Minister Willie Aucamp: launch of the Agulhas National Park Lighthouse Precinct

Agulhas National Park | 14 April 2026

Honourable Minister of Tourism, Minister Patricia de Lille,
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Kgomotso Sotyu;
Interim Chairperson of the SANParks Board, Ms Beryl Ferguson;
Chief Executive Officer of SANParks, Ms Hapiloe Sello;
Executive Mayor of the Overberg District, Alderman Andries Franken;
Councillors,
Traditional leaders and community representatives,
Stakeholders, partners, members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is a privilege for me to join today's proceedings It is appropriate that we gather here today at Cape Agulhas – a place defined by geography, history, and endurance. As the southernmost tip of Africa, this site has both national and international significance. For decades, the lighthouse has served a practical purpose. Today, through this precinct, it also serves a broader public purpose.

The handover of the Agulhas National Park Lighthouse Precinct is not only a milestone for tourism infrastructure; it is a practical demonstration of how heritage preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic development can be advanced together.

From the side of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, we regard this project as strongly aligned with our mandate. Through SANParks, we are entrusted with safeguarding our natural and cultural heritage. At the same time, we are committed to ensuring that conservation delivers social and economic value in a responsible and sustainable manner.

This lighthouse precinct reflects that balance.

Through collaboration with the Department of Tourism, SANParks, and other spheres of government, this site has been upgraded into a functional, accessible and well‑managed visitor facility. The combined public investment of more than R81 million signals a clear intention: that heritage infrastructure should be managed, improved, and used to support inclusive growth.

Equally important are the development outcomes associated with this project. The creation of 117 local employment opportunities, the participation of nine local SMMEs, and the provision of skills development illustrate how infrastructure investment can strengthen local economies when correctly implemented.

For communities living in and around protected areas, these outcomes matter. They reinforce the principle that conservation is not about exclusion, but about shared value and long-term benefit.  The new Interpretation Centre is particularly important in this regard. It provides a structured space to explain the environmental, maritime and cultural history of Cape Agulhas. Education and interpretation remain central to effective conservation. People protect what they understand and value. The precinct also improves accessibility, ensuring that more South Africans, including persons with disabilities, can experience this site. This aligns with SANParks' commitment to inclusive access across the national parks system.

Programme director, projects such as this underline the importance of coordination across government departments. Environmental protection and tourism development must be planned together, not in isolation. When this is done properly, tourism becomes a mechanism to support conservation objectives rather than undermine them. This approach is consistent with government's broader objectives under the Government of National Unity: to grow the economy, expand employment, and strengthen public confidence through visible, practical delivery.

I would like to acknowledge the leadership of my colleague, the Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia De Lille and her department, the ongoing role of SANParks in managing the precinct, and the contribution of the local community throughout the process. As we move forward, it is important that facilities such as this remain active, well-maintained, and responsive to community needs. The lighthouse precinct should continue to function as a shared space – supporting tourism, education, community activity and environmental awareness.

In closing, this lighthouse has long symbolised guidance and safety. May this precinct serve as a guide for how we approach future projects – with cooperation, accountability, and a clear focus on delivering public value. I thank you.

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Thobile Zulu-Molobi:
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