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.
