The newly appointed Mpumalanga Economic Development and Tourism effective MEC, Christine Masilela aims to create a ‘Table Mountain’ in Mariepskop by enhancing the already planned cable car establishment, as part of stimulating economic growth in the province.
Mariepskop is found in the Panorama route, famous for its breath-taking views starring the Three Rondavels named Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto, whose names represent the three wives of Mapjaneng who go down in history as one who opposed and defeated the invasion of swazis in a battle in the 18 hundreds.
Masilela who is a former Speaker of the Provincial Legislature was appointed on 18th June 2024 by Mandla Ndlovu who is also the newly designated premier and former MEC for Public Works. The new premier according to Masilela, along with the Legislature team would like to see growth happen in the tourism space of the Mpumalanga Province.
Her main focus will solely be on the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, following the separation of the Finance portfolio from Economic Development and Tourism.
“After taking oath of office, Premier Mandla Ndlovu gave me the marching orders to focus on tourism development and growth. The Premier wants us to create our own ‘Table Mountain’ at Mariepskop with its own cable car; he wants us to create our own waves; he wants tourists to experience everything they go for in Cape Town and Durban all in one in our Province,” Masilela said.
Masilela urged the executive management of her team to be open and free to critique her suggestions, further saying that ideas that are of constructive criticism are most as they will help guide her in making decisions that lead to economic growth in the tourism space of the province.
“We must work together as a team; as one family of the dedt with our Public Entities, so that we can become a well-oiled machinery in our quest to grow the economy of our Province, so if you have any idea that you believe will improve our economy, you must be free to express it because i am a person who listens a lot, and I am very open to suggestions.”
