How can local government create an enabling environment for tourism investors?

  • March 31st, 2026

This was the first question posed to the Tourism Investment Panel during the recent investment conference hosted by Ehlanzeni District Municipality.  The panel comprised Oupa Pilane (Graskop Lift Co , SATSA Chair and KLCBT Special Attache), Linda Grimbeek (KLCBT CEO) and Steven von Bardeleben (EDM).

1. Service delivery above all—it is not hard!  If local government does their job, investors do not have to mitigate and compensate for shortcomings of government. I.e.  Road maintenance (no potholes!),    Signage, Uninterrupted good quality water provision, Cleaning and Grass cutting, Proper by-law enforcement & zoning, Safety &        Security, etc.

2. Communication with business people is vitally important—support your Local Tourism organisations and chambers.  Make them your partners.  Attend their events and network with the business people.  Maybe even host and annual event with businesses.

3. Embark on cohesive marketing campaigns with the private sector.  While marketing is not an explicit mandate of the municipality, plans and budgets should be consolidated with private sector and sister organisations, to make the most of every Rand and to ensure       messaging is aligned to achieve the best impact.

4. Do not allow encroaching business activities. Ie. Mining applications which will destroy tourism and the environment, or liquor licence   approvals in areas where there should not be another noisy tavern   or night club, which may interrupt tourism activities.  Do not approve them—the municipality has to make the first recommendation, you can stop it before it wastes time and destroy a tourism business.

5. Do not ignore private sector, Fast track service applications and   honour agreements with private sector.

6. Zero out corruption in your midst!  This should be top priority next to service delivery!

7. Mandatory online listing of white elephants (empty pieces of land, buildings or stale projects).  Allow private developers to submit      proposals to develop these properties and pay a rental to the entity.  These can be advertised in advance with an open day for a briefing, online and physical, followed by a deadline for proposals.  The best bid will be allowed to develop and rent the place for a certain number of years, depending on the size of the development.

8. Have an active Local Economic Development Forum where private sector and the Municipality takes hands in successful planning and progress for the area.

If these are in place, any investor will prefer our area for their next project!!