Alfred Nzo district is located in the north eastern portion of the Eastern Cape, an awkward elbow of land consisting of two distinct portions, one of which is an island within KwaZulu-Natal. It is a high-altitude region – the lowest point is slightly higher than 1 000m above sea level – and much of the district is mountainous in nature. Rainfall is generally high and the uppermost plateaus enjoy regular snowfall during winter.
Formerly part of the old Transkei homeland, the region has suffered prolonged infrastructural neglect. Consequently, it has a small formal economy that is heavily dependent on government services. Efforts are underway, however, to stimulate local economic growth with numerous targeted LED programmes, with specific attention being given to utilise the natural resource base and to develop related agri-processing industries.
Tourism
The biggest tourism initiative in this region currently is the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Conservation and Development Project (MDTP), a collaborative initiative between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho to protect the biodiversity of the Drakensberg and Maloti mountains. This is to be achieved, the MDTP sets out, through conservation, sustainable resource and land use and development planning.
A five year project now entering a critical final phase, the MDTP takes a regional and ecosystem approach to conservation. It seeks to promote biodiversity through interconnection with community development based on an appreciation of the region’s exceptional potential for nature-based tourism.
The Matatiele local municipality is the designated management authority responsible for the newly-declared Matatiele Nature Reserve.
Don’t miss
The Mountain Lake Nature Reserve, approximately 12km from Matatiele, is a pristine wetlands treasure boasting, at capacity, about 30ha of trout-filled grandeur.
Few outdoor experiences match the sheer exhilaration of a canoe holiday on the mountain streams and hollows surrounding Cedarville, located between Kokstad and Matatiele.
The two-day Bokkiesberg Trail is a spectacular alpine trail that meanders from the Cedarville Flats to a trail bungalow on the range heights.
With over 220 species confirmed, the Mount Currie Nature Reserve offers excellent bird watching excursions. The reserve also boasts a national monument to Adam Kok III, the Griqua leader, for whom nearby Kokstad is named.
Considered the ultimate trout fishing destination in the district, Hermon Farm is home to the Wiley Trout Club. The site features a 48ha dam whose weed beds, drop offs and channels offer excellent conditions for successful angling.
Economic activity
Forestry is the dominant formal agricultural sector with extensive plantations in Umzimkhulu and, to a lesser extent, around Maluti. Livestock farming includes cattle, sheep and goats. Farming is mainly of a subsistence nature or practiced on a small scale.
Manufacturing is limited, contributing only 6% of employment to the formal economy. However, there are a number of firms active in the wood products industry, producing mainly builder joinery and planks. Furniture manufacturing occurs on a small scale.
Tourism has been earmarked as an area of potential growth and development, with a view to harnessing the spectacular mountain scenery in the southern Drakensberg. There is also significant scope for cultural tourism development.
Investment opportunities
There is substantial potential for more intensive forestry development in the region, as well as for related furniture manufacturing ventures.
With regard to agriculture, the area lends itself to cattle, sheep and goats, which can be successfully farmed with improved productivity and community partnerships. There is less scope for crops, as the area is affected by significant winter frosts. However, meat and dairy processing can be successfully pursued, as can wool production.
Currently, animal skins are exported on a small scale; this can be developed into leather and leather goods manufacture.
Area: 7 870km²
Population: approx. 544 000
Municipalities:
Umzimvubu – Mount Ayliff and Mount Frere
Matatiele
Tel: +27 (0)39 254 0320
Fax: +27 (0)39 254 0201
Executive mayor: Gordon Mpumza
Municipal manager: CHECKING THIS, SOME UNCERTAIN RE INCUMBENT
