Ejiro Efenudu
South Africa’s rich heritage in astronomy just gained a powerful new attraction. On July 9, the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Visitor Centre officially opened in Observatory, Cape Town, aiming to inspire thousands of visitors each year through a unique blend of science, tourism, and culture.
The centre was launched by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzima dear, on the historic grounds of the SAAO, which has played akey role in African and global astronomy for over 200 years.
A New Chapter in Astro-Tourism
The visitor centre is expected to welcome over 18,000 visitors annually and offers an exciting range of experiences:
- Interactive astronomy exhibits
- Access to historic telescopes
- Multilingual storytelling, including indigenous celestial knowledge in isiXhosa and Khoekhoegowab
“This facility brings science closer to the public,” said Minister Nzimande. “It celebrates both modern astronomy and ancient knowledge systems, making it a place of learning and wonder for all ages.”
Backed by Science and Tourism Leaders
The centre is the result of collaboration between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Department of Tourism, and the National Research Foundation.
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille called the launch a major step forward in implementing South Africa’s National Astro-Tourism Strategy, which was approved by Cabinet in May 2025.
“The SAAO Visitor Centre shows how science and tourism can work hand in hand,” De Lille said. “It opens up new frontiers in experiential and educational travel, while sharing South Africa’s heritage with the world.”
She emphasized the government’s goal to diversify tourism and strengthen local communities by connecting visitors with science, history, and indigenous wisdom.
Supporting South Africa’s Astro-Tourism Vision
The new SAAO facility supports all three pillars of the National Astro-Tourism Strategy:
- Indigenous Celestial Narratives & Human Capacity Development
- Infrastructure Development & Inclusive Tourism Growth
- Cross-Sector Partnerships
According to De Lille, the SAAO Visitor Centre, along with the Twee Rivieren Interpretation Centre in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, will allow both locals and tourists to experience African astronomy in new and meaningful ways.
“We are opening the night skies to the world,” she added. “Through these centres, we share not only the science of the stars but the stories of our ancestors.”
Education Meets Inspiration
The SAAO Visitor Centre is designed for families, students, tourists, and anyone curious about the universe. It encourages learning through hands-on exhibits and storytelling that connect the cosmos with African identity and culture.
By combining modern science with indigenous astronomy traditions, the centre stands as a model for inclusive science education and community-based tourism.
Final Thought:
The launch of the SAAO Visitor Centre is more than a celebration of space—it’s a powerful step toward a future where science, culture, and tourism come together to create meaningful experiences and new opportunities for South Africans and visitors alike.
