Question NW1399 to the Minister of Tourism

Reply:

(a) What progress has her department made in terms of practical interventions through the

(aa) Inter-ministerial committee to

1. Refurbish
2. Improve tourist attraction

There is no formal inter-ministerial committee on tourism.

What progress has her department made in terms of practical interventions through the

(bb) Inter governmental relations committee to

1. Refurbish
2. Improve tourist attraction

The projects listed below have been refurbished to improve the tourist attractions.

• Robben Island
• Shangoni Gate (Kruger National Park)
• Phalaborwa Wild Activity Hub (Kruger National Park)
• Tsitsikama Big Tree Gateway (Garden Route National Park)
• Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
• Maropeng in the Cradle of Humankind

b) and (c)

The following are the attractions which will be refurbished and the cost per project

Attraction	Cost
Robben Island	R 10 000 000
Shangoni Gate - Kruger National Park)	R 25 000 000
Phalaborwa Wild Activity Hub (Kruger National Park)	R 25 000 000
Tsitsikama Big Tree Gateway (Garden Route National Park)	R 15 840 000
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden	R 2 500 000
Maropeng in the Cradle of Humankind	R 20 670 000

d) What are the further details in this regard?

The department has provided funding support towards specific tourism development projects at a number of strategically important state owned tourism attractions. The projects supported includes the development and expansion of tourism infrastructure and services to improve destination competitiveness and enhance the overall visitor experience. The Department’s contribution is limited to part project funding. The balance of the project cost is funded by the relevant management authority who’s also responsible for the implementation. Brief project descriptions and progress are highlighted below:

• Robben Island Museum: The project involves amongst others the development of tourist guiding capacity, digitisation of the Mayibuye Archives, development of an outdoor restaurant and visitor information centre, introduction of local memorabilia production and craft centre, enrichment of the Robben Island mobile application (App), and expanding awareness and education amongst the public on the role of Robben Island during the struggle history through an open day for free visitation by South Africans. Project implementation (led by Robben Island Museum) has commenced with some project components completed and others still underway.

• Shangoni Gate and Tourism Development (Kruger National Park): The project involves the development of an entrance gate and other tourism facilities which will include amongst others a reception area, public amenities, an environmental education centre, a rustic camping site and tented camp and a picnic site in the northern part of the Kruger National Park. Project implementation is led by SANParks. Project planning has been completed and the final record of decision on the environmental impact assessment is expected soon after which the construction phase can commence.

• Phalaborwa Wild Activity Hub (Kruger National Park): The project involves the development of an experiential activity node for tourists, which will include amongst others public facilities, a bird and reptile park, an entertainment area, backpacker camp facilities, and an animal orphanage facility as part of an interactive tourist experience offering at the Phalaborwa Gate of the Kruger National Park. Project implementation is led by SANParks. Project planning has been completed and the final record of decision on the environmental impact assessment is expected soon after which the construction phase can commence.

• Tsitsikama Big Tree Gateway (Garden Route National Park): The project involves the development of a tourist centre which will include infrastructure such as entrance gate, picnic area, coffee shop, parking area, activity centre, classroom, office block, and ablution facilities. Project implementation is led by SANParks. All planning has been completed, bulk infrastructure largely installed and construction of building well underway.

• Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden: The project led by SANBI involves tourism product development and market development through the installation of a bust statue of the late Walter Sisulu as part of a circular garden with a water feature as well as information and interpretation points. In addition, the project also includes the implementation of a marketing campaign for the garden. To date the bust sculpture has been completed with construction of the circular garden underway, while most of the market development activities have been implemented.

• Maropeng tourism product development and visitor experience enhancement: The project, implemented through the Gauteng Tourism Authority and the Maropeng Museum in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site includes the expansion of the experience lab, construction of the human impact picnic site, and detailed planning for picnic area, café, amphitheatre, play area and wellness centre as well as tourist guide training. Most of the project elements have been completed.