The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Authority (ECPTA) is delighted to announce its involvement in the opening of the GweGwe Beach Lodge, a new luxury accommodation located in the heart of the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast. Nestled within the 5,000-hectare Mkambati Nature Reserve, the lodge represents a significant partnership between ECPTA, luxury lodge operators Natural Selection, and the local community.
GweGwe Beach Lodge is set against a backdrop of rolling grasslands, deep gorges, lush thickets, and pristine rivers, offering guests an unparalleled experience of natural beauty. This initiative is not just about luxury travel; it’s a testament to collaboration, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism.
Natural Selection recently embarked on a recruitment drive in Pondoland, seeking English and Mpondo-speaking individuals with a high-end lodge and hotel operations background. The response was overwhelming, with over 5,000 inquiries highlighting the region’s employment needs. The company’s approach is to “hire for attitude and train for skills,” focusing on recruiting locals keen to learn and grow.
The lodge’s location in the Mkambati Nature Reserve, a provincial reserve owned by a local community, is a significant milestone. It marks a new chapter in the area’s history, which saw the community’s displacement in the early 20th century. Today, by establishing the Mkambati Land Trust, the community plays an integral role in the region’s tourism and conservation efforts.
GweGwe Beach Lodge, which will initially feature nine rooms, is a low-volume, high-revenue tourism model that promises substantial employment and economic benefits for the local community. In addition to job creation, the community will receive 9% of the lodge’s gross turnover as a lease fee.
The ECPTA is proud to provide conservation management services for the reserve, supporting the community’s commitment to conservation and sustainable land use. The Mkambati Land Trust’s decision to expand the reserve by 40% and dedicate it to conservation in perpetuity is a significant contribution to the region’s environmental stewardship and biodiversity preservation.
The ECPTA is proud to provide conservation management services for the reserve, supporting the community’s commitment to conservation and sustainable land use. The Mkambati Land Trust’s decision to expand the reserve by 40% and dedicate it to conservation in perpetuity is a significant contribution to the region’s environmental stewardship and biodiversity preservation.
Bulelani Silangwe, the ECPTA Commercialisation manager, stated, ‘The ECPTA is excited about the prospects of GweGwe Beach Lodge. It is not just a destination for travellers seeking luxury and adventure but a beacon of community collaboration, economic development, and environmental conservation. We are committed to ensuring that this project serves as a model for sustainable tourism and community partnership in the Eastern Cape and beyond.'”
