By Nangamso Mabindla
1 October 2004

BUFFALO City has a lot to offer tourists - and with a new tourism master plan in place there are now concrete ideas on how to develop and market the various attractions more effectively.

The City recently launched the tourism master plan as part of an initiative to draw visitors to the region and create more jobs for residents.

But it is the attractions targeted for development that have sparked the most interest in the comprehensive plan.

"We very excited with what we've come up with. Areas of development include building a guerrilla camp in the Umthiza Nature Reserve to cast people's minds back to the struggle years," general manager for local economic development and tourism, Noludwe Ncokazi said.

The plan also proposes the development of a religious agri-route. "This will showcase the role of missionaries and their rich influence and historic contribution to the diversity of our region. I'm sure tourists, especially from outside South Africa, will love that," she added.

Buffalo City was also the boxing mecca of South Africa, having produced multiple world champions including Welcome Ncita and Vuyani Bungu. Both these greats owe their success to Mdantsane legends - former South African champion Nkosana "Happyboy" Mgxaji.

"We're looking to refurbish his home and restore the name of one of our greatest champions. We're also looking to build two sports centres of excellence for boxing and rowing," said Ncokazi.

The plan also identified the monarchy as an aspect for attention, suggesting the refurbishment of the monarch's houses at the Mngqesha Great Place outside King William's Town.

Chairperson of the Eastern Cape association of traditional leaders, Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, welcomed the proposal. "We really are happy that we've been remembered by the City. It warms our heart to know that traditional leaders are still held in high esteem by the people," he said.

The City planned to setup a museum in Mngqesha to remind people about the greatness of the place. "Many people, especially youngsters, do not know how rich our history is. By reviving Mngqesha people will be introduced to our great history," he added.