Development of an African Sulphur Hotspring in Lilani rural KwaZulu

Phase 1 

1998 – 2000 completed and managed by the Mthembu Sithole Community Trust

1. analyses of local heritage & resources
2. analyses of surrounding built and natural context
3. concept masterplan
4. existing disused buildings demolished by using community and avoiding large mechanical plants
5. 3 x open and 2 x enclosed pools
6. ablutions and change-rooms
7. informal car park
8. information office and reception
9. new temporary kitchen and laundry
10. guard hut and entrance 
11. 2 self-catering rondavels (4 & 8 sleeper) o freshwater spring directed to facility
12. removal of alien vegetation and new landscaping
13. camping site delineated and fenced
14. infrastructure – electrical, sewerage and potable water

community development : 

• use of labour rather than mechanical equipment
• facility trainer employed to teach construction skills to community camping site ablutions,guard hut and entrance gate were built by local 
• trainees as part of the accreditation programme
•  river stone used in the construction which was sourced from the natural 
• environment under supervision from the trained environmental officer from the community
• collected stone for construction and transported by means of local labour and rural modes of transport
• members of the community trained in environmental management

One of the main objectives during the construction of Phase1 was to motivate and train the community in contemporary construction methods together with traditional solutions utilising local materials readily available on site and from local suppliers. This is a standard request highlighted in all KZNTA community development projects where the establishment and marketing of unique African Destinations is significant. 

The process of Phase 1 facilitated, concept “DNA” for an unique branding and marketing which will be cost effective and labour intensive if constructed by the trained stone contractors from the area. 

Lilani’s primary character is the Hot Sulphur and Radium Springs, rural surroundings,availability of natural stone and community participation in the project,natural landscape,the Lilani River Valley,Birdlife,and unique natural formation below ground.

Phase 2 

completed : 2002 and managed by the Mthembu Sithole Community Trust.

Phase 2 was envisaged to bridge between Phase 1 and Phase 3 while enabling the facility to operate during the phased development process

1. 8 suites that sleep 4 people each = 32 beds
2. public ablutions
3. communal kitchen with stores to serve suites and will later support a commercial restaurant in the proposed Phase 3
4. administration/meeting room
5. covered walkways
6. landscaping
7. external electric works (reticulation and lighting luminaries along covered walkways)