Central SA
Northern Cape kicks off tourism month with a focus on sustainable transformation─── REFILWE BEKANE 15:00 Wed, 17 Sep 2025
The Northern Cape officially launched its provincial Tourism Month 2025 on Wednesday (17/9), embracing the global theme of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”.
MEC for finance, economic development and tourism Venus Blennies-Magage underscored the significance of the theme. “Tourism and sustainable transformation is not just a slogan – it is a rallying cry,” she said. She considers it a call to “rediscover the treasures in our own backyard, to support local tourism enterprises, and to create meaningful memories with those we hold dear.”
The initiative is a “call for action for both locals and visitors to rediscover the province’s unique treasures and support local tourism enterprises”. The campaign emphasises domestic tourism as the crucial heartbeat of the sector’s recovery.
The launch highlighted key initiatives designed to boost domestic travel, including the popular Shot’left Travel Week, which offers special deals to explore the Northern Cape.
Additionally, SANParks’ “Mahala Week” provides free day-entry to iconic Arid Parks like Mokala, Augrabies Falls, and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The week, officially known as SA National Parks Week, runs from 22 to 26 September, with extended free access on 27 and 28 September at selected parks.
MEC Venus Blennies-Magage at the launch. Photo supllied
Blennies-Magage also championed the province’s unique tourism brand pillars: Real Nature, Real Culture, and Real Adventure. The launch event showcased Witsand Nature Reserve, including a new quadbike adventure, positioning the reserve as a gateway to the Kalahari, Namakwa, Karoo, and Diamond Fields.
The province is also promoting its seven signature routes, which offer visitors self-drive or curated itineraries that weave through vibrant communities. “By promoting self-drive routes and curated itineraries through vibrant communities, we ensure that tourism benefits are felt at the grassroots level,” said Magage, highlighting how tourism empowers local communities.
The month’s celebrations will culminate in the Provincial Tourism Day Celebration on 26 September in Kuruman. Magage encouraged visitors to explore the area’s rich offerings, including the Eye of Kuruman, Wonderwerk Cave, and the Kalahari Meerkat Project.
“We’re hosting a range of leisure and cultural events, culminating in the Provincial Tourism Day Celebration. It’s a moment to reflect on our progress and envision the future of tourism in our province.”
