We will develop Van Der Kemps Kloof and Bethelsdorp into an NMB heritage tourism destination

Statement by Retief Odendaal MPL – DA NMB Mayoral Candidate:

• Nelson Mandela Bay’s historical Bethelsdorp and Van Der Kemps Kloof sites sit underutilised.
• The precinct is a heritage site and must become a must-see tourism attraction.
• The DA makes a commitment that this precinct will be developed so that it can become a real tourism offer.

As South Africans prepare to celebrate Heritage Day tomorrow, Nelson Mandela Bay’s historical Bethelsdorp and Van Der Kemps Kloof sites sit underutilised, with the precinct unkempt, dark, unsafe, and lacking infrastructure and amenities to entice tourists.

The precinct is a heritage site of significant importance in Nelson Mandela Bay and must become a must-see tourism attraction, helping to grow the local economy and creating jobs.

Today, I visited the heritage precinct comprising the Van der Kemp’s Congregational Church (first built in 1803), Market Square Bell (erected in 1815), Livingstone Cottage (reported to have hosted Dr David Livingstone after he arrived in Algoa Bay in 1841), and a row of alms houses constructed in 1822. The church also possesses the oldest Bible in the country, printed in Holland in 1664, as well as the original pulpit chair and baptismal font dating from 1803.

It is clear that the ANC government has not been supporting the church in trying to preserve its heritage value. That is why the DA makes a commitment that this precinct will be developed so that it can become a real tourism offer.

A DA municipality will be at the forefront of securing external funding to help the church with preservation. Within the next two financial years, after the DA takes over government, we will upgrade the Van Der Kemps Kloof Nature Reserve to support the precinct offer.

We will make budget available to ensure street and high mast lights across the precinct, improve safety and security, and upgrade and maintain municipal infrastructure so that tourist and residents alike can enjoy the experience.

Van Der Kemps Kloof and Bethelsdorp possess a combination of natural, environmental, cultural, and historical assets, that must elevate it as a premium tourist destination that creates jobs in Nelson Mandela Bay.

The precinct must become known for safe guided heritage tours and nature walks, local food and craft markets, educational programmes, and environmental activities that will create new job opportunities for the people of Bethelsdorp.

At the Local Government Elections on 4 November residents can unite behind the DA so that we can get Nelson Mandela Bay and the rich heritage of Bethelsdorp and Van Der Kemps Kloof working for all.