Thembisile Hani — Once a vibrant centre for family outings, festivals and major events, the Zithabiseni Resort in Thembisile Hani Local Municipality now shows visible signs of neglect, a situation officials say has negatively affected visitor numbers and limited opportunities for local small businesses and informal traders.
Thembisile Hani Local Municipality confirmed that it is aware of the resort’s deteriorating state, describing it as a serious concern given Zithabiseni’s role in local tourism and economic development. The municipality noted that the resort hosts major events such as the annual All White Picnic on 1 January, a flagship event that attracts large numbers of visitors, stimulates local spending, and creates temporary employment.
According to the municipality, the current condition of the resort does not reflect its status as a key tourism and social events venue, with the decline affecting visitor experience, daily family visits and broader efforts to grow tourism and attract investment into the area.
Zithabiseni Resort is not municipally-owned or managed, but falls under the responsibility of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), said the municipality.
It has consistently raised concerns through intergovernmental platforms and continues to engage provincial stakeholders on the urgent need for rehabilitation. Despite this, the municipality said it remains willing to support any credible turnaround plan led by the responsible authority, in the interest of local economic development.
Local residents have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of Zithabiseni Resort, describing it as a place closely tied to their personal histories and community life.
Betty Skosana (42) said she grew up attending festivals at the resort and later continued the tradition by taking her own children there, particularly on Christmas Day for family picnics. She recalled that the resort was once well maintained, with clean surroundings and safe swimming pools for children.
“Zithabiseni was part of our childhood and later became part of my own family’s traditions. The place was clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone,” she said, adding that she fears that continued neglect could eventually lead to the resort’s closure. “Going there on Christmas Day has become a culture in my family, and I fear I won’t be able to take my children there anymore.”
Johannes Masombuka (53) also shared his concerns, noting that the resort once served as a popular venue for weddings and special occasions. “This place hosted important moments in our lives. I got married here, and it was a beautiful venue for celebrations,” Masombuka said. “Looking at the state of the resort now, it’s hard to imagine people choosing it for weddings or events. Losing this place would mean losing a big part of our history and tourism in the area.”
The municipality added that ongoing upgrades to the Zithabiseni access road by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport could support future tourism growth once the resort is rehabilitated, reiterating that restoring the facility remains a priority.
Highveld Chronicle sent a list of questions to MTPA on 6 January 2026. The senior corporate communication manager, Simphiwe Shungube, acknowledged receipt and indicated that the matter would be attended to. However, on our follow-up attempts on 8 January and 12 January, we received no response.
