Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me this opportunity to participate in this important debate.
As an ANC Government we have been given a second chance by the overwhelming majority of our people to further deepen the process of transformation, particularly the question of economic transformation. Guided by the RDP framework and Gear principle, I am convinced that we will not fail our people. We dare not fail in our noble cause.
Already, the past six years traversed by the democratic Government bear testimony to our unwavering commitment to the betterment of the lives of our people. We have managed within a short space of time to turn around an economy heading towards a meltdown into one that is geared towards an economic growth path. It is within this spirit that, as a democratic Government, we continue to seek viable economic options aimed at enhancing economic growth and development.
The realisation of tourism as one of the vehicles that could be utilised to spur economic growth that would lead to economic development is not accidental. It is the product of difficult policy choices and extensive research work carried out by the democratic Government. I might as well add that tourism is not only an engine of economic growth and development, but also a source of employment.
Failure to expedite this process would undoubtedly undermine our good intentions. Therefore, the restructuring of this industry must ensure that the racial demographics of this country are equitably reflected.
Another issue that calls for attention is funding. We can develop wonderful strategies, comprehensive implementation programmes and well-packaged projects, but if we are not going to direct enough financial resources into this industry, we are definitely doomed to failure.
The issue of capacity-building, which the disadvantaged people desperately need in order to make a meaningful contribution to this industry and to get projects off the ground, requires financial assistance.
In conclusion, as the Mpumalanga province, we wish to see more resources pumped into the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, considering that tourism is currently the only industry that is better placed to address the issues of economic growth, job creation and delivery of basic needs to our people. Although as a province we have developed tourism plans, we require resources. [Applause.]
Mrs C M CRONJ (KwaZulu-Natal): Chairperson, I will confine my comments to tourism because my colleague from KwaZulu-Natal, MEC Singh, will deal with the environmental aspects.
When one reads the aim of this department, it becomes clear just how appropriate it is to combine environmental affairs and tourism in one department. The aim is stated as follows: ``Leading environmental management and tourism in the interest of sustainable development for all.''
Environmental management and tourism go hand in hand. In fact, one could say that a clean, healthy environment in South Africa is the sine qua non, that is, it is the essential precondition, for a healthy tourism industry in the country. We should always remember that tourists perform a voluntary activity. Thus, tourists will only visit a particular destination if they have a reasonable prospect of having a pleasant experience at that destination; tourists cannot be forced to go to a particular destination; tourists cannot be penalised for not going to a particular destination; tourists will not visit a destination that is polluted, degraded and harmful to their health or wellbeing; tourists will not go to a destination they perceive to be unsafe and tourists expect the residents of the host destination to be friendly and helpful. In short, tourists will only go to a particular place or country if they can expect to have a safe, pleasant and aesthetically satisfying experience at that destination, without plastic bags - I direct this to the Minister.
When the department expounds on its main aim by stating that it wants to lead and ensure the development of responsible tourism for the benefit of all the people of South Africa, we need to ask ourselves whether we would come to South Africa if we were international tourists. And if not, why not? And if we were domestic tourists, which we all potentially are, where would we go, and where not, and what are the reasons for that?
What I am asking in essence is: How good is our product and how good is our marketing? Which areas can we improve on to make South Africa a first-class destination for the benefit of all the people of South Africa?
A lot has been said about tourism being used for job creation. Now, the reason that these questions are of such fundamental importance is that it is generally acknowledged that tourism can, in fact, be a major generator of wealth in the country. However, it is also of fundamental importance that that wealth does not only benefit the same people who have benefited historically, and I am very grateful for the comments that the Minister has made in that regard.
Tourism can be a powerful tool for economic empowerment, but we must take care that we do not continue to empower the already empowered, because one then gets into the spiral of the rich getting richer, and the poor getting poorer. It is imperative that tourism contributes in a meaningful way to the alleviation of poverty in South Africa. Therefore, as Government, we have an obligation to ensuring that new entrants into the tourism industry have the necessary access to capital and the required support, training and mentoring to become successful entrepreneurs.
Capital and skills development are fundamental to ensuring that the tourism industry does not only provide jobs to employees of big operators, welcome as that may be, but that it is possible for new entrants to break into that tightly-controlled market.
Tourism has, for many years, been considered an elitist pastime. In fact, that is exactly what it was, and what it still is, to a large extent. And unless we become very creative and imaginative in our thinking, that is what it will continue to be. For instance, why do we not make a far greater effort to ensure that every child who has not been to a game reserve visits one before the end of the year? Can we not find a way to ensure that every child who has not seen the sea sees it before the end of the year 2000?
Let us encourage owners of big tourist plants to become involved in giving opportunities to poor people to visit them at reduced rates or even for free, as part of their social obligation. This could be done during the off- season when many beds are empty, in any event.
But of course, there are also many South Africans who have the means to travel and to become tourists in their own country who, for a variety of reasons, do not do so. We can think of the historical restrictions on the movement of people. How good is our research on this market sector, and how good is our marketing to attract them?
Turning to the actual Tourism budget, it is, indeed, heartening to see that this budget has nearly doubled - that is called putting one's money where one's mouth is.
So, in conclusion, I would like to say more strength to the Minister's arm - he is doing a marvellous job. When he spoke on the Tim Modise show yesterday morning, I wanted to phone in, but I thought it would be much nicer to say that to him in person today.
Finally, I invite all those members who do not come from KwaZulu-Natal to visit the province because it is definitely the most beautiful province and the best tourist destination. [Applause.]