The Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), will launch the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State, on Sunday, 22 June 2025.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George will launch the Centre.
The two departments recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre to boost tourism in the Free State.
“The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre is a world class and state-of-the art interactive visitor attraction with strong potential for tourism growth,” said spokesperson for the Department of Tourism, Tasneem Carrim.
Situated within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP) in the Free State, the centre will offer visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge (paleontological, archaeological and geological) with a broader appreciation of cultural heritage through interactive exhibitions.
The department successfully secured funding of R120 million from the European Union through the National Treasury for the implementation of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre.
The centre is managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks), and it is envisaged that the facility will increase the bed occupancy and more activities for visitors to the park.
The development of the project includes the Interpretation Centre (paleontological offices and work space), the reception area, lecture halls, the display area-exhibition and display installation, the coffee/curio shop, the activity node – office, activity areas (children), parking – paved parking area, look-out point and bulk services, upgrade electrical supply – transformer and cable, sewer – connect to existing system water – connection.
According to Carrim, the centre celebrates a globally significant paleontological discovery - the oldest dinosaur embryos known to man, offering a world-class educational and cultural experience, that deepens public understanding of our natural history.
“The interpretation centre is a unique local attraction which offer visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge,” she said.
The centre is set to be a key driver of local economic development, job creation and tourism growth in the eastern Free State.
The event will culminate with a graduation of the tourist guides that were trained as part of the development of the centre. – SAnews.gov.za
