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19 March 2019 | Story Dr Cinde Greyling
Dr Mutana and Prof Mukwada
Many people enjoy spending time in the mountainous Drakensberg region. Prof Geofrey Mukwada’s involvement with the UFS Afromontane Research Unit (ARU) sparked an interest in sustainable tourism in the area. Pictured here are Dr Sarudzai Mutana with Prof Mukwada.

Not only is the Qwaqwa Campus situated in a beautiful region – its researchers also contribute to keeping the area pristine. Recent research by Prof Geofrey Mukwada and his PhD student, Dr Sarudzai Mutana, focused on indicators monitoring sustainable tourism development in the Drakensberg region.

Dr Mukwada is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography on the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus. 

Our majestic mountains are fragile

Many people enjoy spending time in the mountainous Drakensberg region – either as adventure seekers exploring the many trails, or just relaxing and reconnecting with nature. Prof Mukwada’s involvement with the UFS Afromontane Research Unit (ARU) sparked an interest in sustainable tourism in the area. “Mountains are fragile but attractive environments which continue to attract tourists,” he said. “Tourism is one of the major business sectors in the Drakensberg region, with promising growth opportunities and proving to be an anchor of green economy in the future – if practiced correctly.” Unfortunately, the issue of monitoring sustainable tourism has not been widely researched in African mountains. 

According to international standards

“We specifically looked at the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC), which is an international best-practice framework to help destinations monitor and ensure that tourism is developed in a responsible manner,” Prof Mukwada explained. “South Africa’s Manual for Responsible Tourism was designed according to some of the recommendations of the GSTC. But we found that, while the tourism and hospitality operators in the Drakensberg region appreciates the need to monitor and ensure sustainable tourism in the area, there is limited use of indicators as a tool for monitoring.” 

Forward together

There are competing demands between land-use and development practices and alternatives in the region – unless the focus shifts to sustainable practices, the short-term gains could be followed by dire consequences. “We suggest an integrated monitoring of tourism development, with a pro-poor focus that involves more local community leaders. Going forward, we would like to see the industry adopt the indicators proposed in our study.”

News Archive

Become part of the Kovsie family
2017-04-13

Description: 2017 Open Day Bloem Tags: 2017 Open Day Bloem

Photo: Johan Roux

Open Day is a great opportunity to experience the Kovsie vibe, visit the residences, campus facilities and faculties, and receive academic and career advice. You can collect as many faculty pamphlets and programme booklets as possible to browse through later.

You will be welcomed by the new Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Francis Petersen, be entertained by Swing City, enjoy laser shows, and participate in fun games with Teambo.

Bloemfontein Campus

Date: 13 May 2017
Prospective students’ and parents’ session: 08:30-09:30
School groups’ session: 11:00-12:00
Venue: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus

Academic and career advice: 08:30-15:00
Venue: Scholtz Hall, Bloemfontein Campus

Faculty sessions: 10:30
Venues for the faculty sessions:
•    Economic and Management Sciences: EMS Auditorium
•    Education: Education Auditorium
•    Health Sciences: Francois Retief Building
•    Humanities: Odeion
•    Natural and Agricultural Sciences: Agriculture Building
•    Law: Equitas Auditorium
•    Theology and Religion: Theology Building, Room 21

Residence and Student Life stalls: Red Square in front of the Main building.
Student association stalls: Thakaneng Bridge.
View our campus map and the full programme.

Qwaqwa Campus
The UFS Qwaqwa Campus will host their Open Day on Saturday 20 May 2017.

Applications to study in 2018 are now open

Want to become a Kovsie student? Make sure not to miss the Open Days and also see the 9 steps on how to become a UFS student.

For more information, contact the Unit for Prospective students on:
+27 51 401 3000 | info@ufs.ac.za

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