mpumalanga tourism funding

Mpumalanga government sets aside R10 million for the impact of Covid-19 to tourism sector

The tourism sector plays a vital role as part of the provincial economy. sustaining businesses and jobs in the sector is crucial towards recovery after lockdown..

The Mpumalanga government has set aside R10 million to mitigate against the impact of Covid-19 to the tourism sector in the province.

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) invites provincial tourism businesses to apply for Covid-19 tourism relief funding.

This is in support of the National Tourism Relief Initiative focusing on Mpumalanga’s small, medium and microenterprises (SMMEs) in distress due to the pandemic.

Who can apply?

All those tourism amenities that did not benefit from the National Tourism Relief Funding and any other funding provided by the South African government.

The following tourism amenities and services are thus targeted for the relief fund to sustain operations and jobs.

• Accommodation establishments – hotels, resort properties, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, lodges and backpackers.

• Hospitality and related services – restaurants (not attached to hotels), crafters and creative arts.

• Conference venues (not attached to hotels), professional catering and attractions.

• Travel and related services – tour operators, travel agencies, car rental companies and coach operators.

• Tourist guides, professional hunters and tourism grading assessors. • Informal tourism-related businesses, for example subsistence businesses or crafters and artists, except for performing artists.

Qualifying criteria

The following criteria applies to all applications to be received from accommodation establishments, hospitality and related services, travel and related services and informal tourism-related businesses.

• Be an existing tourism/specific establishment as outlined in the scope of application.

• Be a business operating in Mpumalanga.

• Be a registered tourism business (CIPC, trust, cooperatives and sole proprietor).

• Be a taxpayer in good standing with a valid tax clearance certificate.

• In business for one year or more and have not benefited from the National Tourism Relief Fund and/or any other government providing funding.

• Business with a turnover of not more than R10 million per annum.

• Proof that the relief fund is required as a result of the impact of Covid-19.

• Must submit six months’ bank statements dated from January to June 2020.

• Must submit proof of employees in service prior to April 2020 (list of employees with a sworn statement (affidavit)

• Motivation – how lockdown regulations brought about hardship and distress in the business.

• Declaration that the relief fund will not be utilised to service pre-existing debts either than to help retain jobs and sustenance of the business.

* Note: In case of an informal/subsistence tourism-related business, a proof from the relevant municipality and or institution in which you operate will be required.

Tourist guides, professional hunters and tourism grading assessors

The following criteria applies to all applications to be received from tourist guides, professional hunters and tourism grading assessors.

* Note: In case of tourist guides, you must be registered with the Mpumalanga provincial registrar (MTPA) in terms of the National Tourism Act 3 2014.

* Note: In case of professional hunting, you must be registered as a professional hunter with the MTPA in terms of the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act.

* Note: In case of a tourism grading assessor, you must be registered as a tourism grading assessor as certified by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

* Note: Proof of an active registration valid until January 2020. * Note: Not benefited from the National Tourism Relief Fund for tourist guides or UIF.

Grant value:

The grant amount available per application that qualifies will be considered as follows:

• Accommodation establishments will receive an amount that ranges between R25 000 and R50 000 as maximum for applicant.

• Hospitality and related services will receive an amount that ranges between R15 000 and R30 000 as maximum per applicant.

• Travel and related services will receive an amount that ranges between R15 000 and R30 000 as maximum for applicant.

• Individual tourism tourist guides, professional hunters and tourism grading assessors will receive an amount of R6 000 per applicant.

• Informal/subsistence tourism-related businesses will receive an amount of R5 000 per applicant.

How to apply

The application form and guidelines that outline the criteria for eligible applications are available on the MTPA website: www.mpumalanga.com .

The application forms and all enquiries regarding to the programme can also be requested from:

Phumeza Kalawe on 063-185-9098 or [email protected]

Londiwe Ngwenya on 082-092-3913 or [email protected]

Siphiwe Thomas on 067-810-8276 or [email protected]

Beatrice Nkalanga on 071-303-8536 or [email protected]

Completed forms with all supporting documents may ONLY be submitted electronically to the following email address: [email protected] .

Please ensure the following

a) That the correct application form is used as specified.

b) That the applicant (business) is fully tax compliant.

c) That all applications be submitted on or before January 29, 2021 (closing date).

d) That all supporting documents including ID copies, tax clearance certificates, six months’ bank statements, and so on. MUST be certified.

e) The informal and subsistence crafters and creative artists’ proof of registration from the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation.

f) Any application received after the closing date shall not be accepted.

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Mpumalanga businesses receive relief funding

MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism in Mpumalanga, Vusi Mkhatshwa , issued relief funds to 91 provincial tourism businesses yesterday (Wednesday, April 28).

This follows an allocation of R10 million (€578 600) for this purpose, by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, to its public entity, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA).

“As the provincial government, we have listened to the cries of our people operating in the tourism sector, and that is why today we are starting to disburse relief funds to them. This is part of implementing the Mpumalanga Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan,” said Mkhatshwa.

In January, the MTPA called on Mpumalanga tourism businesses to apply for the COVID-19 Tourism Relief Funding. “This initiative was in support of the National Tourism Relief Fund, and was thus meant to assist provincial tourism SMMEs (Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises) in distress (due to the pandemic-induced lockdown), which did not benefit from the National Relief Fund,” explained an MTPA spokesperson.

To date, MTPA has received 430 applications in various categories, with only 28 unsuccessful applications. These applications were turned down as they had already benefited from the National Relief Fund.

MTPA has finalised processing applications in four categories: tourist guides (133 applications), hospitality (25 applications, professional hunter (1 application) and tourism grader assessor (1 application).

Speaking at yesterday’s event, MTPA CEO, Johannes Nobunga , said: “Today, we have transferred funds to 91 tourism businesses. We are confident that the work, by the MTPA’s evaluation and adjudication committee will be completed soon, and all qualifying businesses will receive their relief funds by mid-May. It remains our commitment to ensure that the economy is revived through the tourism sector.”

“I am very excited about this relief fund that we received from the MEC today. We thank the Department and the MTPA for this gesture. We received this money when we really needed it,” said Nobuntu Gwede, a tour guide from Hazyview.

The funds to be awarded to each category, per successful applicant, are as follows:

• Accommodation establishments: R25 000 (€1 400) (minimum) to R50 000 (€2 900) (maximum);
• Hospitality and related services: R15 000 (€870) (minimum) to R35 000 (€2 000) (maximum);
• Travel and related services: R15 000 (minimum) to R35 000 (maximum);
• Individual Tourist Guides, Professional Hunters and Tourism Grading Assessors: R10 000 (€580) (maximum); and
• Informal/subsistence tourism-related businesses: R7 000 (€400) (maximum).

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Mpumalanga Tourism Relief Fund

The tourism sector plays a vital role as part of the provincial economy. Sustaining businesses and jobs in the sector is crucial towards recovery after lockdown. The Mpumalanga Provincial Government has set aside R10 million to mitigate against the impact of COVID-19 to the tourism sector in the Province. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) invites Mpumalanga tourism businesses to apply for COVID-19 tourism relief funding. This is in support of the National Tourism Relief Initiative focusing on Mpumalanga’s Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) in distress due to the pandemic.

WHO CAN APPLY?

All those tourism amenities that did not benefit from the National Tourism Relief Funding and any other funding provided by the South African Government. The following tourism amenities and services are thus targeted for the relief fund to sustain operations and jobs.

• Accommodation establishments – hotels, resort properties, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, lodges and backpackers.
• Hospitality and related services – restaurants (not attached to hotels), crafters and creative arts.
• Conference venues (not attached to hotels), professional catering and attractions.
• Travel and related services – tour operators, travel agencies, car rental companies and coach operators.
• Tourist Guides; Professional Hunters and Tourism Grading Assessors.
• Informal tourism related businesses, e.g. subsistence businesses or crafters and artists except for performing artists.

QUALIFYING CRITERIA:

The following criteria applies to all applications to be received from accommodation establishments, hospitality and related services, travel and related services and informal tourism related businesses.

• Be an existing tourism/specific establishment as outlined in the scope of application.
• Be a business operating in the Mpumalanga Province.
• Be a registered tourism business (CIPC, Trust, Co-operatives and Sole proprietor).
• Be a tax payer in good standing with a valid tax clearance certificate.
• In business for one year or more and have not benefited from the National Tourism Relief Fund and/or any other government providing funding.
• Business with a turnover of not more than R10 million per annum.
• Proof that the relief fund is required as a result of the impact of COVID-19.
• Must submit six (6) months bank statement dated from January 2020 to June 2020.
• Must submit proof of employees in service prior to April 2020 (list of employees with a sworn statement (Affidavit)
• Motivation – how lockdown regulations brought about hardship and distress in the business.
• Declaration that the relief fund will not be utilized to service pre-existing debts either than to help retain jobs and sustenance of the business.
• Note: In case of an informal/subsistence tourism related business, a proof from the relevant municipality and or institution in which you operate will be required.

TOURIST GUIDES, PROFESSIONAL HUNTERS AND TOURISM GRADING ASSESSORS:

The following criteria applies to all applications to be received from Tourist Guides, Professional Hunters and Tourism Grading Assessors.

• Note: In case of tourist guides, you must be registered with the Mpumalanga Provincial Registrar (MTPA) in terms of the National Tourism Act 3 2014.
• Note: In case of professional hunting, you must be registered as a professional hunter with the MTPA in terms of the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act.
• Note: In case of a tourism grading assessor, you must be registered as a Tourism Grading Assessor as certified by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
• Note: Proof of an active registration valid until January 2020.
• Note: Not benefited from the National Tourism Relief Fund for tourist guides or UIF.

GRANT VALUE:

The grant amount available per application that qualifies will be considered as follows:

• Accommodation establishments will receive an amount that ranges between R25 000 to R50 000 as maximum for applicant .
• Hospitality and related services will receive an amount that ranges between R15 000 to R30 000 as maximum per applicant.
• Travel and related services will receive an amount that ranges from R15 000 to R30 000 as maximum for applicant .
• Individual Tourism Tourist Guides, Professional Hunters and Tourism Grading Assessors will receive an amount of R6 000 per applicant.
• Informal/subsistence tourism related businesses will receive an amount of R5 000 per applicant.

HOW TO APPLY?

The application form and guidelines that outlines the criteria for eligible applications are available on the website of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) as follows: www.mpumalanga.com

The application forms and all enquiries regarding to the programme can also be requested from:

Ms Phumeza Kalawe           063 185 9098        |              [email protected] Ms Londiwe Ngwenya          082 092 3913        |              [email protected]

Ms Siphiwe Thomas             067 810 8276        |              [email protected]

Ms Beatrice Nkalanga          071 303 8536        |              [email protected]

Completed forms with all supporting documents may ONLY be submitted electronically

on the following email address: [email protected]

PLEASE ENSURE THE FOLLOWING:

• That the correct application form is used as specified.
• That the applicant (business) is fully tax compliant.
• That all applications be submitted on or before 29 January 2021 (closing date).
• That all supporting documents including ID copies, Tax Clearance certificates, six (6) months bank statements, etc. MUST be certified.
• The informal and subsistence crafters and Creative Artists proof of registration from the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR).
• Any application received after the closing date shall not be accepted.

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Tourism opens applications for Green Tourism Incentive Programme

New application window for green tourism programme opens.

The Department of Tourism invites all eligible tourism enterprises to take part in the Green Tourism Incentive Programme’s (GTIP) 9th application window, opening on 25 January until 31 March 2024.

The development of the GTIP was informed by escalating electricity prices, the intensifying pressure on the national energy grid and negative impacts of load-shedding, as well as water scarcity and drought conditions which negatively impact the tourism sector. This programme encourages private sector tourism enterprises to move towards the installation of solutions for the sustainable management and usage of electricity and water resources.

For this financial year, the Department has set aside R199 151 179 to disburse to successful GTIP applicants. GTIP has already assisted 173 tourism businesses across the country with electricity and water solutions to the total grant value of R104 285 673. The solutions that were installed as part of this process helped reduce input costs and increase operational sustainability and  competitiveness. A further 419 active applications are at various stages of processing.

The Department has worked closely with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to develop the GTIP for the sector to ensure an enhanced and uninterrupted visitor experience for tourists.

Funding applications and approvals for the GTIP are managed by the IDC. 

Eligible applicants are able to qualify for the full cost of a new energy and water efficiency audit or the review of an existing audit. Furthermore, eligible applicants are also able to qualify for grant funding of between 50% and 90% (capped at a maximum of R1 million per applicant) on the cost of approved solutions that will improve energy and water efficiency and reduce the costs of their  tourism operations.

Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille said: “This programme is one that I am most proud of that the department is able to offer the tourism sector where by going green, tourism establishments are able to offer an uninterrupted visitor experience and ensure that the sector can continue to operate despite energy and water constraints. This initiative is also vital to our efforts to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change by helping businesses use water wisely and use clean forms of energy thereby reducing carbon emissions. I encourage businesses to apply for this support by the Department of Tourism so that we can keep the tourism sector green”. 

GTIP has yielded many success stories. Mr Mpho Marothi from Kgarebana Boutique Guesthouse near KwaMhlanga township in Mpumalanga stated that the solar system which was installed in November 2023, was an early Christmas gift as his establishment was fully booked this festive season. 

“My guesthouse is now able to operate 24-hours without any hassles of loadshedding, because of the solar system which was installed by the Department of Tourism. The solar system assistsin providing power supply for air-conditioning, heating of geysers and other household purposes in my guesthouse and as such, I can recommend the GTIP to emerging and existing tourism  establishments,” said Mr Marothi. 

Ms Ingrid Young of Cliffhanger Cottage from Rheenendal, Knysna, is one of the guesthouse owners the Department assisted with water tanks and installation of a solar system for generating energy as well as pumping water in her establishment through the GTIP. She confidently said she is now able to accommodate her customers as she can operate her business with ease at all times.

Thanking the Department, Ms Maureen Mehlomakulu from Fort Hook Guesthouse in Phelandaba outside Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape said: “This programme installed a solar system which is assisting me in heating geysers, cooking as well as pumping of water from the borehole. I am content as my tourism business is now booming, because of the number of bookings I receive.” 

The owner of Teniqua Tree Tops Guesthouse situated between Thatchfield and Knysna, Mr Anthony Maitland stated: “The water pumping system in my guesthouse as well as frequent loadshedding in the area used to be a huge problem until the installation of a solar system which is assisting with the water pumping system as well as curbing loadshedding in my guesthouse. I am now at ease to operate the business without any fear of energy outages. I can recommend this programme to emerging and existing tourism establishments.’’

The GTIP does not only assist in reducing pressure on the national electricity grid and water resources of the country, but also reduce operational input cost and facilitate increased competitiveness and operational sustainability in the tourism sector. The Department continues to advance climate action in tourism for the resilience of the sector as well as strengthening  adaptive capacity.

For more information or to apply for the GTIP programme, visit www.tourism.gov.za

Note to editors:  GTIP progress from inception to September 2023

• Provincial distribution of the 173 GTIP approvals shows domination by the Western Cape (41), Eastern Cape (36) and Gauteng (27) followed by Limpopo (20), KwaZulu-Natal (17) and North West (11), while Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Free State represent 21 approvals (9, 8 and 4 respectively). By the end of September 2023, 67 out of the 173 approvals have either commenced or completed installation, while another 91 approved applicants are at various stages  of finalising contracts.
• Watch GTIP testimonial on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDH8ye93BvI&t=2s

For Media Enquiries: Zara Nicholson Media Liaison Officer – Office of the Minister of Tourism  Cell: +27 (0) 79 416 5996 Email: [email protected]

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Applications Open for the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) Learnership

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) invites South African unemployed youth to apply for Learnership Programme 2024.

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) invites applications from unemployed candidates to apply for a twelve (12) months Learnership Programmes for the Financial Year 2024/2025.

The programmes integrate practical, theory and includes both structured work experience and structured learning with an accredited training provider – leading to an SAQA accredited qualification.

The following are the field of studies of the Learnership Programmes.

The Learnership Students will receive a monthly stipend of R 3 500.00. Kindly note there is no guarantee for renewal of contract and/ or placement beyond the Learnership Programme.

Requirements

• South Africans
• Between the ages of 18 and 35 years old
• Must be residing in the Mpumalanga Province
• Not studying at any tertiary institution
• Not registered for any other learnerships
• People with disabilities are encouraged to apply

How to Apply

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

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THE MPUMALANGA ECONOMY

WHY INVEST IN MPUMLANGA?

With a commitment to continued growth, and accelerated investment into new areas of economic development, the Place of the Rising Sun – South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province is in business mode.  

While the Mpumalanga Province offers modern infrastructure and innovative technology in South Africa, new strategies aim to grow the economy of one of the country’s most picturesque provinces.

For this to happen, investment is critical. Mpumalanga through its economic growth agency, MEGA is spearheading several economic projects to contribute to the economic growth and development of the province. 

The aim of this is to encourage more investors to build their businesses in our province.

UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITION

• Abundant resources: minerals and agricultural produce

• Established manufacturing infrastructure: smelters, petrochemicals, food processing, paper, sugar

• Strategic location, access to regional and global markets

• Tourism hotspots: the iconic Kruger National Park, world-class reserves, adventure tourism, and new UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM)

• Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (NSEZ)

• The new University of Mpumalanga

• Support for Green Economy research and investment

ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

Mpumalanga is one of South Africa’s most productive and important agricultural regions. It offers an ideal climate and topography for forests, major mineral resources, formidable manufacturing capacity, and a sophisticated tourism sector.  

Mpumalanga is the fourth-largest economy of South Africa and has much to offer to local and international investors. The province’s key sectors include manufacturing, mining, energy, and agriculture (which includes forestry and fishing). A significant contributor to the economy is the power-generation industry, which accounts for some  96%  of the sector.

The National Development Plan (NDP) and Provincial Vision  2030  targets average national GDP growth above 5 percent up to 2030. The annual average growth rates for South Africa and Mpumalanga, from 2014 to 2019 are forecasted at 1.6 per cent and 1.7 per cent, respectively. 

THE PROVINCE’S KEY SECTORS ARE:

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture in Mpumalanga is responsible for 3% of the province’s gross value added by region (GVA-R) and can be divided into the following categories (see map, right).

MINING, MINERALS AND ENERGY

Mining is the province’s largest single sector providing employment to 5.2% of the province’s workforce and making up 20% of gross value added by region (GVA-R).

Forestry is a key driver for the development of Mpumalanga’s rural economy and a major provider of job opportunities. About 40% of SA’s sustainable forests are located in Mpumalanga Province.

GREEN ECONOMY AND JET

Mpumalanga has historically been at the heart of the South African energy and industrial complex and is still heavily reliant on the mining and burning of fossil fuels.

MANUFACTURING

Three primary pillars of the manufacturing sector in Mpumalanga account for more than 60% of the output of the manufacturing sector, which overall makes up 15% of gross value added, regional (GVA-R).

The importance of tourism to the economy of Mpumalanga cannot be overstated. The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic has been strongly felt.

OPPORTUNITIES IN MPUMALANGA: THE NKOMAZI SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE

The Nkomazi Special Economic Zone has been officially designated and MEGA has been appointed to establish the entity. SEZs are geographically designated areas set aside for specifically targeted economic activities that are supported through special tax incentives. An SEZ aims to be an economic development tool to promote rapid economic growth by using various support measures to attract targeted foreign and domestic investments and technology.

The main goal is to support the implementation of South Africa’s industrial development program. The NSEZ is set to provide One-Stop-Shop services, incentives, an innovation platform, a competitive and transparent market environment, and timeous and efficient responses to investors’ market requirements.

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02 Eastern Boulevard, Riverside, Mbombela, 1201

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Mpumalanga tourism sector will suffer as government reduce funding

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned about the state of the tourism industry in Mpumalanga as the provincial department of Finance & Economic Development has reduced the sector’s budget by R40 million.

This was revealed in a recent second quarter report by the department.

With Tourism being one of Mpumalanga’s key economic drivers, the DA believes that this decision will further speed up the province’s economic decline, which was already hastened by the lockdown measures put in place to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The tourism industry in the province cannot afford budget cuts. In fact, the sector needs more funding and support from government to survive.

Reducing the budget will be catastrophic to the sector, which already faces challenges that include:

–       Poor road conditions on popular tourist routes.

–       Lack of general maintenance and necessary upgrading at government-owned and controlled tourism attractions.

–       Inadequate funding, especially for marketing and development.

–       Tourism safety and security.

–       Lack of meaningful engagements with the private sector.

–       Lack of any urgency or capacity by government to implement tourism resolutions.

In August, Finance & Economic development MEC, Pat Ngomane, told the interim board of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) that “tourism is the goose that lays the golden egg” and he expects the board to ensure that the goose continues to produce said golden egg. Yet he reduced the sector’s budget.

On a closer examination of the R40 Million reduction, it impacts mostly on transfers and subsidies, which means money will be taken away from SMME’s and other businesses that rely on tourism to survive.

The DA feels that the MEC has set the interim board up for failure knowing full well that the goals set for this board is unattainable.

The DA will be engaging with the Department in the form of written questions, various and personal engagement on the above for them to prioritise funding for the tourism sector and fixing the tourism routes and the coal haulage – to make it easy for tourists to visit our province, and for businesses to want to invest. Investment means more revenue and jobs for Mpumalanga.

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Sanibonani, thobela, avuxeni, lotjhani, the official mpumalanga tourism website.

'PLACE OF THE RISING SUN!' Formally known as Eastern Transvaal, Mpumalanga is considered to be one of the most geographically diverse and unbelievably beautiful places in South Africa.  

The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks among the best in Africa! Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares, is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and is a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.  

Mpumalanga offers the adventure enthusiast countless exciting activities, from rock climbing at Waterval Boven to fly fishing in Dullstroom & even hiking through the Blyde River Canyon - whatever gets your adrenaline pumping, Mpumalanga has just the right adventure for you!.   

For more than four billion years the forces of nature have moulded this region and created some of the most breathtaking attractions in Africa, from the beautifully sculptured cylindrical rocks of Bourkes Luck Potholes to the panoramic views of the lowveld, mountains, rivers and waterfalls that can be seen from God's Window - Mpumalanga scenery is truly a sight to behold!

Much like South Africa as a whole, Mpumalanga is a melting pot of cultures. From the sea faring Hindus that arrived over 40,000 years ago and built temples and astronomic observatories on the mountain tops, modern day Mpumalanga has artists routes, township tours, labyrinths, shopping centres, casinos and the magnificent Mbombela Stadium. The province's rich culture continues to thrive.  

Events like the beginnings of oxygen producing plants, ancient tribes roaming the lands, the legends of King Solomon’s mines and Queen Sheba. Tracks mark the land caused by the Voortrekkers who forged their way up the country, the Boer War that followed the trek, and the gold rush that consumed the area. Clashes of culture and ideology during apartheid, its eradication. All of these iconic events took place in Mpumalanga. Needless to say, Mpumalanga is steeped in history.  

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The Gert Sibande District is one of 3 districts in the Mpumalanga province. Formally known as the Ea...

Museums of Mpumalanga

Museums are a space where history, knowledge, interest and awakening come together. Without museums ...

Experience Mpumalanga, Be Forever Changed

Mpumalanga is spoiled with spaces and places that offer soul rejuvenating and life altering experien...

Our Provincial Parks

The parks and conservation areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the Agency play a vital role in stimulating and maintaining economic growth for the province, and are the backbone of the biodiversity initiatives which are critical to sustainable development and conservation.

READ MORE ABOUT BIODIVERSITY INITIATIVES

Andover is an unspoiled Nature Reserve, situated amidst the Kruger national Park, Sabi Sands and Timbavati Game Reserve Tri...

Barberton Nature Reserve

The Barberton Nature Reserve covers an area of 27 541 ha. The reserve is situated in an area of great landscape beauty and ...

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world 26 946 ha, after the Grand Canyon in the United States and ...

Loskop Dam Nature Reserve

One of Mpumalanga’s most attractive reserves, Loskop Dam Nature Reserve covers an area of 23 612 ha and lies around t...

MAHUSHE SHONGWE NATURE RESERVE

Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserve is located in the Lowveld in Malelane in the far eastern sector of the Mpumalanga Provi...

Manyeleti Nature Reserve

Manyeleti, meaning “place of stars” in the local Shangaan language, will reward you with a Big 5star bushveld e...

Mkhombo Nature Reserve

Mkhombo is a large, 11 223 ha reserve, which is somewhat unique in that it conserves an easterly Kalahari thornveld environ...

MTHETHOMUSHA NATURE RESERVE

Mthethomusha Nature Reserve is located within the Ehlanzeni South Region and is one of the three Community Conservation Are...

Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve

The Nooigedacht Dam Nature Reserve is 3 000 hectare in size and centrally located in the Highveld approximately 10km northw...

Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve

A relatively small, 2536 hectare reserve, is situated in magnificent mountain scenery against the Drakensberg escarpment, o...

SONGIMVELO NATURE RESERVE AND KROMDRAAI CAMP

The Songimvelo Nature Reserve is 48000 hectare, the largest provincial nature game reserve in Mpumalanga South Africa, and ...

SS Skhosana Nature Reserve

The SS Skhosana Nature Reserve, the cultural heartlands of the vibrant Ndebele Tribe is a protected area just outside of Br...

Verloren Vallei

The Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve is an internationally recognized wetland reserve with high biological diversity. This 6 ...

Latest News

The mpumalanga tourism and parks agency (mtpa) euthanized a cheetah after receiving a complaint from the community.

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is heartfelt to announce that this morning it had to...

THE MPUMALANGA TOURISM AND PARKS AGENCY(MTPA) WELCOMES THE SUCCESSFUL ARREST OF THE ALLEGED TOURISTS HIJACKERS

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is pleased with the successful arrest of suspects who...

Have you Registered Your Tourism Business Yet?

Register your tourism business with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.

MPUMALANGA TOURISM AND PARKS AGENCY (MTPA) TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is pleased to announce the tree planting programme wh...

MPUMALANGA PARKS WEEK FOR NATURE RESERVES TO COMMENCE DURING TOURISM MONTH

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is pleased to announce the Parks Week from 11 – 15 ...

MPUMALANGA TOURISM AND PARKS AGENCY (MTPA) INTRODUCES CASHLESS SERVICES SYSTEM IN ALL OF ITS NATURE RESERVES

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is pleased to announce that with effect from 1Septe...

MPUMALANGA TOURISM OBTAINS A SECOND CLEAN AUDIT FOR THE 2022/2023 FINANCIAL YEAR

The Board and Executive Management of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is pleased to a...

THE MPUMALANGA TOURISM WINTER CAMPAIGN COMMENCES

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) will be running its winter campaign from 1 June to 31...

MPUMALANGA TOURISM READY TO SHOWCASE THE PROVINCE AT THE IMEX FRANKFURT IN GERMANY

Mbombela, The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is ready to showcase the province as aprefe...

ESwatini Tourism Authority launches 2023 Events Calender as part of the Triland Agreement

ESwatini Tourism Authority launched their 2023 Events Calender, in collaboration with MTPA as part o...

Intimate Picninc

Festive season office closure & contact details.

This notice serves to inform all our stakeholders that our Head Office in Mataffin will be closed fr...

Tourist packages

Kruger safari - full day, panorama + boat cruise, walking safari, mtpa on instagram.