It's all systems go for the R400-million Tiffindell expansion project which is set to put the Eastern Cape on the international ski map.
The project will see the construction of a 150-bed five star hotel, as well as 120 time-share apartments at the popular north Eastern Cape resort.
In addition, extensive new entertainment and leisure facilities are being added to ensure the resort can compete with the best international ski destinations for northern hemisphere summer skiing.
These include a spa and wellness centre, a gym and new chairlifts, as well as a custom-built ice rink.
The resort is also due to be twinned with an international ski operation in Europe.
Tiffindell, situated near Rhodes and Barkly East, was established in 1993. It is the only South African resort with natural snow for skiing purposes.
Addressing the official launch of the project in Johannesburg, Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela paid tribute to the expansion project as an important development for the Eastern Cape.
"Tiffindell attracts large numbers of people to the province, both nationally and from abroad. These tourists spend significant amounts of money within the province, and this forms the basis of the Local Economic Development strategy for the Ukhahlamba District, and for our province," she said.
The Tiffindell Expansion Project business model indicates that between 800 and 1 000 jobs will be created during and after construction. Local communities will further benefit by being capacitated and supported to supply the resort with various products and services.
"I would like to express our gratitude to the Tiffindell investors and owners for their openness and the trust they have shown to the people of the Eastern Cape and their government," Balindlela said. "The government, through the MEC for Economic Affairs, Mr Mbulelo Sogoni, have committed ourselves to play the public sector role in support of this important development in our province."