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NATIONAL NEWS AND VIDEO - Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has officially handed over the newly-developed Agulhas Precinct in the Agulhas National Park, marking the completion of an R82 million infrastructure project aimed at boosting tourism and local economic development.
Speaking at the southernmost tip of Africa on Tuesday 14 April, the minister described the development as a significant milestone for the Overberg region, highlighting its potential to attract both domestic and international visitors.
The project, which began in March 2024, has delivered a range of new facilities, including a 60-seater restaurant, an interpretation centre, upgraded visitor amenities, and improved access infrastructure.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, De Lille highlighted that the project created 117 local employment opportunities during construction and supported nine local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
“This is a clear demonstration of how tourism infrastructure investment contributes directly to job creation and enterprise development,” de Lille said.
The project was implemented through a partnership between the Department of Tourism, South African National Parks (SANParks), the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, contractors and local communities.
Willie Aucamp, the minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment also attended the handover praising the great cooperation between the various role-players - especially between his department and Tourism to make this project see the light.
Watch the video interview that reporter Pierre Massyn did with the ministers:
South Africa recorded 10.5 million international visitors in 2025, demonstrating strong confidence in the sector.
De Lille said the Agulhas development forms part of the government’s Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, which focus on tourism product development, job creation, and coordinated destination marketing.
Reporter Pierre Massyn interviews minsiters De Lille and Aucamp.
Located near the historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, the second-oldest working lighthouse in South Africa, the Minister emphasised that the precinct is not just a national asset with unique biodiversity and cultural heritage, but also a global landmark.
“To our brothers and sisters across the continent - from Cape to Cairo, Morocco to Madagascar - come and experience what it feels like to stand at the southernmost tip of your continent. From east to west, this is where the warm Indian Ocean meets the cold Atlantic Ocean, embracing our beautiful continent,” she said.
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