Cullinan Mine launches upgraded tourism display room
“There has never been a more opportune time for Petra to extend a helping hand to enhance tourism in the community within which we operate, by creating an environment that will attract, develop and promote tourism in these challenging economic times we live in.”
The Cullinan Diamond Mine (CDM) celebrated international tourism day by launching an upgraded tourism display room.
A venue on the mine used by local tour operators was officially opened on Wednesday, September 27.
Key stakeholders that attended the event included representatives from the DMRE, the Department of Education, Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Dinokeng Projects, ward councillors from local communities, Tshwane Tourism and CDM organised labour.
The mine said in a media statement that the town of Cullinan is a vibrant tourism destination, alive with possibilities.
“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, there were between 20 000 and 30 000 local and international tourists coming through the town for exclusive underground and surface mine tours.”
According to CDM, there has therefore never been a more important time than now to step up as an organisation and hold themselves accountable for helping to build and shape the communities within which they live and work.
One of the ways in which the company is promoting local tourism is the installation of a large photo frame at the lookout point at the Cullinan pit, strategically positioned to provide an iconic view of the mining activities for locals’ tourists and travellers making their way through Cullinan.
A professional tourism DVD was also produced for the four local tour operators, and CDM delivered on its promise to refurbish and upgrade the Tourism Display Room.
CDM further stated that through proactive collaborations and stakeholder agreement, there is no challenge too great for solutions to be founded where people are committed to finding a resolution, and there is no opportunity that should be overlooked when it comes to the upliftment and development of a town and its people.
ALSO READ: Standerton VLU-vroue beplan volgende jaar se program
CDM, therefore, encourages robust engagement with all its stakeholders and is committed to continuous community engagement.
“Mines pioneer their way into communities by providing a primary economy. It has however become more apparent that mines have a greater responsibility to invest in secondary economies to make mine closure less traumatic to the communities beyond the life of the mines.
“There is value in unlocking the economic potential of South Africa’s heritage resources.
“Tourism is one of the objectives identified and was first mentioned in CDM’s closure plan submitted to the DRME in 2020.
“There has never been a more opportune time for Petra to extend a helping hand to enhance tourism in the community within which we operate, by creating an environment that will attract, develop and promote tourism in these challenging economic times we live in,” said the general manager of CDM, Bonke Ntimane.
“CDM strives to be a responsible corporate citizen and adheres to the various legislative prescripts which govern the mining industry and implements international best practices to ensure that it goes beyond compliance.
“We believe that by empowering the people of Cullinan through educational and economical investment, we help build a strong town that will prosper long after the life of the mine,” Ntimane concluded.
