MULTI-MILLION RAND UPGRADES TO THE BAVIAANSKLOOF WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Tourism Minister, Fish Mahlalela, confirms that the department has secured R57m from the EU through National Treasury for the project.

Tourists visiting the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site are in for a great treat thanks to the multimillion-rand upgrades.

At the official opening of the Baviaanskloof interpretative Centre in February 2022, Deputy Tourism Minister, Fish Mahlalela, confirmed a massive injection of funds in partnership with the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency.

“Funding of tourism infrastructure development in iconic sites such as the Baviaanskloof Interpretative Centre is important to us, not only to enhance the destination, but also to restore human dignity and respect,” Mahlalela said.  “This work also ignites tourism economic activity in rural areas, while addressing the geographic spread and diversification of tourism products and opportunities.”

The revamped facilities include a conference room, offices, gallery, a hall, cafeteria, ablution facilities and a timber deck, plus the 12-sleeper hikers’ huts at the three camps along the Leopard Hiking Trail. This project created additional local employment and 30% of the funds went to sub-contractors from nearby SMMEs, sourcing local materials, equipment and labour. Reliable community members will be entrusted with the upkeep and protection of the centre.

Linden Booth, Trail operator, confirmed that bookings have doubled since the construction of the hikers’ huts. The huts are superbly designed and the glassed walls welcome in the magnificent views. They are arguably the best hiking huts in the country. Their popularity has also increased the need for permanent employees.

Eastern Cape’s Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism MEC Mlungisi Mvoko said the new centre was in line with the province’s developmental agenda and government’s programme of action around the creation of employment through inclusive economic growth. Mvoko said the handover of the facility set the scene for the tourism wealth that was available in this province before the Easter season.

This centre is proving to be a gem for the local communities and is hugely beneficial for local empowerment and tourism.