‘We won’t cave in’: Municipality buries rumours of Cango Caves sale

One of South Africa’s greatest natural attractions, the Cango Caves, has suffered huge economic losses during the country’s extended national lockdown.

Reports have recently surfaced on social media, suggesting that the Cango Caves will be privatised. However, the Oudtshoorn municipality says the posts are misleading and false.

CANGO CAVES: TOP HERITAGE ATTRACTION

The Cango Caves, located 30km outside the Karoo town of Oudtshoorn, is one of South Africa’s prime attractions and is known to be the country’s oldest tourist attraction.

The 20 million-year-old site consists of a series of hidden chambers that cut deep into a thick limestone rock layer. The Cango Caves were inhabited since the Early Stone Age.  They are the largest show cave system in Africa and are often described as one of the great Natural Wonders of The World.

SHRINKING VISITOR NUMBERS DURING PANDEMIC

The Cango Caves usually attracts around 250 000 visitors each year. Most of these visitors are international tourists who include a stop at the Cango Caves while making their way down the Garden Route.

The Cango Caves is heavily reliant on international visitors for its revenue. Border closures and travel bans have led to a global slump in international tourism, which translated into fewer visitors travelling to South Africa over the last year.

The drop in international tourist arrivals has had a severe impact on most tourism providers and attractions across the country. The Cango Caves saw its visitor numbers decline from over 250 000 to under 7 500 visitors last year.

PRIVATISATION NOT ON THE CARDS

The reduced number of visitors to the Cango Caves has had a severe impact on the fiscal situation at this tourist attraction. According to SABC News, the dire financial situation has led to speculation that the attraction might have to be sold.  

The Oudtshoorn Municipality has dismissed the posts on social media alleging that it intends to privatise the Cango Caves. 

RESCUE PLAN FOR CANGO CAVES

Oudtshoorn Mayor Chris Macpherson said the town is developing an economic recovery plan for the embattled Cango Caves and that there are definitely no plans for privatisation.

SABC News reports that the Tourism Department seeks a partnership between government and the private sector to ensure that the Cango Caves are economically sustainable.

Cango Caves’ operations manager Alison Moos has urged South Africans to explore their country and support local attractions.