Thus the name !Khwa ttu has long been echoed in the corridors of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape. The Tourism officials from my Department often use this very project as a case study when dealing and speaking to communities and other tourism stakeholders and role-players.
It has truly set the bench-mark for how tourism projects should be developed, implemented and managed within the Western Cape, South Africa and indeed the rest of Africa. On this note I would like to thank Michael Diaber and the staff of !Khwattu for their relentless support and the effort displayed, in the implementation of this very exciting project.
The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre is not only a celebration of San culture, but has a mandate to ensure the:
- restoration and display of the San's heritage, culture, folklore, visual arts, cosmology and languages.
- the education of the general public about the world of the San, and
- the provision of training to the San in literacy, entrepreneurship, tourism, health issues, community development, craft production/marketing and gender awareness.
The above are important because modern society has drastically influenced the life of many San communities in Southern Africa. This has resulted in marginalisation, loss of land, identity, language and culture.
As a government we want to preserve, nurture and honour the heritage of our forebears. We also understand that people throughout the world, are fascinated by the San and their way of life.
It is for the reason that in 1999 the Working Group of Indigenous Minorities in Southern Africa (WIMSA) embarked on the development of a San Cultural and Education Centre to address some of these issues.
!Khwattu is a choice destination for the discerning tourists who wishes meet and learn about South Africa's First People, while enjoying a beautiful natural setting in a unique West Coast environment. This initiative has the potential to become an iconic attraction for the West Coast region.
The Tourism industry is a vibrant and integrated sector of the economy that significantly contributes to equity, sustainable growth, and most importantly, the betterment of society.
This sector provides an economic engine that results in quality jobs; and the creation of micro-enterprises and SMME opportunities that create wealth and opportunities. These benefits can be equitably shared by all stakeholders, including the San people.
Some of the projects major accomplishments include the following:
- the development of a boma which is used for special and private functions,
- the refurbishment of the old historic dwellings on the farm into a visual museum with an amphi-theatre,
- a restaurant, craft curio shop and two conference facilities,
- the renovation of the Bush Guesthouse which has already started to generate income for the project,
- the development of a campsite with appropriate ablution facilities,
- several hiking trails which offer visitors unforgettable nature and educational experiences,
- the introduction of various species of game and extensive training,
- and capacity building of numerous San communities and staff members.
These are all important developments that give impetus to our stated goal of making the Western Cape a prosperous home for all its' citizens. As indicated the Government of the Western Cape is here to offer assistance, advise and support to !Khwa ttu.
We have various tailor-made assistance and mentoring programmes. All we need is for you present us with your proposals and together we shall face the development challenges of this area. After all we are a government of the people elected by the people.
Thank You.
