Nearly R82m refurbishment of the Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct creates 117 jobs

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille at the unveiling ceremony of the upgraded Agulhas lighthouse precinct on Tuesday. Picture: X/ Tourism_gov_za Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has expressed her pleasure at how many jobs have been created by the refurbishment of the Agulhas lighthouse precinct in the Western Cape. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the upgraded Agulhas lighthouse precinct held by the department of tourism and South African National Parks (SANParks) on Tuesday, she expressed gratitude to all the partners involved in making the upgrade possible.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to all our partners who made today possible,” she said. “To SANParks, the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment, the contractors and community members, thank you for your hard work and dedication. “ The refurbishment of the Agulhas lighthouse precinct started in March 2024 and has cost the partners involved at least R81.7 million.

The department funded R54.99 million and SANParks R26.7 million. “This project has created 117 local employment opportunities and supported nine local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs),” she said. “It’s a clear demonstration of how tourism infrastructure contributes directly to job creation and enterprise development.” The Agulhas lighthouse precinct is located at Cape Agulhas, a globally significant geographic landmark where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, which includes the iconic Map of Africa monument.

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According to the department of tourism, this positions the country as a unique, bucket-list destination in global tourism markets. Additionally, it strengthens the Western Cape’s tourism offering beyond traditional hubs.

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