This week, South Africans are enjoying free entry to most of the country’s national parks during National Parks Week. Addo Elephant, Mountain Zebra, and Camdeboo are among the parks that welcome thousands of visitors at no cost, demonstrating how well-managed parks can stimulate local economies, create jobs, and foster national pride.
Sadly, however, our provincial parks tell a very different story. Once valuable tourism assets, many are now in a state of collapse. Facilities are derelict, occupancy is at record lows, and infrastructure is so neglected that some reserves are effectively defunct.
Instead of driving rural development and employment, the provincial parks system has become a symbol of decay.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding immediate action. An emergency audit of all provincial parks must be undertaken to expose the true extent of the collapse. The Premier must lead the development of a provincial tourism recovery strategy, backed by a clear marketing campaign and firm timelines.
The DA has consistently warned that the Eastern Cape is not capitalising on its tourism potential. Recent figures show that bed occupancy in Nelson Mandela Bay dropped to just 57% during the 2024 summer season, down from 64% in 2023 and from 69% prior to the pandemic.
Every empty guesthouse room means lost income for families, lost seasonal jobs for young people, and lost opportunities for small businesses.
Tourism is one of the few labour-intensive industries capable of generating widespread employment in this province. When parks are neglected, beaches are unsafe, and towns are dirty, visitors choose destinations that are safer, cleaner, and better managed.
At the same time, urgent measures are needed to restore safety and cleanliness in key tourism zones, from repairing roads and ensuring reliable services, to deploying visible policing. A turnaround plan for the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency must follow, with measurable targets for improving both occupancy and revenue.
These actions will help secure jobs for waiters, guides, shuttle drivers, hospitality staff, and countless small businesses who depend on tourism to survive.
By restoring our provincial parks and protecting our tourism economy, we can rebuild hope and create opportunities where they are most needed.