25 May 2016

 

Kgosi Dick Moreng of Patayamatebele village in the North east district has said that the village has a number of historic sites that can be tapped into as an income generating opportunity.

He expressed this recently in an interview, noting that as issues of unemployment opportunities among the youth in the village remains a challenge, the youth should consider making use of historic sites as a source of  income.

“Though Patayamatebele is still lagging behind with development opportunities, there are a good number of historic sites within the village’s surroundings that the youth can turn into for business opportunities,” he said.

Kgosi Moreng said some of the notable sites that can also attract tourists include the road commonly referred to as Pata ya Matebele (Path of the Ndebele). 

History has it that the road was traversed by the Matebele clan of Mzilikazi kingdom around 1880s during Mfecane wars on their way to Matebele land, known as Zimbabwe today.

He also said there are cemeteries for some of the Roman Catholic Church members who are believed to have settled in the area before colonization to spread the gospel, their foot prints and rock paintings among others.

Kgosi Moreng said such historic sites have the potential to positively transform livelihoods of the youth in the village.

“The village surroundings are quite rich in historic sites that can be of significant monetary benefit,” he said.

Kgosi Moreng noted that the youth should organize themselves and work collectively with relevant officers to see how they can possibly benefit from the historic sites.

He also suggested that they can set up a trust committee which can be responsible for fencing the area, building up camping sites and coming up with other activities that can lure more customers.