The future of Botshabelo?
Botshabelo was an integral part of Middelburg’s history and tourism. From a world-historical village that attracted hundreds of local and international tourists, sometimes daily.
Now Botshabelo has become a ghost village.
Botshabelo Mission Station was an essential and quite influential centre where the gospel was widely preached among the black community.
It became a place where people received education and training. Founded in 1865, Botshabelo was converted from Mission Station into a historical site for tourists visiting Middelburg.
On June 23, the Local Economic Development (TRAC committee) held a meeting with the interim board members of Botshabelo to discuss the future of the historic village.
The various interventions and plans have not succeeded in reviving the tourist attraction part of Botshabelo. The various representatives of the Botshabelo committee
said that the main stumbling block was the interdict served on the previous board. The new provisional board was working to meet the requirements of the interdict.
The TRAC committee urged the beneficiaries to finalise their governance requirements.
At the meeting, the TRAC committee said it would like to present a solution to Steve Tshwete Municipality for revising that portion linked to our tourism industry.
TRAC presented two proposals; a buyout or a long-term lease. Interim board members were asked to discuss the proposals with beneficiaries and provide feedback in the coming months.
As a community, we need to find practical solutions to revitalise our economy and tourism industry on the N11 towards Loskop Dam.
For more information about the meeting, you can contact the Information Centre on 013 243 2253.