A range of major tourism infrastructure projects at South Africa’s Agulhas National Park, costing R68.7 million (€3.3m), is planned to be completed by early 2024.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, visited the park this week to assess progress on the Department’s infrastructure development programme at the park’s Lighthouse Precinct.
“Cape Agulhas is such a unique place, as the official meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as the southernmost tip of Africa. Through product enhancements, the Department of Tourism aims to boost tourism numbers to the Overberg area,” said Mahlalela.
In 2016, the Department signed an agreement with South African National Parks for tourism enhancements at the park, which focused on the construction of the iconic Map of Africa monument, construction of a 1km road, rehabilitation of the terrain and the re-alignment of the boardwalk. The R14m (€673 520) phase-one project, was completed in 2018.
“The second phase, namely the Lighthouse Precinct Project, commenced in 2017. It includes a 60-seat ocean-view restaurant, a reception area, an interpretive centre, a curio shop, vendor stalls, paving and walkways and a conference facility. This project is set to be completed by early 2024,” said Mahlalela.
The Department provided a budget of R54.7m (€2.6m) for phase two, with SANParks being the implementing agent. To date, the project is 43% complete and has employed 88 local people, of whom 62 were women and 52 youth.
“The Department is excited to partner with SANParks on this tourism enhancement project as both phase one and two serve as a springboard for further tourism developments and job creation in the Overberg region,” said Mahlalela.
The Department has been at the forefront of the commissioning and construction of destination enhancement tourism facilities through its Expanded Public Works Programme to promote economic empowerment, employment opportunities and the transfer of skills to members of the community.
New sculpture attraction
A new art sculpture has also recently been unveiled at the park.
‘The Lesser Spotted Cape Creature’ is a €15 000 project funded by Agence Française de Développement through the Metis Fund and supported by SANParks.
The sculpture was conceptualised to create a unique opportunity for the area’s youth to connect, share and express their concerns about the climate crisis through art.
Guided by artist Hannelie Coetzee, a three-day immersive workshop was conducted to inspire young people to become environmental leaders and to promote sustainable development in the region through the Overberg Eco-Rangers programme, a SANParks youth outreach initiative. The sculpture was then created by Coetzee.
SANParks Climate Change Scientist, Professor Wendy Foden said: "Being at the southernmost tip of Africa, the park is a site of enormous global significance for climate change. We hope that this sculpture will inspire people of all ages to appreciate the beauty of nature and to work together to protect it for future generations."
The sculpture is now open to the public and can be viewed at the southernmost tip of Africa parking area, adjacent to the iconic L’Agulhas Lighthouse.
