A joint venture between Bethelsdorp Development Trust and On Track Club
The following introduction is from the pre-fesibility project document that has been submitted by On Track Club and accepted by the Bethelsdorp Development Trust - The complete document is available on request. We are currently waiting for our presentation to council in September
Concept
To provide an adventure experience, in a profitable, risk free business environment, whilst restoring the dignity and developing the potential Bethelsdorp youth.
As this project takes hold On Track Club intends it to become the showcase and focal point for adventure tourism development – initially for the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, in the medium term for the Eastern Cape and in time for the country. On Track Club has agreed, as part of the implementation of this project, to relocate the administrative offices and equipment of the Adventure Tourism Development Program to Bethelsdorp.
Vision
Our vision is to establish one of the most sought after, must see adventure tourism attractions in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. Simultaneously Van der Kemp’s Kloof will become a safe, well managed recreation centre for the Bethelsdorp community.
Concept overview
The key to the success of this project is that it’s vision and objectives are underpinned by an indisputable desire for it to be a community project by the community. A vision that is holistic in every respect and one that forms part of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality’s vision into the future. There are a number of key components to this project: (All of which will be interwoven with the cultural heritage and history that is uniquely Bethelsdorp – Bethelsdorp will endure into the future without forsaking its past!)
1. Adventure tourism development
This project takes South Africa’s biggest renewable resource, adventure tourism, and links it to South Africa’s biggest socio economic challenge, unemployment, and thereby improves the quality of life of the local Bethelsdorp community and beyond. This is a structured, sustainable adventure tourism/sports development project that achieves these objectives through education and the development of our youth in township and rural communities. The end result is employment and the real growth of Tourism in Nelson Mandela Bay and ultimately for South Africa.
2. Adventure sports development
The short-term results and immediate goals are as valuable as our final objectives. Thousands of youngsters and the unemployed will be attracted to the activities. This project immediately employs a casual work force for which this may be the only income they will receive the entire year. Those that participate have an experience that will live with them forever, whether they are chosen for ongoing training this time around or not. The sports development aspect of this project will be accommodated as part of
3. Community development
The BDT in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality have already established the basic structures, (ablution facilities, dams, recreational facilities, access road and hiking trails) and in so doing have laid a solid foundation for further and future development of the Van Der Kemp’s Kloof. This facility is ideal for youth development and formal accredited adventure training.