OUR COMMUNITY
The positive balance between tourism, community and conservation are crucial for the health and survival of each. As such, the Ghost Mountain Inn though it’s Ndumu Charitable Foundation and with the assistance of guests and local businesses operates various programs to assist local communities and conservation efforts to thrive.
Our community development programs have 3 main objectives: well-educated children; the development and support of small enterprises; and an enhanced awareness of conservation and sustainable practices in our business and community.
Please contact us if you would like to make a general contribution, support a particular school or program or supply educational materials.
EDUCATION
Our community focus is primarily on education and assisting learners at an early stage in their development in order to have a life long impact We work with and aim to raise awareness and sponsorship for the local schoolchildren in the Mkuze and Ubombo areas. Guests are welcome to visit schools if they are interested to meet learners and teachers in order to attain further insight into how they can assist.Most rural schools are severely under resourced and most families in the area living on poverty levels the simplest donations of school supplies, uniforms, books and magazines and even health and hygiene items can make the world of difference to these learners and their teachers.
“ISIPHEPHELO SEJUBA’ PLACE OF SAFETY
LOCAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
LOCAL PROCUREMENT
Where possible local suppliers are sourced to supply the Ghost Mountain Inn. This makes economic sense and gives us a unique identity and offering. Local crafters produce a variety of operating supplies such as placemats, trays and some uniforms
Our Gift Shop offers an opportunity to give exposure to our local craft and crafters with products that include leather bags, beaded, embroidered and wooden craft. Some of our local crafters include:
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
Collectively the management of Ghost Mountain Inn has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the tourism industry. They are always willing to share this knowledge in assisting local tourism entrepreneurs from new Bed &Breakfasts to Transfer Services.
CONSERVATION
TREES FOR SCHOOLS
Some Tour Operators that we work with have donated fruit trees when their guests stay at the Ghost Mountain Inn and any guests are welcome to do the same.
It is encouraging to see learners at the school taking care of these trees and enjoying their fruits as the trees mature
WATER FOR SCHOOLS
Water is a scarce commodity in many of our surrounding areas with woman and kids still working many kilometres a day to collect heavy buckets of water. As resources become available we are able to install solar powered boreholes to ease this burden in some of the more remote parts.
Recently we facilitated the installation of a new solar powered borehole for Zimbidleni School. With great thanks to the Universities Business Challenge in the UK who assisted greatly with the fundraising for this project as well as local business who provided time and materials.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Even though we are surrounded by wildlife and conservation areas it is astounding that many local kids have never had the opportunity to visit these areas.
Our guides are always eager to take these kids into the reserve to see wild animals for the first time and to be introduced to the importance of the conservation of our rich heritage.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
The hotel manages and measure our energy needs, reduces demand for energy and conserves natural resources.
We use products, responsible suppliers and materials, which support and encourage sustainable practices and do not threaten our environment.
Our greatest pride are our indigenous Gardens were local, water wise plants are introduced.
RECYCLING
A hotel generates a lot of recyclable materials and instead of filling up landfill sights a recycling program has been instituted. While we have collectors for cardboard and plastic there are sadly a number of obstacles to running this type of program in rural areas. Despite it being so crucial to the conservation of our environment there is a lack of municipal infrastructure to assist in recycling programs. All material has to be carted 150km to Richards Bay or 300km to Durban depending on the type of material.
Expertise and funding is currently being sought for the building of a collection centre in Mkuze that can collect enough material to make the project more viable.
PACK FOR A PURPOSE
WANT TO HELP?
Make a general contribution, support a particular school or program or supply educational materials
THE NDUMU CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
Donations can be allocated to a specific go into the general fund which will be allocated to by the Foundation Trustees.
If you are interested in making a donation, please use the account details below:
Ndumu Charitable Foundation
Bank: FNB – First National Bank
Bank Code: 210855
Account No. 62638793994
Bank Sort Code: 210855
SWIFT/BIC: FIRNZAJJ
Please Reference the payment with the project you wish to support and your name