Local News
Mangaung township tourism to create jobs─── 12:46 Fri, 09 Sep 2016
Bloemfontein - Free State Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea) MEC, Sam Mashinini, said ahead of the 2016 Macufe arts festival in Bloemfontein that his department has embarked on a ‘Home Stay Programme’.
This is to assist in accelerating economic prospects in the province. Speaking at the launch of National Tourism Career Expo, the MEC said the programme is aimed at helping young people identify business opportunities and make use of provincial events - to resolve the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality in the province.
The MEC added his department embarked on this programme to draw attention to what Mangaung has to offer. Mashinini said the programme is not only aimed at improving township tourism, but in inspiring young people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to engage in the tourism and hospitality industry.
“Some of the provincial activities that aim to enhance tourists’ attraction in the province include Macufe arts festival, and the Cherry Blossom festival. With the ‘Home stay programme’ initiated by the department, we also aim to address issues of the lack of accommodation during these events,” Mashinini added.
OFM News/Katleho Morapela
