The Grahamstown Foundation, in partnership with Makana Tourism, Makana Municipality and McIntosh Xaba & Associates (MXA), has secured a Thina Sinako Local Competitiveness Fund (LCF) Implementation Grant to establish and run the Makana Edutourism Project over the next two years.
The Grahamstown Foundation, in partnership with Makana Tourism, Makana Municipality and McIntosh Xaba & Associates (MXA), has secured a Thina Sinako Local Competitiveness Fund (LCF) Implementation Grant to establish and run the Makana Edutourism Project over the next two years.
The project aims to leverage the region’s local competitive advantages in tourism and education and to strategically brand and promote Makana as an edutourism destination. The initiative aims to stimulate the local economy, provide opportunities for job creation and facilitate a variety of pro-poor tourism opportunities.
The Thina Sinako Provincial Local Economic Development (LED) Support Programme is financed by the European Union in partnership with the Eastern Cape provincial government.
The successful application follows an eight-month feasibility study undertaken by Rhodes University in partnership with Makana Municipality and MXA, funded by a Thina Sinako LCF Identification & Design Grant together with seed funding from Rhodes University and Makana Municipality.
The study endorsed the view that Makana claims a competitive edge in the edutourism market which should be capitalised on and pursued as a sustainable local economic and pro-poor intervention. The Grahamstown Foundation was similarly proposed and endorsed as the organisation best suited to fostering the edutourism initiative.
An interim advisory board, elected at the closing imbizo of the Makana Edutourism feasibility study process in January 2009, has been instrumental in sustaining the edutourism initiative and in undertaking the funding application together with the Grahamstown Foundation.
The Makana Edutourism Project Office, led by a suitably qualified and passionate director, will be housed in the 1820 Settlers National Monument and administered as a project of the Grahamstown Foundation.
Grahamstown Foundation Executive Director, Louisa Clayton, explained that the Foundation had been drawn to the potential of the project to make a positive contribution locally. “Projects like the National Arts Festival and Scifest Africa have made an enormous contribution to Grahamstown.
In leading this partnership, the Foundation is embracing the opportunity to establish new initiatives, such as edutourism, that grow and shape the local economic landscape.”
The partnership, with Rhodes University remaining involved as an associate, intends to develop, package and market educational tourism experiences to attract visitors to the region.
Speaking on behalf of the Municipality, LED Manager Thembinkosi Sindane said he was delighted that the application had been successful and that Makana Edutourism had the full support of the Makana LED Directorate.
“The project resonates strongly with our objectives and priorities for LED in Makana as it will have direct and indirect cross-sectoral impacts on local supply and value chains. It will also create demand for a range of goods and services including emerging tourism enterprises and the informal sector.”
On hearing the announcement, Helen Hayes, who was part of the team that championed the formation of the Makana Edutourism Project since 2004 said she was absolutely thrilled that the project has secured implementation funding.
“There is no question that edutourism will boost the existing and emerging tourism industry, particularly pro-poor and community-based tourism.” Award-winning tour guide Alan Weyer expressed similar sentiments: “Grahamstown is already an established edutourism destination and there is huge potential to significantly increase visitor numbers by employing a coordinated brand strategy in the region.
This funding is excellent news for tourism in Makana and it is critical that roleplayers from across the board get involved.”
The project’s contractual starting date was 19 December 2009 but work will begin in earnest with the return of all partners from the Christmas break this month. The task of coordinating role-players and implementing the brand strategy will fall to the soon-to-be-appointed Makana Edutourism Director.
The post is being advertised nationally and the board welcomes expressions of interest from interested parties. Further information can be obtained by visiting the Makana Edutourism website (www.edutourism.co.za) or by emailing executive.director@foundation.org.za
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