By: Abigail Visagie

Following a significant setback suffered by the tourism sector across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is on course to recovery. Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, on Sunday unveiled the R120 million state-of-the-art Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre set to boost the park and retain its former appeal. She was accompanied by the Free State Premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, and MEC for Tourism, Ketso Makume as well as the visibly delighted executive mayor of Dihlabeng Local Municipality, James Tseki. According to De Lille, the centre is a unique interactive facility with a strong potential for both tourism and economic growth in the region, province, and the country. The attraction offers visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge (paleontological, archaeological and geological), with a broader appreciation of cultural heritage through interactive exhibitions. “It is a joyous occasion for our county as we unveil this new exciting cultural and scientific tourism product. This facility is a wonderful addition to our diverse tourism offerings and it will ensure repeat visits, keep visitors longer, and more importantly, help visitors spend more money in our captivating destinations,” said De Lille. “We envision that this tourism facility will boost economic development, create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for surrounding communities, and further attract investment and development.” Unveiled under the theme: “A Nation That Works for All – Unearthing Our Past, Building Our Future,” the new centre further offers an immersive experience with interactive exhibitions that promise to awaken curiosity and delight in every visitor - young and old. “Our fossil record provides evidence for us to say to the entire world, 'Welcome Home!’. From the fossil evidence, we know that Africa is both the Cradle of Humankind and the Cradle of Human Culture. Our fossil wealth, long rock and fossil record, is so unique that it is impossible to write about the development of life on Earth without referring to the South African fossil record,” said De Lille. Echoing the minister’s words, Makume said the province will ensure that the centre is preserved to further maintain the history of the Basotho nation. “The centre should be used to attract tourists in the province and further create jobs for our people. The Free State should be known as a place to go to and not a place to go through,” he said. Additionally, De Lille revealed that 30 tour guides from the local community, trained by the department, will be employed full-time at the centre.