The reserve has never been closed, and it is open for camping, hiking, self-guided game drives, picnic sites, a hall for events, fishing, and boating.

Only the chalets were closed temporarily for refurbishments, which have been completed. Furniture fitments will be completed within a month.

“The department has been on a drive to upgrade all the resorts across the province as part of its objective to elevate every aspect of the visitor's experience at the facilities,” said Free State Destea spokesperson Mojalefa Mphaphang.

“The Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve is operational, and guests are encouraged to continue choosing this facility for leisure and adventure.”

The department would also like to apologise to its guests for the delays and any inconvenience that this may have caused, he said.

The DA welcomed the allocation of funding towards the upgrading and maintenance of provincial parks and reserves, including the upgrading of accommodation facilities, but has called for the department to prioritise access to online bookings.

In a question by the DA to the MEC of Destea, it was revealed that 23,384 visitors visited the 14 parks and resorts in the province during the period from April 2024 to September 2024; thus, on average, a mere 9 visitors visited the 14 parks daily.

“The DA will continue to lobby Destea to roll out online bookings at the 14 provincial parks and wildlife reserves under its management, and to improve its marketing programme,” said Free State DA portfolio committee member Werner Pretorius.

“In the 21st century, it cannot be that potential visitors to parks and reserves are unable to book accommodation and activities online.”

The increased ease of bookings and more effective marketing will attract more visitors, both local and international, in return stimulating much-needed economic growth and job creation across the province, he said.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg