Sunset over Lake Sibaya

Eugene on the Sundowner Tour

Just your typical South African sunset

Those who are unconvinced of the difference tourism makes to a developing community should come to the rural village of Mabibi in South Africa’s Kwa-Zulu Natal.

“I wish to thank all of you for visiting us here because you are contributing a lot to our community,” our guide on the Thonga Beach Lodge Sundowner tour says.

Eugene isn’t just talking about the usual benefits that tourism provides a community like Mabibi. Instead he refers more specifically to a joint venture between the Mabibi community and Isibindi Africa Lodges, which in 2004 saw the opening of the Thonga Beach Lodge.

The lodge, which comprises 12 secluded villas on the Mabibi coast, is 68 per cent owned by the local community, providing permanent jobs for many of its villagers as well as generating a source of income to help develop local schools, clinics, crèches and roads.

“Thonga is not for the people who are working there only … it’s for everybody,” Eugene says.

“My kids are at school because of you.”

Like nearly all of the staff at Thonga Beach Lodge, Eugene is a local, having spent his entire 47 years in Mabibi, the last seven working at the lodge. 

“I lived in Durban for a few months, but life is much better here,” our guide Eugene tells us. And after a short drive through his community to Lake Sibaya, where we watch a glorious sun set over southern Africa’s largest freshwater lake, we understand why.

“We share life … and life is nice here.”

Eugene interrupts himself and points to the sunset, now half-concealed by the cotton-candy-like clouds.

“That would make a good shot,” he says.

It seems everything here is worthy of a photograph, not least of which are the waving locals. 

“They’re waving to say thank you.”

No, Eugene. “Siyabonga”. We thank you.