N West businesses negatively affected by Lonmin saga

Businesses in the North West have taken strain because of the Lonmin strike(SABC)

Tags:

• Lonmin
• Marikana
• tourism
• North West Parks and Tourism Board
• Mooinooi

The strike at Lonmin and other mines in the Rustenburg area has negatively affected the tourism industry in the North West province.

Owners of tourism establishments say their businesses have not attracted tourists, since most feared for their safety.

The North West Parks and Tourism Board says many establishments suffered during the strike, especially the accommodation, tourism and transport industry.

Elzette Putter is the owner of Innibos guest house, in Mooinooi, near Marikana. Her establishment has been hard hit by the strike. Her six chalets have not been visited as much as usual.

She says the strike at Lonmin has affected many of the neighboring guest houses in the area.

According to the North West Parks and Tourism Board, the strike did not impact the tourism industry in and around Marikana only.

Businesses in the tourism industry are hopeful following the wage agreement that was reached between the Lonmin mine and its employees.

Some say that they will have to retrench their staff, should another strike in the area ensue, as they have lost revenue for over a month.