Millions squandered as Mpumalanga tourist attractions crumble

Tourist attractions along the Panorama Route are deteriorating rapidly, and unless the Mpumalanga Tourism Authority steps in to repair them, the attractions will soon be nothing more than a memory. 

This is according to Nomkhosi Tshabalala, COO of the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT), who told Newsday that the Panarama Route is no longer being considered on itineraries due to these issues. 

The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is home to impressive waterways, waterfalls, gorges, mountains, and unique rock formations. 

These sites can be found along the R532 and adjacent roads, forming part of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, key stops for tourists, which help stimulate the local economy.

Tourist facilities such as viewing areas, ablution facilities, information boards, and museums have been constructed around the natural wonders under the management of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA).

These facilities, however, have been neglected for several years and are starting to deteriorate. 

“The stark reality is that the sites are far from being world-class. Why the situation has degenerated to this level, one can only guess,” said Tshabalala. 

“Messy, broken, neglected”

Oupa Pilane, the KLCBT Special Attache of Tourism Development and Transformation, has been trying to take MTPA to task on the sites. 

Polane is a former member of the recently dissolved SA Tourism board. Pilane and Executive Director of KLCBT Lisa Sheard recently visited the attractions to document their dilapidated state.

They found that the sites were “tired, old, messy, broken, neglected” and “poorly managed.” This included viewing areas near Pinnacle Rock, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels. 

It was reported that the ablution facilities at all of these sites were “dirty, not fit for use” and a “health hazard,” and the sites are unkept and full of litter.

“These four sites, which are probably the jewels of the Panarama Route, have been neglected by the MTPA over many years,” the report reads.

“The state of the sites reflects an organisation that displays no pride or responsibility towards its custodian duties.”

Pilane and Sheard said that this has resulted in an extended period of missed opportunity for economic growth, tourism growth, and job creation in Mpumalanga. 

KLCBT said that this neglect cannot be explained away by a lack of budget, as is MTPA’s usual response to criticism relating to neglect of attractions. 

The chamber estimated that gate entrance fees alone at each of the sites visited, including Swadini, would have generated R36 million in 2025.

It was further estimated that concession revenue from the sites would be in the region of R5 million.

“That gives an estimated total of around R41 million for the purposes of maintaining and improving these three sites. But where does the money go?” Pilane and Sheard said. 

Less than 8% of revenue spent on maintenance

Research found that MTPA spent only R3 million on infrastructure maintenance in 2024 across all of its sites. 

“In other words, only about 7.3% of estimated gate and concession revenue from the 5 Panarama Route sites was spent on infrastructure maintenance on ALL MTPA-managed properties.”

Employee remuneration, on the other hand, consumed 66.8% of total revenue, instead of the 35% recommended by Treasury. 

The chamber questions if MTPA has the necessary will and skill to manage and operate these attractions.

“Given its performance over the past 20 years or so, the answer would clearly be no,” KLCBT said. 

The authors said that this mismanagement is the result of leadership at MTPA. “It has languished under 8 MECs and 8 CEOs from 2010 to date.”

Panorama Route scratched off itineraries

It was further recommended that all gate revenue be ringfenced for overdue maintenance and improvements to fast-track restoration.

KLCBT held a meeting with the Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Jesta Sidell, in mid-August.

She acknowledged the dire state that MTPA is in and said she would work with the private sector to improve management issues. 

The MEC has recently appointed an interim board, which Tshabala said KLCBT has welcomed. 

Former ANC chairperson in Mpumalanga and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Amos “Fish” Mahlalela, was named as chair of the board. 

Newsday contacted MTPA for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication. If a response is received, it will be added.

Other images of the sites