|
The table
below sets out the anticipated economic returns to the Lekgophung
community from the development of the Lekgophung lodge. It
indicates that the project will bring very significant returns
to a disadvantaged sector of the local rural economy.
| ANNUAL
LOCAL BENEFIT: LEKGOPHUNG LODGE |
| EMPLOYMENT
BENEFITS |
| Employees
(Total) |
32 |
| Average
wage (local) |
31,500 |
| Lowest
wage |
25,000
|
Employees
(Local)
|
29 |
| Percentage
of total staff |
90.6% |
| Employees
(Female) |
20 |
| Percentage
of total |
62.5% |
| Annual
bonuses/ Over time |
62,000
|
| Annual
gratuities |
90,000
|
| Total
annual employment benefits to local employees |
1,132,000
|
| |
|
| SECONDARY
ENTERPRISE |
|
Contracts
|
275,000
|
| Number
employed |
14 |
| Curio
sales |
52,000 |
| Number
employed |
4 |
| Total
secondary enterprise benefits to local residents |
327,000
|
| |
|
| CONCESSION
FEES |
|
| Operating
fees to local |
432,000 |
| Total
local employed |
50 |
| Total
local benefit |
1,891,000
|
| Local
benefit/commercial bed |
78,800
|
In year
one, the project should generate construction contracts of
approximately R1.3 million for residents of Lekgophung. At
maturity, it should deliver approximately R2-million per annum
in various forms of sustainable income to rural households
in the acutely impoverished Lekgophung region.
The Madikwe Initiative has launched a skills training and
business support programme in Lekgophung in association with
the Balete ba Lekgophung Development Trust, the Lekgophung
RDP Forum and local government (Central District Council).
This programme provides the basis for a high level of integration
between the lodge business and the local economy, thereby
maximising returns to the people of Lekgophung. For example,
a construction unit and a brick making business have already
been established at Lekgophung. Members have received training
from various service providers and are certified within nationally
recognised frameworks. These businesses will be used during
the construction phase and for ongoing maintenance of the
lodge. A Local Business Service Centre has been established
and a manager trained by the Centre for Opportunity Development
(COD) to provide support to the various enterprises linked
to the lodge. COD will also provide an aftercare service to
support the LBSC during its early years. Ultimately, it is
predicted that almost a quarter of the turnover generated
by the lodge enterprise will flow into the Lekgophung village
economy.
These levels of benefit retention represent a significant
achievement that will make a real contribution to poverty
alleviation and economic development in Lekgophung. They will
also establish the venture as a model public/private/community
partnership in the conservation/tourism sector.
|
