Non-functional cultural heritage sites pose a serious threat to the tourism industry and employment in the Gauteng province. Despite Gauteng contributing about a third of South Africa's GDP, over 2.6 million people in the province were unemployed in the second quarter of 2026.
Cultural and historical sites that could support local businesses and create jobs are becoming unusable due to issues with basic services, safety, and maintenance. When a site cannot provide clean toilets, electricity, safe access, or a sound building, visitors avoid it, negatively impacting the entire economic chain.
The scale of this crisis is clearly demonstrated by the example of the 'Cradle of Humankind.' A malfunctioning wastewater treatment system is leading to the contamination of river systems associated with this UNESCO World Heritage site. Reports indicate that all three treatment plants in the city of Mogale were in critical condition.
At the Percy Stuart treatment works, E. coli levels in downstream waters exceeded 2419 per 100 ml, more than double the threshold for extremely high risk. This endangers the environment, public health, and businesses dependent on the international reputation of the 'Cradle.' Guest houses, wedding venues, restaurants, tour operators, and agricultural enterprises cannot thrive near polluted rivers and strong sewage odors.
In Emfuleni, the Tourist Information Centre should direct visitors to local attractions and businesses, but parliamentary oversight found a dilapidated building there with mold, lack of sanitary facilities, and outdated information systems.
The Mphatlalatsane Theatre in Sebokeng has long been closed or only partially used due to vandalism, repair delays, and the inability to maintain and secure the building. Its closure deprives local performers of a stage and eliminates opportunities for technicians, catering services, security companies, photographers, and vendors.
The problem extends across the province. The Alexandra Heritage Centre previously faced shortages of water and electricity, limiting its benefit to the local community and neighboring businesses. The Sharpeville Human Rights Centre has encountered deteriorating infrastructure, damaged exhibits, safety issues, and unclear responsibilities between different levels of government.
At the Boipatong Monument and Youth Centre, structural, electrical, staffing, and safety issues have resulted in valuable public facilities being underutilized. These shortcomings deprive the community of opportunities for tourism, youth development, events, and small business activity.
These problems become even more alarming when compared to the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Annual Report for 2025/2026. The heritage resources service spent R46.573 million out of R49.359 million allocated, leaving R2.786 million unused. While this is an improvement compared to the R9.360 million unused in 2024/2025, the heritage budget itself decreased from R65.436 million to R49.359 million, representing a reduction of 24.6%.
Minister of the Executive Council Lebogang Mayle stated in the report's preface that the department's results focused on 'active and healthy communities, a thriving creative economy, and accessible cultural heritage.' However, cultural heritage cannot be considered accessible if budgets are cut, funds remain unused, and heritage sites cannot function due to lack of water, sanitation, electricity, safety, and maintenance.
The consequences are particularly felt in urban and rural areas where heritage sites can serve as a foundation for broader economic activity. For instance, the restoration of the Mphatlalatsane Theatre could ensure regular work for artists and production crews while increasing demand for surrounding businesses.
A functional visitor centre could connect tourists with Emfuleni heritage routes, accommodation, and restaurants. Repairing the Mogale sewage infrastructure would protect both the 'Cradle of Humankind' and the businesses operating in this internationally important location.
The DA party believes that providing basic services and economic development should not be viewed as separate responsibilities. Water, sanitation, electricity, roads, and safety are the foundation upon which tourism businesses operate. They determine whether a visitor feels safe, whether an event can take place, and whether a restaurant or guesthouse can continue to operate.
Maintaining basic services is an investment in tourism, business, and jobs. Gauteng cannot claim seriousness about reducing unemployment while allowing sewage, dilapidated infrastructure, and abandoned public facilities to close doors to economic opportunities. The DA plans to integrate tourism into local economic development to stimulate growth and create jobs by restoring local heritage sites and ensuring stable supply of necessary services.