Howick Falls revival drive aims to boost Midlands economy

A major tourism and investment drive is under way in uMngeni Municipality, with new development tenders marking the economic revival of the Howick Falls precinct and a push to restore the landmark as a tourism hub for the Midlands. After years of neglect, crime, and falling visitor numbers, uMngeni Municipality says the investment will have major benefits for the town’s economy. Howick is one of the few towns in South Africa — and internationally — with a major waterfall located within its CBD.

Yet for years, that rare geographic advantage was squandered as neglect, crime, and poor management drove visitors away, turning what should have been a flagship attraction into a danger zone rather than a destination. For almost a decade,The Witnesshas reported on the decline of the Falls precinct, from repeated reports of muggings and vandalism to the collapse of livelihoods for crafters and informal traders who once depended on a steady flow of tourists. At its lowest point, the area was widely regarded as a no-go zone, avoided by residents and shunned by visitors.

The latest round of tenders signals the next phase of a broader, multi-year revitalisation project aimed at repositioning Howick Falls as a flagship tourism asset. Among the opportunities on offer is the leasing and operation of the Gorge Walk area, which will be awarded to a suitably qualified and experienced adventure tourism operator for a period of nine years and 11 months.