Several projects are underway to develop the tourism offering in Riemvasmaak and yesterday (July 18), on Nelson Mandela Day, Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, visited this historic Northern Cape town to determine what more could be done to develop these offerings.
Riemvasmaak is 75 000 hectares of sheer mountain desert wilderness, located between the Orange and the dry Molopo Rivers, approximately 57km from Kakamas and 170km from the Nakop Border Post with Namibia.
The town is managed by the Riemvasmaak Board of Trustees who have identified the need for tourism development to make it economically sustainable.
De Lille highlighted that the provincial Department of Tourism is working with the community to develop various tourism projects.
“One of the projects is a community-owned tourism facility, Riemvasmaak Hot Springs, where the Northern Cape Department of Tourism improved holiday chalets to the value of R649 000 (€32 326).
The Riemvasmaak Trust, which is partnering on this project, has also created several job opportunities for community members,” explained the Minister, noting that upgrading the chalets has improved the guests' comfort and experience, ultimately increasing guest satisfaction.
“This also ensures that guests return as facilities are more appealing and ultimately will increase visitor numbers and income,” De Lille said.
Accommodation at the Riemvasmaak Hot Springs is in comfortable eight-bed or bed-bed chalets, with spectacular views over the Riemvasmaak granite canyon. Each chalet has a kitchenette, toilet, shower, wash basin, and braai area.
More jobs were created with the purchasing of new furniture for the chalets, artwork bought from local artists, the building of ablution facilities for the day visitors and camping ground, replacement of the electricity line, replacing of the roof for the lapa at the Hot Springs, office equipment, two-way radios and Wi-Fi installation.
In addition, six young people were also trained in massage therapy at the Central University of Technology with all six of the recruits passing the course with distinction. They all received a massage bed and products.
Plans for the community include redevelopment of the recreational area and establishing a day spa at the hot springs. Conceptual designs have been started for this project by the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
“As the National Department of Tourism, we work closely with the provincial department and the Northern Cape Tourism Authority on various projects. We will continue to support tourism development for all areas of the Northern Cape as one of our country's most unique and awe-inspiring holiday destinations, said De Lille.
Mandela’s legacy
De Lille highlighted that in the early 1970s, there were forced removals of the residents of this beautiful mountain desert wilderness mainly Damara and Koranna Khoi tribes. Around 1 500 people were divided into three groups according to their 'racial' classification and sent to Welcome Wood in the Ciskei, Khorixas in Northern Namibia, or the nearby towns of Marchand, Augrabies and Keimoes.
A little after 1994, the current government chose to return this land to the children of the original residents.
In 1994, 75 000ha of land was returned to the people of Riemvasmaak. This was the first land restitution project announced by the first democratic President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
“It is in our hands, and we must take hands and work closer with communities to bring about economic development that will truly free all our people from poverty and hunger,” De Lille emphasised.
"Mandela’s life and sacrifices should be a reminder and motivator to all of us each day to serve with humility and help bring progress in any way we can to ensure all people in South Africa taste the fruits of our democracy."
