Northern Cape could benefit from R352 million astro-tourism boost

THE NORTHERN Cape, which is set to play a key role in South Africa’s groundbreaking National Astro-Tourism Strategy, stands to benefit from a R352 million investment that the government wants to allocate to the project to enhance scientific tourism and infrastructure in the province.

The Portfolio Committees on Tourism and Science, Technology and Innovation were recently briefed on the strategy’s implementation plan, highlighting the province’s crucial role as the home of the MeerKAT telescope in Carnarvon and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) in Sutherland. These world-class facilities position South Africa as a leading destination for space tourism and scientific research.

Recognising the economic potential of astro-tourism, the committees urged the Department of Tourism and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation to activate the Tourism Public-Private Partnership Toolkit. Developed by the National Treasury, this initiative aims to upgrade tourism infrastructure in Carnarvon and Sutherland, ensuring that local communities benefit from the influx of visitors and investment.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande emphasised that South Africa is the first country in the world to implement an astro-tourism strategy. They highlighted that the plan not only promotes tourism but also supports education, job creation, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge related to astronomy.

The R352 million investment would be channelled into three main areas:

• Indigenous celestial narratives and human capacity development – incorporating local knowledge into tourism experiences.
• Infrastructure development – improving facilities and access to key sites.
• Inclusive tourism growth and partnerships – ensuring that local businesses, tour operators, and communities benefit from the industry’s expansion.

One of the flagship projects under the strategy is the SKA Science Tourism Visitor Centre in Carnarvon, which will serve as a gateway for visitors keen to learn about South Africa’s world-class astronomy research. The project is currently in the tender adjudication phase and is expected to break ground later this year.

Northern Cape the ideal location

The Northern Cape’s clear night skies, low light pollution, and remote locations make it an ideal site for astronomy research and stargazing tourism. The region is already home to cutting-edge astronomical facilities, including:

• MeerKAT in Carnarvon – a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), one of the largest and most ambitious science projects in the world.
• SALT in Sutherland – the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere.

Minister Nzimande emphasised that South Africa’s investment in astronomy has already increased the number of professional astronomers in the country from 60 to 300 in the last three decades. He also noted that astronomy research has led to practical innovations, including the development of Wi-Fi technology and GPS systems.

The astro-tourism strategy is not just about high-tech science - it also seeks to uplift rural communities by creating jobs, tourism opportunities, and educational initiatives. The plan includes:

• Training local tour guides in astro-tourism.
• Encouraging local businesses to develop accommodation and visitor experiences.
• Using astronomy to preserve indigenous knowledge systems, ensuring that traditional stories about the stars are shared with visitors.

The Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation will conduct an oversight visit to the Northern Cape to assess the progress of the strategy.

The government aims to position South Africa as a global leader in astro-tourism, attracting both international and local visitors. With significant potential funding and strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, the Northern Cape stands to become a world-class hub for space tourism, scientific discovery, and economic growth.