During visits to the Evaton Memorial, Sharpeville Memorial and Boipatong Monument, the committee found inadequate maintenance and weak tourism management structures. It warned that the poor state of these memorial sites undermines their cultural value and tourism potential.
The committee urged the Department of Tourism to take a more active role in promoting and enhancing these sites to make them market-ready and visually appealing to both domestic and international visitors.
“Heritage and memorial sites should not only be preserved for their historical value but also presented in a way that attracts visitors and stimulates local economic benefits,” the committee noted.
Positive examples and development challenges
At the Cullinan Diamond Lodge, a project supported by the Green Tourism Incentive Programme, the committee noted good maintenance standards but recommended that the on-site jewelry retail offerings be priced more competitively for South African consumers.
At the Cullinan Diamond Mine, the committee highlighted the need for stronger joint marketing efforts between tourism businesses in the area to attract both local and international visitors.
The Cradle of Humankind received positive feedback from the committee for its strong site management and preservation practices.
In contrast, development challenges were observed at other projects:
- At People’s Park, nearly R12 million has been invested in infrastructure including an amphitheatre and retaining walls, along with renovation of the Creative Hub to support youth employment in arts and culture.
- The Vredefort Dome project, currently 96% complete, lacks essential municipal services such as water, electricity and sanitation. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of October, with handover expected by February/March next year.
Focus on inclusive tourism
The committee also visited Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Soweto Hotel and Conference Centre, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum. It praised the tourist guide programme at the Hector Pieterson Museum for creating employment opportunities and developing youth skills in tourism.
The committee concluded that improved intergovernmental coordination and community involvement are essential to maintain public tourism assets and deliver economic benefits at the local level. It also stressed that developing township and rural tourism remains a national priority to diversify South Africa’s tourism offering and extend its socio-economic impact.
Tags: South Africa’s Portfolio Committee, South Africa
