News

27 August 2024

ELANDS BAY CAVE DECLARED A WORLD HERITAGE SITE & COUNCIL CONFIRMS OWNERSHIP OF ITS THREE (3) HOLIDAY RESORTS

Dear Residents and visitors to Cederberg

COUNCIL REMAINS OWNER OF ITS RESORTS

Yesterday (26 August 2024), the council of the Cederberg municipality held its quarterly council meeting.  At that meeting the council confirmed that the Cederberg Municipality remains the owner and manager of its three holiday resorts.  These are the Clanwilliam Dam Resort, Elands Bay Caravan Park and Lamberts Bay Caravan Park. 

We confirm that the council is currently exploring partnerships with the private sector for the long-term management of the resorts as a strategy to enhance tourism and to increase revenue for the municipality.  This is an ongoing exploration and the public will be kept informed of all developments.  Yesterday, the council took note that the first round of invitations and calls for proposals from the private sector have been unsuccessful.  

The council wants to clear up any confusion and categorically state that the resorts remain the property of the municipality and remain open for business and bookings as per normal.

Residents and visitors are invited to make their bookings for the holiday season.

ELANDS BAY - WORLD HERITAGE STATUS

Yesterday, the council also formally took note that on 26 July 2024, the Diepkloof Rock Shelter (Cave) in Elands Bay was declared a world heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (commonly known as UNESCO) at a meeting held in New Delhi, India.

This global recognition has put Elands Bay on the world map and we can expect many tourists and educational groups to visit this heritage site.

The Mayor, Dr Ruben Richards, congratulated the people of Elands Bay and the Cederberg at large for this wonderful world achievement.  In his speech to council the Mayor said:

This Unesco decision confirms that we – and Elands Bay in particular – are the custodians of ancient human culture – amongst the oldest.  Let’s take a moment, Speaker, and reflect on the significance of this world heritage status for our municipality.

I therefore want to congratulate the people of Cederberg, and especially those of Elands Bay.  Their heritage footprint has put us on the world map.  Speaker, my hope is that the future generations of people of the Cederberg and the world at large, will be taught the significance of this achievement.  Perhaps the new name for Elands Bay must be the home of “The Cave”.    Perhaps we must train up tour guides for a new era of tourism in our municipal area.  No longer will this just be the red-tide lobster and crayfish coast or a dead seal and bird flu coast, but the home of “The Cave".

Issued by

Communication and Customer Care Department

Anthony Vusumzi Mlata

Telephone number: +27 482 8000

Email address: media@cederbergraad.co.za