The small Eastern Cape town was once a hub of rail activity, providing a significant amount of employment to locals before the collapse of rail transport in the region. However, by 2000, unemployment had reached almost 95 percent, which forced many residents to seek employment elsewhere.

But after 2003, with the establishment of The Bushman Sands Hotel and Golf Course by Mantis Collection, many laborers have been encouraged to return home. Ironically, it was the conversion of the 106-year-old Alicedale Railway College into the reception of the new hotel that helped change Alicedale's fortunes. Mantis Collection owns the Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.

The resort's GM, Herman Muler, said that since 2003 employment has risen by 27 percent and that the resort employs about 120 staff. Many of the other jobs that government was hoping to create came from the setting up of new businesses to support the hotel. These include a bakery, new restaurants and arts and crafts shops.

More jobs would be completed once the private accommodation on the Bushman Sands Golf Estate was completed Muller's PA said. Carla Gustafson said that the new houses "will create opportunities for security companies, garden services, and housekeeping".

The company said it was also paying for training courses to ensure that locals would benefit from the skilled positions on offer too.