Nama Khoi coalition municipality is reaping the rewards of its ongoing efforts to boost tourism and the local economy. This comes after the municipality invested resources and efforts into expanding Namaqualand’s reputation for its magnificent flowers, to also become known for its cleanliness and welcoming attitude towards visitors.
This has been largely achieved through the establishment of the municipality’s 18 unique “bakkie” teams operating in ten towns, including Carolusberg, Fonteintjie, Matjieskloof, Springbok, Vaalwater, Bergsig, Okiep, Nababeep, Concordia and Steinkopf. Bakkie teams create opportunities for small entrepreneurs and are used to combat the effects of illegal dumping and to support the municipal refuse lorries, which do not remove garden waste. The programme forms part of the municipality’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
Since the bakkie teams started operating about a year ago, there has been a notable difference in the general state of Nama Khoi’s towns. Clean towns further generate the perception of care, that is especially attractive to tourists.
This past weekend, Springbok played host to the YBL’s annual bikers rally for the first time, generating a massive influx of money into the municipality, as the bikers procured everything they needed for the weekend, locally. Earlier in the week, Sasol Solar Challenge also picked Springbok for one of its pitstops. In addition, SALGA also convened in Springbok this week.
These events are the start of the process of putting Nama Khoi municipality on the map as an attractive tourist and events destination and they have already done much to stimulate the economy and attract outsiders to come enjoy and invest in our local businesses.
We will now build on this momentum, as we continue to build our brand as a warm-hearted, welcoming and wonderful destination.
We will also be very careful to ensure that a balance is reached between harnessing the potential of events and tourism opportunities and the welfare of our communities, by ensuring that the events that do come to our towns are strictly monitored and regulated in accordance with legislation, to not disturb the peace and safety of our rural communities.
Namaqualand has much to offer and our annual display of amazing flowers is just one of our unique assets.