux Sources, Eastern Free State, South Africa

[摘要] This study assesses the Potential Socio-economic Impact of the Tlokweng/SentinelCableway Development in the Tsheseng Community of Qwaqwa, Eastern Free State,South Africa.The survey was carried out during a month of July 2002, amongst a total of 200households drawn from a random sampling involving three areas in Tsheseng,namely; Thibella, Dinkweng and Phomolong villages. The villages are located in theformer homeland of Qwaqwa in the Eastern Free State (South Africa).In more specific terms, this research aimed at providing a critical examination of thecontribution of this project in enhancing the standard of living of the people ofTsheseng (Qwaqwa). To put forward the recommendations on how the perceptions ofthese people can be integrated into the reality of the project was a challenge. It is alsoaimed at providing information from the respondents on how they foresee the impactof the project in tourism within the area.The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection andanalysis. Primary and secondary sources of data were used and modem methods were also employed to analyse and draw conclusion from the research.The study's findings indicate that most of the households are not educated. As aresult, they lack the capacity to be innovative. The study further revealed thatTsheseng people are far away from the CBD's and industries and as such, they areconfined and marginalized through the non-interactive conditions imposed on them intheir villages. These indicate a lack of incentives and high unemployment ratebecause of non-existence of clear and proper development and job opportunitiesintended to enhance the welfare (social status) of the Tsheseng people and Qwaqwa asa whole. The results further show that the people of Tsheseng acknowledge the factthat the project can be implemented with the hope that it will alleviate the alarmingrate of unemployment. If this can be achieved, it will lead to betterment of the livesofTsheseng people as well as on the tourism development process in South Africa. In conclusion, the study recommends that the cable car should be implemented as oneof the flagships (services) of the tourism industry in order to alleviate unemploymentand provide better living conditions expected by many people of the world. The studyalso recommends such a development with a clear understanding that tourism will beranked amongst the best businesses in the study area and in South Africa as a whole.With this project in hand, some problems such as underdevelopment, poverty,ignorance and isolation could be minimized and tourism will flourish.

[发布机构] University of the Free State