Ukhahlamba is a fertile and, for the most part, lush 25 000km² ribbon of land that forms part of the province’s northernmost rim. Its northern border also represents the province’s shared boundary with the Free State province, while, in the northeast, the area swells dramatically into the Lesotho highlands.
It is the least populated of all Eastern Cape districts, accounting for 15.16% of the provincial land area, but only 5.16% of the population.
Aliwal North, on the Free State border, is the main commercial centre. Situated on the N6, and the first stop visitors from the north encounter along this route, the town also serves as the region’s tourism gateway.
Topographically, the region straddles the dry NamaKaroo biome to the extreme west, while the east forms part of the mountainous Maloti biome.
Economically, community services is both the principal sectoral employer as well as the largest contributor to Gross Value Add (GVA) in the area. Agricultural output is significant, but there is vast potential for expansion in this sector, both in terms of crop and livestock production. The National Wool Growers Association plays a vital supporting role and the wool industry in the district is well-organised. Leading products are centred on livestock farming, game and cultivation.
This sector’s contribution to employment and job creation is set to increase over the next few years, thanks to the inclusion of Ukhahlamba in the Mzimvubu Basin Management and Development Programme. In addition, the area has developed and is beginning to aggressively market several pockets of tourism excellence.
Tourism
Tourism is fast becoming an important industry in this region, due largely to the proactive approach of product owners in the main tourism nodes to aggressively market themselves, and the region as a whole.
The southern Drakensberg provides an ideal environment for outdoor tourism, including forest walks, trout fishing and the only ski lodge in South Africa. The 'Friendly N6' tourism route originates in the district, and provides links to both the Drakensberg and the Gariep Dam, a popular water sport facility.
Don’t miss
Established in 1993, Tiffindell is the only South African resort with natural snow for skiing purposes. A multi-million rand development is further enhancing this popular Eastern Cape landmark, making it one of the region’s best tourism assets.
Barkly East and Rhodes are both synonymous with excellent fly fishing opportunities, with wild trout in abundance in the well-stocked Langkloof River and a multitude of other alpine streams.
Lady Grey is a must for anyone interested in discovering the Eastern Cape’s geological heritage. The town is rick in sandstone, fossil beds and rock or san art and offers numerous day walks and outings designed to explore these attractions. While in the area, marvel at the Jouberts Pass which, with a gradient of 1:6, is the third highest pass in South Africa.
There are also excellent rock art sites around Burgersdorp, with Lelievlei acknowledged as the best site.
The Cape Vulture Sanctuary, near Lady Grey, offers an excellent opportunity to see these magnificent predators in a protected environment.
Not for the fainthearted, the Ben MacDhui Hiking Trail snakes to an amazing 3 001m above sea level, and is justifiably credited as the trail with the highest point in South Africa.
Economic activity
Several high profile developments are impacting positively on the district. The Forestry and Timber Expansion Project will set out to develop 100 000ha of new forests in the eastern region of the province. Already, the Elundini municipal area of Ugie and Maclear is experiencing a developmental boom with the construction of the R1.3 billion Steinhoff particle board plant.
The project will see the establishment of a 1 000-square-metre-per-day particle board plant at Ugie, which will inject direct investment into the province of between R1.3 billion and R1.5 billion. The development is also expected to create 3 000 direct jobs with an initial annual salary bill of R88 million, as well as many more secondary jobs.
This large-scale cluster development has spurred government to commit to massive infrastructural support projects in the area, which will in turn create many opportunities for local entrepreneurs to provide supporting services. Municipal infrastructure upgrades include improvements to the Ugie water supply and sewerage handling, as well as a site-road intersection with the Ugie-Maclear road. Approximately 75 new residential houses will be built for senior and skilled personnel, and Eskom will install a new high voltage (132kVA) electricity supply from Qumbu to the cluster’s substation. From here new lines will improve the quality of supply to both Ugie and Maclear.
In another high profile investment, the popular and high-acclaimed Tiffindell Ski Resort, near Rhodes, has embarked on a R400m expansion project which has the potential to put the Eastern Cape on the international ski map.
The project will see the construction of a 150-bed five star hotel, as well as 120 time-share apartments at the popular resort. In addition, extensive new entertainment and leisure facilities are being added to ensure the resort can compete with the best international ski destinations for northern hemisphere summer skiing. These include a spa and wellness centre, a gym and new chairlifts, as well as a custom-built ice rink.
Investment opportunities
Small-stock Karoo farming, in particular sheep and goats, can be expanded to provide wool, mohair and meat for small processing industries. Cattle farming can also be grown through investment in improved animals and marketing in the former Transkei region.
Ukhahlamba is the main area of the province for growing of maize and wheat, and this can provide a source of fodder for livestock farming. The Orange River has potential for further irrigated vegetable production.
Forestry can be further developed in the Ugie, Maclear and Mount Fletcher areas, linked to small sawmills and wood processing.
Food processing can be developed through small-scale meat processing, with branding of food products from the Transkei.
Furniture production, currently limited largely to the Aliwal North area, can be expanded by drawing from the Maclear and Mount Fletcher forests.
Area: 25 401km²
Population: approx. 338 870
Municipalities:
Elundini – Ugie, Maclear, Mount Fletcher
Senqu – Barkly East, Lady Grey, Rhodes, Sterkspruit
Maletswai – Aliwal North, Jamestown
Gariep – Burgersdorp
Tel: +27 (0)45 979 3000
Fax: +27 (0)45 979 3028
Executive mayor: Thandiswa Lynette Marawu
Municipal manager: Zolile Williams
