The Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency (ECPTA), together with the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), co-hosted the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Programme (MDTP) Bilateral Coordination Committee (BCC) meeting in East London. The session brought South African and Lesotho representatives together under the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) banner to chart priorities where conservation, tourism and communities meet. The Lesotho delegation was led by Ms Maphakamile Xingwana, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and Co-Chair of the MDTP
Far more than a routine sitting, the BCC served as the programme’s highest decision making forum to align partners on work that protects high-altitude biodiversity while unlocking inclusive tourism. The focus remained clear: safeguard landscapes, grow visitor confidence, and translate the Maloti-Drakensberg route into community benefit through jobs, SMMEs and destination competitiveness.
According to Dr Sakhiwo Nombembe, Stakeholder Relations Manager at ECPTA, the BCC “strengthened the foundations for a safe and compelling cross-border route. We tabled a revised Security Strategy and, crucially, recorded no tourist attacks across the corridor—confidence is building. Partners advanced a Joint Branding and Marketing Agreement for the Maloti-Drakensberg Route, alongside a Youth Tourism Awareness Campaign to grow the next generation of nature champions and travellers. On product and access, we reviewed the proposed cable car, deepened engagement with 4×4 operators, and aligned on a Sustainable Tourism Strategy that balances access with ecological integrity. And on biodiversity value, we noted proposals to extend World Heritage Site status to Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve and Golden Gate Highlands National Park, together with the Protected Area Expansion Plan and the conversion of the Bearded Vulture Conservation Agreement into clear Standard Operating Procedures.”
The meeting reaffirmed alignment with wider SADC TFCA priorities following this year’s international conference and summit in Harare, where partners emphasised community inclusion, cross-border cooperation and investment in catalytic infrastructure—from access roads and trails to accommodation and sustainable maintenance models.
For ECPTA, the BCC outcomes advance the Agency’s dual mandate of conservation and destination development. Strengthened safety frameworks and a unified route brand help convert awareness into bookings across mountain gateways such as Ongeluksnek, dispersing demand beyond traditional coastal draws. Proposed World Heritage extensions elevate global visibility, while youth-focused campaigns and operator engagement nurture a pipeline of inclusive tourism opportunities . The longterm sustainability plan, regarding the South African and Lesotho relationship guided by the MDTP is meant to manage Transfrontier conservation areas within the boarders of the two nations and to for Lesotho to declare its estates adjacent to the South African conservation areas which include Ongeluskenek, Golden gate, Thaba Tsa Metsi, Drakensberg transfronteir conservation areas and the newly facilitated mega living landscapes that are done in collaboration with Sanparks.
