There are high hopes that the launch of a new, R120 million (€5.8 million) dinosaur interpretation centre, highlighting South Africa’s scientifically important fossil discoveries, will support the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State in its efforts to become an internationally recognised tourist destination.
One of the largest infrastructure projects implemented by the Department of Tourism over the past decade, the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre – co-funded by government and the European Union – was officially opened by Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dion George on June 22.
It includes various fossil exhibits, interactive displays, timelines and life-sized dinosaur models, drawing attention to the numerous significant paleontological discoveries made within the park and surrounding areas. The discoveries – already well-known in the scientific community – include that of the world’s oldest fossilised dinosaur embryos belonging to Massospondylus carinatus, a five-metre long herbivore that nested in the Free State 200 million years ago.
“This facility is a wonderful addition to our diverse tourism offerings and will ensure repeat visits, keep visitors longer and, more importantly, help visitors spend more money in our captivating destinations,” De Lille said at the launch.
The centre is named after a mythical monster called Kgodumodumo (meaning “Great Giant” in Sesotho), as described in the centre’s introductory video providing a link to the rich storytelling culture of the local Basotho people.
Jonah Choiniere, Professor of Comparative Paleobiology at the University of the Witwatersrand, leading research into the area’s paleontological findings, said the centre’s goal is to draw attention to the region’s underappreciated but rich prehistoric history.
“There are very few other places in the world that preserve so many fossils from the Jurassic period. The scientific community knows that this is a dinosaur hotspot. But the target here is to tell this story to South Africans and international tourists while bringing elements of the Basotho culture into this,” said Choiniere.
He said efforts are also underway to have the fossil sites at Golden Gate designated as a National Heritage Site with the possibility of future UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
‘Compelling reason’ to visit SA
FEDHASA National Chairperson Rosemary Anderson described the centre as an “iconic addition to South Africa’s tourism portfolio”.
She said: “In addition to our natural beauty and rich history and culture, this gives paleo enthusiasts a compelling reason to visit South Africa, the Free State, the charming town of Clarens and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.” The centre enriches South Africa’s existing paleontological narratives, added Anderson.
“South Africa is widely recognised as the Cradle of Humankind – the birthplace of modern humanity. Not only are we home to the origins of humankind but now we can lay claim to being at the frontier of understanding prehistoric life on Earth. It is a powerful reminder of the exceptional depth and breadth of our country’s heritage.”
The launch marked the handover of the facility’s management to SANParks. After several delays in the construction process, the eventual opening of the facility is a “watershed” moment, said Paddy Gordon, Park Manager at Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
“There were so many aspects that needed to be pulled together by various agencies – from traditional leadership to the scientific community, architects, surrounding communities and provincial and national departments. To see it culminating in this world-class facility makes it all worth it,” said Gordon.
Spotlighting communities
De Lille said, in addition to the creation of 113 employment opportunities during construction, 15 tourist guides from the community have been trained by the Department of Tourism.
She described the facility as a “catalyst for broader tourism development in the Free State’s rural economy”. The centre will feature in SA Tourism’s global and domestic marketing campaigns going forward, added De Lille.
“Our goal now is to drive international awareness. We need to diversify tourism in terms of the source markets we reach and the development of exciting new products such as this,” she said.
