Highlighting the achievements of democracy

The Democracy Bus spent the month of August in the Western Cape. On board are dedicated officials - bringing with them the message of celebration and hope.

We had the privilege of getting on the Bus as it transversed the Western Cape, as it seeks to celebrate the country’s 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy by highlighting the achievements of the democratic government and invite dialogues with communities on how to improve their lives.

The Democracy Bus is sponsored by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), an agency of the Department of Transport and operated by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). The Bus has already visited the Free State and Northern Cape Provinces.

Well known for its scenic beauty and a treasure trove of flora and fauna, the Western Cape Province is situated on the South Western coastline of the country, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans converge. Equally loved by local and international tourists for leisure, education and business, it is also home to the infamous Robben Island - where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years – historic vineyards, the majestic Table Mountain and other notable World Heritage Sites.

September being Tourism Month,  we thought it presents an opportune moment to amplify the Department of Tourism’s call for citizens to take a Sho’t Left break to a local destination. Sho’t Left is a campaign which aims to promote the growth potential and contribute to the sustainability of domestic tourism in South Africa. As the Democracy Bus was going about its business, we took this opportunity to seek out and highlight places of interest to share.

On the Western Cape journey we visited the Flood Museum in Laingsburg a place where a devastating flood brought tragedy on the 25th of January 1981.  According to the museum’s notice board, the incident killed 103 people and destroyed 184 houses within a few hours of submerging the small town. As painful as it is that so many people lost their lives, it was an honour for us to visit the place where their remaining belongings are stored and memorialised. 

The next stop was at Ceres (named after the ancient Roman religion’s goddess of agriculture, grain crops and fertility) and situated in a wonderfully fertile area which is one of South Africa's top producers of export quality deciduous fresh and dried fruit, juices and natural spring water. It is also where we got to see and have a better understanding of what a wind farm is.

Perdekraal East Wind Farm is located in the Witzenburg Municipality and has 48 turbines which generates enough green electricity each year to supply up to 111,100 South African homes and eliminate some 410,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. According to our guide, at the peak of its construction, the wind farm supported the local community by providing 400 jobs. This wind farm forms part of the South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP), a competitive bidding process promoting the use of renewable energy sources as part of the country’s integrated energy supply programme.

“30 years of democracy has opened a lot of doors. To be able to bring these projects online [and] to also benefit the people living closer to the farm in terms of job opportunities. I am sure there is more work to be done, what we have achieved so far is commendable through these renewable energies,” Wind Farm Manager Dennis Solomon stated.

The Democracy Bus then made its stop at the South African National Parks-managed Karoo National Park in Beaufort west. According to the Park Manager;  Rollen Januarie, the Karoo region is home to a fascinating diversity of life - all having adapted to survive in these harsh conditions. “The great Karoo is a vast and unforgiving landscape of which the park is but a small portion, but is the largest diverse ecosystem in South Africa.”

The park is known for being a convenient single night stop over for weary travellers between Cape Town and inland. The area has transformed into a park with a range of activities that encourage visitors to linger. Guests can enjoy mountain biking, both guided and self-guided walks, 4X4 trails, and guided game drives.

This journey through the Western Cape was a rich background of experiences, an emotional reflection on history, a celebration of sustainable innovation, and an exploration of stunning natural beauty. Each stop offered a unique perspective on the province's past and present, making it a truly memorable adventure.