Mpumalanga Tourism
By Nkosana Khumalo
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is currently grappling with operational disruptions due to an unprotected strike by its employees. The striking workers are demanding permanent appointments for temporary staff whose contracts are set to expire at the end of this month. This industrial action has led to the closure of several key tourist attractions in the province, raising concerns about the impact on the local tourism industry and the broader economy.
Affected Tourist Sites
The strike has resulted in the closure of several prominent nature reserves managed by the MTPA, including:
• Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
• God’s Window
• Bourke’s Luck Potholes
• Three Rondavels
• Manyeleti Nature Reserve
• Loskop Dam Nature Reserve
These sites are integral to Mpumalanga’s tourism appeal, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Their closure poses a significant setback to the province’s tourism sector, which is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
MTPA’s Response
In response to the strike, the MTPA has sought legal intervention by approaching the Labour Court for an urgent interdict to halt the industrial action. The agency has also issued a public statement condemning the strike and expressing commitment to resolving the issue swiftly. Simphiwe Shungube, MTPA’s spokesperson, stated: 
“The MTPA is committed to resolving this issue as swiftly as possible and is working tirelessly to reach an amicable and sustainable solution. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this strike has caused to tourists and local communities.” 
Government Intervention
The Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism has called on the striking employees to refrain from disrupting operations at tourist sites. MEC Makhosazane Masilela acknowledged the workers’ grievances but highlighted the agency’s financial constraints:
“The entity is not in a good financial position so that the temporary workers can continue.”
Masilela also noted that efforts to mediate were complicated by the involvement of community members supporting the strike, rendering initial interventions ineffective. A meeting with the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), representing the workers, is planned to discuss the way forward.
Historical Context
This is not the first instance of industrial action affecting Mpumalanga’s tourism sector. Two months prior, the MTPA experienced an illegal strike leading to the closure of sites along the Panorama Route for over a week. Employees then demanded better working conditions, and NEHAWU intervened to resolve the matter. The recurrence of such strikes underscores ongoing labour challenges within the agency. 
Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
The closure of major tourist attractions has immediate and potentially long-term repercussions:
• Tourism Revenue: The shutdown of key sites like God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes disrupts travel itineraries, leading to cancellations and a decline in visitor numbers. This directly affects revenue for the province’s tourism sector.
• Local Businesses: Ancillary businesses, including local vendors, tour operators, and hospitality establishments, suffer losses due to decreased tourist footfall.
• Employment: Prolonged closures can lead to job losses in a region where many livelihoods depend on tourism.
Stakeholder Reactions
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga has expressed concern over the ongoing disputes between the MTPA and its employees. Trudie Grovè-Morgan, DA’s spokesperson on Economic Development and Tourism, emphasized the potential negative impact on tourism revenue: 
“The tourism sector in the province is already struggling with heritage sites on a downward spiral. Therefore, disturbing tourist attractions in the Lowveld will have a negative financial impact.” 
Grovè-Morgan urged MEC Masilela to intervene and find a lasting solution to the ongoing disputes to prevent further damage to the tourism industry. 
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