A multimillion rand state-of- the-art tourism centre will soon be opened in Mthatha to assist local and international visitors.

Mayor Siyakholwa Mlamli of King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality and a group of officials from different government departments attended the sod-turning ceremony yesterday in Mqanduli where the construction of a Manqondo Tourism Information Centre is already under way.

KSD Municipality spokesperson Sonwabo Mampoza said the centre, which will boast a conference centre, exhibition centre and Internet café, will cost R4.7million.

The construction is funded by the Eastern Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, but it will be managed by the KSD Municipality. “The levelling of the foundation started late last week, and we expect the contractor to hand over the centre to the KSD Municipality by the end of March. We expect it to provide 24 permanent jobs,” said Mampoza.

Mampoza said besides assisting tourists, the centre will also benefit pupils in Mqanduli as the computer lab, which has an Internet café, will be available to the public and local schools. “The exhibition centre will also be opened to local artists to exhibit their work,” said Mampoza.

The KSD area is known for tourist spots like Coffee Bay, which is popular for its Hole in the Wall area; Nduli Nature Reserve, Luchaba Nature Reserve, Qunu Multipurpose Centre and Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha.

“Mthatha receives local and international tourists every day as it is the gateway to the Wild Coast. As we are approaching the festive season we expect the tourism to increase,” said Mampoza.