The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Visitor Centre was launched in Cape Town on July 9 by South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande.
Located on the historic SAAO grounds in Observatory, the centre is expected to attract more than 18 000 visitors annually. Features include interactive exhibits, historical telescopes and multilingual storytelling, including indigenous celestial narratives in isiXhosa and Khoekhoegowab.
South Africa’s Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille welcomed the launch of the SAAO Visitor Centre, stating: “The SAAO Visitor Centre marks a major milestone in the implementation of the National Astro-Tourism Strategy and Implementation Plan, which was approved by Cabinet in May this year. The facility stands as a testament to how science and tourism can collaborate to unlock new frontiers in experiential and educational travel.”
The Department of Tourism is a co-funder of the visitor centre alongside the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Research Foundation, which administers the SAAO.
“Our investment in the SAAO Visitor Centre reflects the shared commitment by government departments to diversify South Africa’s tourism offerings while deepening public engagement with science, heritage and indigenous knowledge systems,” De Lille stated.
The new facility aligns with all three pillars of the National Astro-Tourism Strategy:
- Indigenous Celestial Narratives and Human Capacity Development
- Infrastructure Development and Inclusive Tourism Growth
- Partnerships
“The launch of the SAAO Visitor Centre is an inspiring example of how tourism can intersect meaningfully with science, culture and education. Through the National Astro-Tourism Strategy, we are opening the night skies to the world and creating new opportunities for local communities. The SAAO Visitor Centre, coupled with the Twee Riveren Interpretation Centre in the Kgalagadi, are two new exciting facilities that share the indigenous narrative on astronomy,” said De Lille.
