Background & History
Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism
Introduction and Role
WELCOME TO THE KLCBT
As the official representative body of business and tourism in the Kruger Lowveld (Ehlanzeni District), our main mandates are to promote the region as a tourism and investment destination, to provide a diverse suite of networking and marketing opportunities for our members, and to represent and speak on behalf of the business and tourism community of our area. We do this by building and maintaining meaningful relationships with all spheres of government as well as likeminded organisations, and by acting as liaison between these entities and the business community.
History
The KLCBT is an amalgamation of Nelspruit Publicity Association (Established 1934), Nelspruit Sakekamer, Nelspruit District Chamber of Commerce and the latest edition is Kruger Lowveld Tourism, the Regional Tourism Organisation and Destination Marketing Organisation for the Kruger Lowveld (Ehlanzeni & Kruger National Park), which was added in 2011.
Structure
For the purpose of a more focused approach in performing our mandates, our organisation has two legs:
- Kruger Lowveld Business
For general business in the Mbombela Local District
- Kruger Lowveld Tourism
For tourism related businesses across the entire Ehlanzeni District
Also the recognised Regional Tourism Organisation for the District
Has 13 Local Tourism Organisations under its umbrella
All these LTO’s as well as the Kruger National Park and surrounding
private reserves are represented in the Committee
Also the destination marketing organisation for the Kruger Lowveld
(Ehlanzeni District, Kruger Park & surrounding reserves)

Leadership
The organisation is a Non Profit Company, registered in 1998
It is governed by a board of 15 volunteers
It is managed by an Executive Director and Chief Operational Officer
They are guided and advised by two management committees, for business and tourism
KEY LEADERS:
Mr Oupa Pilane President
Ms Lisa Sheard Executive Director, Tourism
Ms Linda Grimbeek COO
Past. TJ Mare Chairperson, Kruger Lowveld Business Committee
Mr John Davies Chairperson, Kruger Lowveld Tourism Committee
Our mandate
- Destination Marketing of the Kruger Lowveld
- Comprehensive regional information services out of 4 offices (Nelspruit Head Office, Nelspruit Riverside Mall, White River and Cape Town)
- Free information to visitors and potential visitors (Z-card map, DVD, Daytrips & Attractions booklet, Official Guide to the Kruger Lowveld and krugerlowveld.com
- Providing networking opportunities and daily information service to our members (hosting at least two events per month)
- Continually seeking and providing opportunities and training for SMME’s
- Form strong alliances with likeminded organisations (Currently affiliated to SACCI, AHI, SATSA and FEDHASA and seeking increased affliations)
- Form meaningful and sustainable relationships with all spheres of government (Good relationship with MEC, District LED and Mbombela Local Municipality – in process to sign an MOU between private sector and Mbombela Municipality to form the Mbombela Economic Development Partnership – an NPC which will incubate economic development projects), and all relevant government agencies
- Through our strong relationships and continual engagement, we address key focus areas which are stumbling blocks for development and growth, they are…
Key focus areas identified
- Tourism safety & security
- State of our public attractions in general
- A permanent long term solution for Pilgrim’s Rest
- State of our roads
- Service delivery and relationship with government
- Buy Local
- Water supply to the region
- Anti-Corruption initiatives and promotion of Ethics
- Anti-poaching
Latest Annual Report:
http://klcbt.co.za/annual-report/