|
|
 |
| |
| Introduction |
News |
History |
Folklore |
Folk Music & Dance |
Community Involvement
|
| |
People Of Matsamo - Community Involvement
Community Involvement and Empowerment
The nature of the business is of such that the largest expense is in respect of labour and as all employees are from the neighbouring community, income derived by these individuals are in its entirety to the benefit of the local community.
Art & Crafts are purchased locally when available on a preferential basis to promote local activity (R 150 000 in 2003). Craftsmen and artists are also supported with training and financially to produce products. (R 116 000 in 2005)
As far as catering expenses are concerned all fruit and vegetables are purchased locally and where possible members of the previously disadvantaged community are preferenced. As far as other consumables are concerned local enterprises are supported as far as possible when it is financially viable.
Support with input capital for production of vegetables is provided in some instances to promote local production. (R 12 000 in 2005)
All traditional attire, not made by employees, is purchased locally from previously disadvantaged members of the community. (R 73 000 in 2005)
|
| |
| Description |
Local expense |
PDI supplier |
| |
As % of total |
as % of local exp |
| Services (labour) |
100% |
100% |
| Arts & Crafts |
10% |
100% |
| Food & Beverage |
20% |
30% |
| Cultural Att |
100% |
100% |
|
| |
Socio Economic Impact
The community around Matsamo benefits directly and indirectly in several aspects from the activities at Matsamo.
Direct benefits:
- 76 permanent employment opportunities have been created, contributing some nett amount of R105 000 per month to the local community.
- 12 Part time employment opportunities were created contributing some R5 000 per month to local students enabling them to afford education.
- Several casual job opportunities are created from time to time when construction and expansion activities are undertaken. (R127 000 in 2005)
- 6 Artists are being trained funded and provided of a sustainable market for their products (stone carving, woodcarving, beadwork, grasswork, leatherwork & pottery) at an average value of R10 000 per month. Soap making, jewelry manufacturing, the making of African games and an African hair saloon are presently being pursued and will create further job opportunities.
- Approximately R 8 000 worth of vegetables are being purchased monthly from local producers and Matsamo is presently engaged in a project to procure water and other facilities for vegetable farming by local entrepreneurs for the supply of tourist resorts outside the 50 km radius.
- Local transport contractors earn approximately R6 000 per month from transport contracts.
- Local woman earns about R60, 000 per annum for ropes, grass and reeds supplied for maintenance purposes annually.
- A local photographer earns a living from income from photographs taken for visitors at Matsamo.
Indirect benefits:
The establishment of Matsamo created awareness in respect of the benefits of tourism related activities with the local community and afforded its members the opportunity to develop linkages with the tourism industry at large.
- The Matsamo tourism association was established.
- Active participation in the Wild Frontier RTO (Regional Tourism Organisation) was promoted.
- Training in respect of general management skills and tourism related activities and encouragement to participate in strategic planning iro tourism development of the region.
- The introduction of the region and its micro activities to the more than 40 000 tourists visiting Matsamo annually creating some additional income to these enterprises (Spaza shops, a guesthouse and a medicinal herb nursery).
- The benefits of increased spending through increased income by members of the community with local businesses (multiplier effect).
- The stimulation of local entrepreneurs to identify opportunities for participation in the tourism industry.
- To quantify the financial value derived from the indirect benefits is virtually impossible at this early stage but it is already clear that interest in and understanding of the tourism industry is improving rapidly.
- Recognition of the value of practicing ones cultural heritage with pride and dignity. This encouraged other groups in the area to use this as a means of income.
Matsamo provides special rates for local tourists (members of the local community) According to the PR manager, approximately 20 thousand school children and members of the local community visit the park annually.
Social Support
Apart from the fact that Matsamo trained and educated its entire labour force of approximately 48 people in various aspects of operations, it also takes a keen interest in the health and wellbeing of its employees and their families. It trained and provided income for a further 70 people during the past 4 years who participate in activities in and around Matsamo.
Matsamo passed a resolution to provide an amount equal to 5 % of it’s monthly salary bill (R 6,000) as a welfare fund to render welfare support where needed in the discretion of a staff committee for welfare.
In this regard Matsamo assists employees with medical treatment, continued support in times of long ill health and provide information and education about health aspects as far as possible.
Well-structured HIV workshops held by a social worker in the community is available to all staff members and staff is encouraged to acquaint themselves with the prevention and dangers of HIV and related diseases. |
|
|
