BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE (INTERN)
MBABANE – The Bulunga Community has taken a significant step towards becoming one of Eswatini’s emerging tourism destinations following a joint visit by the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) and the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA), hosted by Chief Mdlaka Gamedze.
The visit brought together key national institutions responsible for heritage conservation and tourism development to explore the community’s rich cultural, historical and natural assets, which hold immense potential for sustainable tourism growth.
Nestled within a landscape of natural beauty and cultural significance, Bulunga is believed to be home to untold stories linked to the Bushmen who once settled in the Kingdom. These historical narratives, coupled with the area’s unique environmental features, present opportunities for heritage preservation, cultural education and community based tourism development.
Chief Mdlaka Gamedze welcomed the delegation and shared his vision of transforming Bulunga into a destination that not only attracts visitors but also creates economic opportunities for local residents while preserving the community’s identity and traditions.
The collaborative engagement reflects a growing national commitment to promoting tourism that benefits communities while safeguarding Eswatini’s cultural and natural heritage.
According to information shared on the Eswatini National Trust Commission’s Facebook page, the ENTC is mandated to identify, conserve and promote the Kingdom’s natural and cultural heritage resources for present and future generations. The Commission works closely with communities, traditional leaders and stakeholders to protect heritage sites, indigenous knowledge, historical landmarks and areas of environmental significance.
The ENTC further recognizes that heritage conservation can serve as a catalyst for sustainable socio economic development when local communities are actively involved in managing and benefiting from heritage resources. This approach aligns with the vision being championed in Bulunga, where cultural preservation and tourism development are being pursued hand in hand.
The Eswatini Tourism Authority continues to promote community based tourism initiatives across the country, recognizing their potential to diversify tourism offerings, create employment opportunities and showcase authentic Swazi culture to domestic and international visitors.
Stakeholders believe that partnerships between national institutions and traditional leadership are critical in uncovering and developing hidden tourism gems throughout the country. Such collaborations not only strengthen conservation efforts but also ensure that local communities remain central beneficiaries of tourism growth.
The visit to Bulunga marks an encouraging milestone in the broader effort to position Eswatini as a premier cultural and heritage tourism destination while preserving the stories, traditions and landscapes that define the nation’s identity.
As efforts continue, Bulunga Community stands poised to become a shining example of how heritage conservation, visionary leadership and sustainable tourism can work together to create lasting benefits for future generations.
Source: Information regarding the mandate and heritage conservation role of the Eswatini National Trust Commission adapted from the Eswatini National Trust Commission Facebook page.
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