Situated in the valley of the Biggarsberg Mountains, Dundee forms an integral part of Northern KwaZulu-Natal’s history.
Such is the role of Dundee within South Africa’s history, that tourism has been at the forefront of driving Dundee’s economy for decades.
“Dundee Tourism is Umzinyathi District’s power hub, providing accurate and detailed historical and current tourism-related information, which is marketed locally and internationally,” says Naresh Gopie, the chairperson of the Dundee Tourism Committee.
Gopie explains that with the advantage of a diverse culture, Dundee Tourism has been continually creating partnerships and products for stakeholders, with the sole purpose of generating high levels of income within Dundee and its surrounding areas.
As well as concentrating on long term sustainability and perpetually keeping in mind environmental impacts, when developing new products for the Tourism industry.
“Our main objective is to constantly breathe new life within the industry, by exploring what history has been forgotten and bring it to the forefront,” says Gopie.
Such is the role of tourism in Dundee, that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gopie explains that using a formula determined by SA Tourism, tourism directly and indirectly contributed over R120-million into the local economy.
What are some of the most iconic historical sites in Dundee that draws people to Dundee?
Gopie says the town is characterised by numerous historical buildings with historical connections, dating back over 100 years.
He explains that as Dundee was named by Peter Smith in memory of his links with Scotland, the town and area still echoes a number of those links, borne out in the names of farms, villages and mountains.
“We have many but just to name a few, Rorkes Drift, Isandlwana, Fugitives Drift, Blood River/Ncome, Maria Ratschitz and a host of other interesting sites. Tourists from especially the UK come here, using Dundee as a base, to visit the Anglo Zulu War battlefields. For many this is a pilgrimage such is the significance of these battlefields to the culture and DNA of the passionate English history enthusiast.”
Furthermore, Gopie says the Dundee Tourism Committee has an established Dundee Heritage Trail with historical buildings linked within Dundee and Glencoe.
How has tourism suffered during the pandemic and lockdown?
Gopie explains Covid-19 is having a devastating effect on tourism establishments in Dundee, leading to mass cancellations and job layoffs.
“We have also seen four-star establishments close their doors permanently. The sector is currently on life support.”
While the tourism industry is currently at its lowest level, Gopie explains level three lockdown brought some relief to the industry, which is seeing a minuscule upward trend.
“Tourism Dundee has used this period to assist the most vulnerable in our community with committee members, who are all volunteers, to fundraise. We managed to raise enough money to feed up to 20 plus needy families weekly with committee members themselves packing the parcels. We are proud of this effort and keep the tourism sector relevant even during these hardships,” Gopie emphasises.
He adds that Tourism Dundee is also using qualified and knowledgeable guides/historians from their town, who contribute regular articles on their social media platforms and newspaper publications to raise awareness of what local historical attractions there are in the area.
“We believe that the next step is to create a platform for internal tourism, as international tourism is for now out of the question.”
As the chairperson for the Dundee Tourism Committee for the past six years, Gopie explains the committee plays an important role in the promotion of tourism in Dundee.
“We have successfully delivered Web Based Marketing Solutions across Southern Africa and around the world. We also leverage all the elements of Internet Marketing, with an intention to drive direct bookings via our website.”
Gopie adds the committee also follows best practices in Web Design, Search Engine Optimisation, Listings/Directories Management, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Facebook Advertising and Secure Hosting to maximise our Online Exposure. Its members also promptly attend all Tourism related shows in South Africa
With the committee playing an important role in the promotion of tourism in Dundee, how did Gopi become involved in the Dundee Tourism Committee?
“I was serving on the Talana Museums Board of Trustees and was approached by the Curator Miss Pam McFadden. Knowing how important history was to me because of my family’s involvement in Dundee, I rose to the occasion the rest is history,” he explains.
Why is history important to Gopie and what was his family’s involvement in Dundee’s history?
“My great grandfather was the first Indentured labourer employed by the founder of Dundee, Mr Peter Smith. He then purchased land from Mr Smith across the river from Smith’s farm for twenty pounds which is known today as Craigside.”
Furthermore, the first non-white bus service, Gopie’s Bus Service was operated by his grandfather.
“In 1902, the first clay brick factory was established and named Gopie’s brick yard. Remnants of these bricks can still be found in and around Dundee,” Gopie adds.
With his family and the Dundee Tourism Committee playing an integral role in the town of Dundee, there are a number of events which ensure the town’s history comes to the forefront.
These events include the Talana Ghost Walk, the Talana Re-enactment Weekend and the Ghandi Walk to mention but a few.
As the lockdown regulations ease, be sure to show your support and contribute to the promotion of Dundee’s tourism sector.
