By Sphelele Nzuza
Pietermaritzburg is known as the City of Choice, but tourists have been slowly running away from the 185-year-old city because of its lack of service delivery which has led to filth that has been widely reported in the media and its neglect of heritage structures with some old churches being converted into shops and entertainment bars.
Some of its attractions are the KwaZulu-Natal legislature which sits in a magnificent colonial era structure, political history that includes violence between the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party as well as British colonial history as it was the capital of British Port Natal.
Dumisani Mhlongo, Tourism Association Director, says the dilapidation of infrastructure needs the intervention of Amafa Heritage Council which is responsible for the protection of municipal structures. “These buildings are protected. This makes it difficult to renovate because that might temper with the originality of the building which might become a problem for the tourism sector.”
The city consists of extraordinary British structures and buildings with red walls adding a unique foreign appearance which is loved by many. Some call this the city of art.
Tourism is still the second economic contributor into the city’s economy as many prefer visiting uMsunduzi Voortrekker Museum, the Mahatma Gandhi memorial statue and the Qanda Rock.
“This area has got a lot of activities and games, attracting more tourists in winter and summertime. People love Durban because of the ocean but we are still leading with our uniqueness,” said Mhlongo.
Despite urban transformation negatives, more residents believe midlands is the best place to be.
Zipho Mbhedu: “This area is very clean, should consider it for vacation and other adventurous activities,” Mbedu elaborated.
Smangele Mpulo: “We love this area, we sometimes come to this peace park just to enjoy this space and looking at these beautiful features, still I choose PMB,” Mpulo said.
The staunch residents demand protection of the city and its resources.
