Umzimkhulu — A massive multi-million Rand tourism project, which consists of shops and a restaurant among others, is set to promote the Umzimkhulu area as a tourist destination.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Weziwe Thusi, is expected to visit the area of Umzimkhulu on the border of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape on Saturday to hand over the tourism project to the community.

Phase one of the three phase project, comprises a tourism information centre, a museum, an internet cafe, a craft outlet, a storage facility, four shops and a restaurant.

According to the Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism, the project will assist in creating jobs for the local people, improving infrastructure development and stimulating economic growth in Umzimkhulu.

The ceremony, which is to take place at the Umzimkhulu Further Education and Training college sports field, is part of the Tourism Month celebrations.

The MEC further said she acknowledged that the tourism industry in the Umzimkhulu area had not transformed much since 1994.

"It is for this reason that the department has embarked on a number of initiatives to ensure that previously disadvantaged individuals also participate in this industry.

"I am proud that to say we have made some progress in this regard, but I would also like to acknowledge that there is still a long way to go," said Ms Thusi.

The Maskandi musicians in the likes of Mfiliseni Magubane, Ichwane le Bhaca nad Vukayibambe are expected to entertain the guests at the hand over ceremony.