THE NORTHERN Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Maruping Lekwene, launched the Province’s Summer Tourism programme in the Kalahari on Monday.
Speaking at Rooiduin Sand Dune Farm, Lekwene, who also took his turn sand duning, said he couldn’t think of a more appropriate time to launch the programme.
“With the Bloodhound Land Speed Record (LSR) this morning (Monday) we could not have picked a better time,” he said.
Lekwene went on to say that that the Northern Cape, which is the largest land mass in the country, offered something unique compared to the rest of the country.
“We have a rich cultural history just among us tonight. We have people who can tell us more about the stars amongst other things and we are proud that we have a land restitution programme that actually works.”
He went on to say that everyone who visits the Kalahari gets a feeling of the desert and that it was one of the most relaxing places to get away from the city.
“As you can see the drought has hit this area very hard. It is very dry. This is like no other city or province in the country which has a lot of rain. We don’t have oceans and big cities. We have the desert.”
Lekwene encouraged South Africans to tour their own country instead of opting to visit overseas destinations.
“We need to tour our provinces. We encourage our people to visit our Province which also has a 350km coastal line in the Namakwa district which is in pristine form - untouched.”
Lekwene further encouraged Northern Cape residents to take the five or six days necessary to tour the Province.
Invited guests were also treated to the sight of some Khomani San dancing around the fire.