A monument was unveiled on March 26, symbolising the African continent. Its design illustrates the points of the compass and includes representation of several African landmarks.

Introduced by SA Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, the Iconic Map of Africa Monument is in the Agulhas National Park in the Southern Overberg region of the Western Cape – at the southernmost tip of Africa.

It is one of the infrastructure features commissioned by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with South African National Parks and developed at the Agulhas National Park, to enhance the visitor experience and boost the local tourism economy.

At the unveiling, Hanekom said: “South Africa’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage found in our national parks are key tourism drawcards. We can only enhance these amazing tourism offerings by adding features like the Iconic Map of Africa Monument, to deliver memorable experiences to our visitors and ensure many happy returns. The funding and supporting of infrastructure development projects is particularly important to us – it enables us to fulfil our mandate of creating inclusive economic opportunities for our people. Remember, through these initiatives, people get jobs and local SMMEs also generate income from the services they render. All South Africans should desire tourism growth as it translates into economic growth, jobs and opportunities for many.”

Tourists will be able to walk around and through the map, against the backdrop of the meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

CEO of SANParks, Fundisile Mketeni, said the monument marked the geographical and spiritual significance of the southernmost tip of Africa, to enhance the status of the area as a prime national and international tourist destination. “We have earmarked this park in our tourism growth strategy as a necessary vehicle, particularly for attracting visitors to this part of the world.”