Tourism Strategy For Freedom Park

TOURISM STRATEGY FOR FREEDOM PARK

TBE 210

SUBMISSION DATE: 22 May 2006

Name Student Number

Rautenbach, Marisa

Schmid, Thomas

Kanjee, Smita

Holworthy, Angelica

Vally, Zaakira

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Phases Of Development

2.1. Phase 1 - Garden Of Remembrance

2.2. Phase 2 - Informational Areas

2.3. Phase 3 - Hospitality Areas

3

3

3 1

3. Cultural Elements

3.1. //hapo

3.2. Isivivane

3.3. Lesaka

3.4. Rituals

3.5. Pan African Archives

3

3

4

4

4 3

4. Proposed Linkages 4

5. New Ventures Creation 4

6. Ecotourism Principles 5

7. Marketing Strategy 5

8. List Of References 6

1. INTRODUCTION

Freedom Park is "...a heritage site for reconciliation, humanity and freedom in South Africa..." (The Freedom Park Trust. (2005: Title page)). It is a place where we can reflect on where we came from, where we are now, and where we are headed as a nation.

The location of Freedom Park is significantly related to its theme. Symbolically, the hill on which it is built represents a home to the African people as that is where they lived, prayed for rain and buried their kings. Salvo means a volley of gunshots, derived from the Anglo-Boer war. The Voortrekker Monument is alongside Freedom Park and it links the past with the future. It is situated near the Union buildings, Church Square, Fort Klapperkop and Fort Schanskop, most of which can easily be seen from Freedom Park (The Freedom Park Trust :2006).

2. PHASES OF DEVELOPMENT

2.1. Phase 1 - Garden of Remembrance

Ring road, Parking, Ablution facilities, Information kiosk, Terraces, Lehaha cave tunnel, Contemplative Path to Isivivane, Reflective Path from Isivivane to Sikhumbuto, Isivivane, Sikhumbuto, Tiva and Sculptures / Artistic forms (The Freedom Park Trust : n.d., 5).

2.2. Phase 2 - Informational Areas

//hapo, Pan African Archives, Audio-Visual Library and the Administration Block (The Freedom Park Trust: n.d., 5).

2.3. Phase 3 - Hospitality Areas

Amphitheatre, Moshate, Commercial Facilities, Conference Centre and the remaining infrastructure (The Freedom Park Trust: n.d., 5).

3. CULTURAL ELEMENTS

3.1. //hapo

The name was derived from Nama (Khoi-San), meaning "a dream is not a dream until it's realised by the community" (The Freedom Park Trust, 2006), hence the project name "The Dream". The Dream refers to the information held at the museum and it is presented in an interactive manner with the aid of exhibitions and interactive devices. It offers the visitor an enlightening and entertaining view on the relationship between the history, culture, heritage and spirituality of South Africa (The Freedom Park Trust, 2005:7). //hapo aims to equitably represent all cultures and most importantly act as a reminder to never repeat past mistakes.

3.2. Isivivane

Isivivane (Zulu for sacred heap of stones and boulders (The Freedom Park Trust, 2004:8)), can be seen as the symbolic resting place for all the people who died in the eight conflicts that shaped South Africa and is represented by the Lesaka (The Freedom Park Trust, 2004:23). An interesting fact about Isivivane is that one part of it is higher than the rest. This is so that the chief of the tribe can look out for attacks while conducting important gatherings.

3.3. Lesaka

This sacred structure lies inside the Isivivane and consist of a circular space surrounded by eleven boulders, water and mist. These boulders represent the nine provinces of South Africa, the African continent and the international community (The Freedom Park Trust, 2004:23).

3.4. Rituals

Traditional cleansing and healing rituals and ceremonies are performed within the Isivivane (The Freedom Park Trust, 2004:23).

3.5. Pan African Archives

This is the centre for storage of information including all media related to the culture and history of South Africa. It aims to correctly re-record misrepresented and missing histories of South Africa (The Freedom Park Trust, 2005:7).

4. PROPOSED LINKAGES

* The Gautrain connects Johannesburg International Airport and other points along the route with Pretoria train station (Anon: 2006), with a proposed footpath directly to Freedom Park. This effectively links Freedom Park with the international community.

* Footpaths can also be brought about linking it to other nearby attractions, e.g. Groenkloof Nature Reserve.

* Excursion tickets combining Gautrain fares with entrance fees to the Freedom Park.

* Educational excursions for students studying in the history, politics and/or cultural fields as well as exchange students, can be hosted. UNISA is a prime example.

* Freedom Park can associate themselves as a first class destination with travel agents and tour operators thus including