Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, launched the R3.5 million (€175 175) Twee Rivieren (ǂKhomani) Interpretative Centre and Narrative Development Project on July 19.
“I am delighted and deeply honoured about the launch of Twee Rivieren Interpretative Centre project in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park as it pays homage to the unique culture of the ǂKhomani San. Through this centre, the Department of Tourism has enabled the local community to proudly share the narrative of their captivating culture to thousands of tourists who visit the park annually,” stated Minister De Lille.
Modern design meets ancient wisdom as the Interpretative Centre will provide a unique stop for tourists at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp. The exhibition installation will provide visitors with a demonstration of the cultural and natural heritage of the Park ensuring an immersive experience. It includes the collection of narratives and storylines of the local ǂKhomani communities within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Significance of ǂKhomani
The ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site is an important landscape as it forms part of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with Botswana and it borders Namibia.
The significance of the park can be attributed to its compelling history, and a very rich cultural heritage, with the original inhabitants, the ǂKhomani living close by and able to contribute in the interpretation of the park.
Yet, despite its rich cultural heritage, there has, to date, been no interpretation centre to assist visitors to gain a full understanding and appreciation of the cultural landscape.
Aside from the rich cultural heritage, the World Heritage Site has two important biomes with diverse fauna, attracting visitors worldwide.
De Lille said: “The outcomes of this initiative are to improve the overall visitor experience of tourists to the Red Dune Kalahari Region, facilitate educational trips of school groups and provide entrepreneurial opportunities for the local communities.”
The project scope includes, amongst others, converting an old existing building into the Interpretative Centre, situated in the middle of the Twee Rivieren rest camp. It is the only access point for visitors from South Africa, which was completed in March 2023. Also included is a Market Tree (selling point) where San crafters can sell their products.
The Department of Tourism funds this million-project, and SANParks has been appointed as the implementing agency.
“It is situated in a rural node within the Northern Cape Province, one of the regions identified by government for socio-economic development. The Department has supported a number of projects within the region, all with socio-economic beneficiation on the San Communities” the Minister added.
Hapiloe Sello, the Chief Executive Officer for South African National Parks, stated: “We are proud to be the custodian of the project that will assist in showcasing the rich culture of the Khomani and Mier communities and which is also the reason why Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was incepted as one of the World Heritage Sites in South Africa.”
She added: “This centre is a remarkable achievement which could not have materialised had it not been for the collective input of the ǂKhomani, experts in history and anthropology and SANParks in the research and development of the narrative.
“It showcases how parks and communities can work together for the greater good. This centre is about the people, by the people and for the people.”
Tourist guide training
To further give expression to this project, the Department of Tourism has implemented tourist guide training for ten (10) beneficiaries from the Khomani and Mier communities.
The learners completed training as both Nature and Culture Site Guides for the Kgalagadi Transfontier Park and surrounding areas. This training will allow the communities to directly benefit from the area's interpretation centre and tourism activities.
The interpretation centre will also ensure that tourist guides have access to comprehensive, factually correct and objective information.
“I encourage tourists to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to visit the Twee Rivieren Interpretative Centre as well as take a guided hike with a ǂKhomani tourist guide to learn about the wisdom, customs and folklore of this ancient tribe, without it, no tour to the Kahalari will be complete,” said De Lille.
