The Mpumalanga Heritage has added its voice to the call urging the provincial government to revive historical towns.
Chairperson of Mpumalanga Heritage, Duncan Ballantyne was speaking during a two-day heritage event aimed at sharing knowledge about the historical heritage of the province.
It’s being held at the historic village of Pilgrims Rest, founded during the gold rush in the area almost 150 years ago.
Ballantyne has expressed his sympathy with the local businesses over the decline in economic activities at Pilgrim’s Rest, now a tourism resort.
“I share their concerns and I can sympathize with them cause historically heritage can create so much employment, globally it creates so much employment and Pilgrim’ Rest was one of those areas that tourists from all over the world came to visit on its heydays when it was beautiful and well-kept and everything has gone into. Tourism has declined, jobs have declined, so the two go together – heritage and tourism,” says Ballantyne.
