Eskom went about it in an open manner with the public and the load shedding has been advertised and the public was informed so that they were prepared for when they would be with out electricity. Unfortunately this load shedding has not gone to the plan that was devised. There are a few load shedding experiences that have crept into the media. To begin with, Johannesburg has been in utter chaos, specifically with the traffic situation. Imagine Johannesburg, already congested, now without traffic lights. When the power goes off travel times almost double.  In today’s paper a businessman that travels a lot to Johannesburg commented that he has never seen it that bad and it took him over 2 hours to travel 10 km’s, that usually takes him in traffic, at the most, 30 minutes.
In Cape Town the power went out on a spectacular clear and windless evening, that saw over 500 tourists flock up Table Mountain to appreciate the sunset while having sundowners. The cable car was left stranded half way up the mountain with 37 visitors in the car with no plan of escape, which for most people is terrifying. The car eventually arrived back down to the bottom but due to the lack of electricity it could not dock in it’s station, and the people trapped inside started jumping out and ended up with a few injuries. Almost half a thousand tourists still on the mountain had to prepare themselves to sepnd the night up there. They were all eventually rescued after 0100 in the morning, cold and hungry, but safely brought down to the bottom. It can be taken for granted that those tourists will all return to their homelands voicing their disapproval to all who will listen.
In the Limpopo province a group of tourists commented after staying in a hotel that they should rather have camped as it would have been more comfortable and they would have had the means to cook and feed themselves at least, not to mention that they would have been had some light to be able to see what hey are doing.
The above stories bring to light that South Africa is not entirely prepared for the electricity load shedding that they are experiencing. Looking north to Zimbabwe, the country is an old hand at this situation; if there is electricity it is a bonus. Due to the steady decline in the economic situation over the last few years in Zimbabwe businesses have put plans in place that will cope for the lack of electricity and other services. This also includes the tourism industry and their ability to still offer world class services, no matter what situation they find themselves in, is truly remarkable. The one benefit that Zimbabwe has is that there is no Table Mountain that causes tourists to be stranded in cable cars. All Zimbabwe’s attractions from Bungi jumping to game viewing can be done without the help of electricity.
All tourism operators in Zimbabwe that have stuck through the problems of operating in the current situation can assure visitors that they can sustain an efficient service. No matter what situation arises they are prepared to cope with it, guaranteeing visitors an effective and efficient experience.
South African tourism is going to suffer without electricity, especially with horror stories like the cable car. Due to the load shedding the tourism sector in South Africa does not yet have a plan to cope without electricity. Tourists will experience some discomfort as they may not have the breakfast that they paid for, leaving visitors with bad impressions of the country. With 2010 around the corner there is a lot ground that has to be covered to ensure that there is electricity in place, not to mention all the other services that have to be running smoothly for a good tournament. South Africa cannot afford to have tourists that have come to watch the soccer to be in stuck in traffic on the way to a match due to the traffic lights not working because of load shedding in the area.Â
Looking to the future, Zimbabwe is not hosting the 2010 world cup , but there will be some spill over of visitors wanting to explore the region. With Zimbabwean operators still offering world class services Zimbabwe’s tourism sector may be in with a shout at attracting visitors to the country. Perhaps South Africa can call in the Zimbabwean experts to consult on how best to install an inverter or maximise the use of a generator…
Shaun Macdonald
shaun@venues4africa.com
All Inclusive Houseboat Special
For any South Africans wishing to escape Eskom’s woes why not escape to Kariba for a houseboat experience that will remind you why you live in Africa. For those of you overseas come home for a well deserved African break. Our tailor-made trip takes care of every possible worry, from fishing worms to ice.
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• British Airways Return Flights from Jo’burg (All Inclusive)
• Airport Transfers to Wild Geese Lodge in Harare from Airport
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• 5 nights on Kariba Houseboat including;
• Ample fuel to explore the Ume River
• Fishing tackle and rods
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Teas, Coffees and Snacks
• Imported foods, wines and beers (Amstel, Heineken, Castle)
• Tender boats for fishing
• Well maintained houseboat
• Warm and friendly staff with excellent cook
• Transfers to Harare Airport
The lodge in Harare – Wild Geese
The secluded location, overlooking the majestic Mazowe Valley and a small game sanctuary, provides guests with the most tranquil and relaxing stay in beautiful, rustic surroundings.
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A well designed mono-hull boat with capacity for 14, complete with 2 tender boats. Recently renovated the boat is ready to take to the waters for your dream Kariba holiday.
All inclusive price is R7,495 per person
* Please note that 6 weeks notice is needed to order supplies from South Africa.
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EMAIL – shaun@venues4africa.com or call +27216836444
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