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The Executive Mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality, Cllr. Douglas Maimane, has officially welcomed dignitaries, investors, and industry leaders to the Coastal and Waterways Tourism Investment Summit, positioning the Bojanala Platinum District as South Africa’s next frontier for water-based tourism.

In his opening address, Mayor Maimane underscored the potential of inland waterways to drive job creation, community empowerment, and sustainable economic growth. “While we are a landlocked district, our dams and rivers are our coasts and waterways. They are our blue gold, offering immense untapped potential for tourism and investment,” Maimane said. He emphasised that water-based tourism could expand beyond conservation to become an anchor for the region’s economy — with dams, lakes, and rivers transformed into hubs for recreation, culture, and eco-tourism.

Unlocking the Blue Economy in Bojanala.

Globally, coastal and marine tourism is associated with oceans. For Bojanala, however, the focus is firmly on inland waterways, which offer a wide spectrum of opportunities:

• Recreational tourism: boating, kayaking, fishing, jet-skiing.
• Eco – tourism: birdwatching, nature trails, wildlife viewing.
• Adventure tourism: white-water rafting, abseiling, water sports.
• Cultural and heritage tourism: showcasing the communities and histories along the district’s rivers and dams.

“Tourism is no longer limited to game drives and resorts. With the right strategy, our inland waterways can become magnets for domestic and international visitors,” Maimane added.

Harnessing Bojanala’s Water Assets

The district’s major dams form the backbone of its tourism vision:

• Hartbeespoort Dam: already a popular attraction, with opportunities for expanded cruises, water sports, and waterfront dining.
• Vaalkop Dam: ideal for birding, eco-lodges, and nature-based tourism.
• Bospoort Dam: positioned for family recreation and fishing.
• Koster Dam: identified for integrated agri-tourism and water recreation projects.

The mayor said that by developing integrated tourism nodes combining activities, accommodation, and retail spaces, Bojanala could create sustainable growth while promoting environmental stewardship.

History, Heritage and Community Pride

Mayor Maimane also reflected on the deep history of the Hartbeespoort area, once home to the Bapo tribe before they were forcefully removed from their land. He reminded delegates that what many now call “Magalies” is historically “Mogale”, named after Chief Mogale, an ancestor of the Maimane lineage.

“This heritage is not just history — it is a living identity. Communities must take pride in their roots, and in how tourism can celebrate who we are in Bojanala, in the North West, and in South Africa as a whole,” he said.

Building Investor ConfidenceTo attract investment, the mayor highlighted the need for infrastructure such as marinas, secure parking, ablution facilities, and hospitality nodes. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) were positioned as central to unlocking large-scale projects while reducing investor risks.

Annual water-based events — from fishing tournaments and sailing regattas to canoe marathons — were proposed as crowd-pullers capable of boosting local business and employment.

“Just as an information desk guides shoppers in a mall, a tourism hub guides visitors to every opportunity in our towns — from clubs and restaurants to accommodation and cultural attractions,” Maimane explained.

A Call to Collaboration

The Executive Mayor introduced the Deputy Minister of Tourism and other national delegates, stressing the need for government, business, and community partnerships. “This is a new frontier for us. Together, we can turn our blue vision into reality and make Bojanala a premier destination for water-based tourism and investment,” he concluded.

The Coastal and Waterways Tourism Investment Summit runs from 23–24 September 2025 in Hartbeespoort, convening policymakers, investors, academics, and industry leaders to unlock the potential of South Africa’s inland waterways and coastal tourism.

At the Coastal and Waterways Tourism Investment Summit, Dr. Nomtha Hadi, Director of Research at the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), underscored the continued relevance of Operation Phakisa, South Africa’s blueprint for unlocking the potential of the Blue Economy.

Responding to a delegate’s concern, Dr. Hadi clarified: “Operation Phakisa is not dead — it has been reimagined.” She explained that the initiative continues to highlight key areas such as aquaculture, which not only supports local economies but also contributes to nutritional food security and the development of renewable energy value chains.

“Here in Hartbeespoort, we already see successful aquaculture farmers,” she noted. “These inland successes prove that aquaculture is a cornerstone of the broader ocean economy.”

Tourism, Manufacturing, and Inclusive Growth

Dr. Hadi, who also lectures at Nelson Mandela University’s Business School, emphasized the interconnectedness of coastal and marine tourism. Tourists visiting one destination often explore additional opportunities nearby, creating ripple effects across regional economies.

She pointed to the Western Cape as a leader in boat manufacturing, while also noting identified gaps that could be filled to support both coastal and inland economies.

Education, Training, and Skills Development

Central to Dr. Hadi’s vision is capacity building through education and skills training. She highlighted how SAIMI works with traditional leaders and students to deepen exploration of the ocean economy, especially in inland provinces.

Through partnerships with 19 TVET colleges, SAIMI has advanced artisanal training in aquaculture and boat building, while also enabling graduates to gain skipper licenses and practical maritime certifications.

Institutions such as Majuba, Motheo, Northlink, and Umfolozi TVET Colleges are already involved in these programmes. Recently, SAIMI supported the Northern Cape River Rafting Project, which saw youth undergo weeks of intensive training, culminating in official certification.

“Students are key to this journey,” Dr. Hadi stressed. “They are not just learning — they are building the future of our maritime and inland economies.”

A True Advocate for Transformative Change

Dr. Hadi, whose PhD in Development Studies explored long-term scenarios for South Africa’s ocean economy towards 2060, remains a strong advocate for transformative change through good governance, research, and lifelong learning. Her call to action at the summit was clear: South Africa’s inland and coastal waterways must be leveraged inclusively to empower youth, drive investment, and create sustainable growth for generations to come.

The Coastal Marine & Waterways Tourism Investment Summit, set for 23–24 September 2025 in Hartbeespoort, will gather government, investors, and communities to unlock South Africa’s marine and inland waterway tourism potential, driving sustainable development and job creation.

The Africa Coastal Marine and Maritime Tourism Alliance (ACMMTA) has formally expressed strong support for the Merchant Shipping Bill [B12—2023], urging Parliament to unlock South Africa’s coastal shipping potential — especially for cruise tourism, local job creation, and blue economy development.