I. The following main issues were highlighted during the address by the Acting Chief Executive Officer: II. Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency is established in terms of the MPTA Act No. 5 of 2005. Section 3 of the Act states that "the objects of the Agency shall be to provide for the sustainable management and promotion of tourism and nature conservation in the province and to ensure the sustainable utilization of natural resources." III. Schedule 4 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa refers to the "functional areas of concurrent national and provincial legislative competence." IV. It is generally recognised that the tourism industry has the potential of being a catalyst for significant economic growth and development with the Province of Mpumalanga. V. It is a priority of the provincial government to develop the tourism sector within the province in a sustainable and acceptable manner to ensure that the development of the potential of tourism sector will significantly contribute to economic growth and development in order to improve the quality of life of the inhabitant of the province. VI. Everyone has the right to have the environment protected, through reasonable legislative and other measures that promotes conservation and secures ecologically sustainable development and the use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development. VII. The development of tourism industry will increase entrepreneurial and employment opportunities in the industry and specifically contribute to the development opportunities for previously disadvantaged individuals and communities. VIII. The conservation management of natural resources will increase employment opportunities and specifically contribute to the development opportunities and broadening of participation in conservation management by previously disadvantaged. IX. Conservation management of the natural resources will contribute to, and enhance the uniqueness of the province as a tourist destination.