The Tourism Outrage: Matatiele Municipality Workers Leave Iconic Lake in a Mess
pristine beauty of Matatiele’s mountain lake, a cherished tourist attraction, was marred by the filth left behind by Matatiele Local Municipality workers, leaving a local tourism organization in a state of fury. The incident occurred during a wellness activity organized by the municipality at the lake, raising concerns about its impact on Matatiele’s reputation as a tourist destination.
The mountain lake, recently featured on South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and viewed by a global audience, is considered one of Matatiele’s most vital tourist destinations. However, the post-visit scene left tourists and locals dismayed.
Philip Roland, a prominent tourist guide and a member of the Matatiele Tourism Forum, expressed his disgust at the state of the lake. He described bottles of liquor, plastic bags, and scattered papers as the remnants of the municipality workers’ visit. Roland had taken a group of 20 tourists to showcase the natural beauty of Matatiele, but the sight of the mess left behind by the municipal workers had a profoundly negative impact on their experience, causing some to swear off returning to the area.
Saakkie Maarteens, another influential figure in Matatiele’s tourism sector, shared his anger and disappointment. He emphasized that the responsibility for keeping the area clean falls squarely on the municipality, and this incident could cost the community in lost tourism revenue. Maarteens warned that tourists might refuse to visit a place marred by negligence.
In response to the growing outcry, Matatiele Local Municipality’s Mayor, Sonwabile Mngenela, expressed his disappointment with the situation. He revealed that he had promptly instructed the Municipal Manager to ensure the immediate cleanup of the lake after seeing the pictures. Mayor Mngenela also extended his apologies to the tourists and members of the tourism forum who had witnessed the deplorable state of this significant tourist destination. He stressed the municipality’s commitment to promoting Matatiele as a premier tourist destination in the province, as reflected in their slogan: “Matatiele, where Nature, Agriculture, and Tourism are investments of choice.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible tourism management and the critical role of the municipality in preserving the natural beauty of Matatiele for the benefit of visitors and the local community.
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