Ezemvelo offers new stokvel package to open KZN's parks to local tourism

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife recently hosted more than 220 members of the amaSheilas, a domestic workers' stokvel, for a weekend of adventure, sight-seeing, and cooking at Didima Lodge. The event forms part of the tourism month initiative "Drive, Xplore and Stay in the Zulu Kingdom", a campaign aimed at promoting domestic tourism and expanding its consumer base.

Didima Resort is nestled within the Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve, a part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. The central Drakensberg area is renowned for its majestic, towering peaks, rock art and stunning landscapes, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure.

The amaSheilas were led by their President Dudu Khoza from Ukhozi FM. This event proved the power of radio, as this entire campaign was inspired by Ezemvelo hosting the Ukhozi FM team for their strategic planning session in 2024. 

The weekend's activities included a hike, cooking competition, and an unforgettable sundowner experience at Mike's Pass, which sits at more than 6 300 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Drakensberg.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is also offering a new stokvels package to the domestic market at a discounted rate. This initiative is designed to make ecotourism and conservation more accessible to local communities, encouraging more South Africans to explore their heritage and natural landscapes.

“The stokvel segment represents a significant, yet often untapped, source of growth for domestic tourism. Stokvels operate on a collective saving model, pooling resources to afford aspirational experiences, and therefore hold immense potential to unlock new revenue streams for the domestic tourism sector.

"By developing tailored, group-friendly packages with attractive discounts and flexible payment terms, the industry can actively encourage more stokvels to choose local destinations. It is a strategic way to boost occupancy during off-peak seasons and ensure the sustainability of ecotourism attractions,” says Siphelele Luthuli, Senior Marketing Manager at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.