Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is working tirelessly to ensure that its tourist attractions open soon. This as the unprotected industrial action undertaken by the staff of the MTPA – through trade union NEHAWU – continues to affect operations at all the MTPA’s offices as well as its nature reserves throughout the province.
“The negative impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was slowly beginning to be addressed and this has had an unfortunate negative effect to the positive development we were beginning to notice,” said Johannes Nobunga, CEO of the MTPA
“The reopening of our nature reserves is our priority as it will afford tourists an opportunity to continue with their planned trips to explore our various tourism attractions,” he added.
Nobunga said MTPA would continue to monitor the situation and update its stakeholders on progress made. “The private tourism facilities in the province remain open for business. We would like to encourage visitors coming to Mpumalanga to enjoy their stay and explore more areas on offer in the province.”
The illegal strike was started due to MTPA advertising certain senior posts. According to MTPA there are people acting in these posts and the union, NEHAWU, believes the posts should have been filled internally before they were advertised.
MTPA has tried to engage the leadership of NEHAWU on their concerns but they have stood firm in their refusal.
“The engagement would allow both parties to reach a consensus and further ensure that we urgently resume operations at all our offices and nature reserves,” Nobunga said.
NEHAWU has called on the MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Vusi Mkhatshwa, to intervene on their behalf. Tourism Update understands the meeting will take place soon.
