4 minute read
Regional Focus - The Eastern Cape's Fossil Legacy
Boosting Tourism Through Historical Sites
By Jessie Taylor
The small town of Makhanda, Eastern Cape, has long been known for its historical and cultural significance, but recent discoveries at Waterloo Farm have thrust it into the international spotlight for an entirely different reason: fossils. The finds, which date back approximately 360 million years, have given the province a new identity as a hub for palaeo-tourism.
Dr. Rob Gess and his team from the Albany Museum have spent decades uncovering fossils from the Devonian period, unearthing a treasure trove of ancient marine life that was once hidden beneath what is now Makhanda. The Waterloo Farm fossils provide insight into when the Earth was transitioning from life exclusively in water to the first creatures capable of moving onto land.
A Transformative Discovery
One of the most recent and exciting discoveries from the site is that of Hyneria udlezinye, a 3-meter-long predatory fish. Over 26 species have already been formally described from this site, and Dr. Gess believes there is much more to come. These fossils help paint a detailed picture of life during the Late Devonian period, often called the “Age of Fishes.” This period marked a significant evolutionary phase where marine life was incredibly diverse, and the early ancestors of tetrapods - the first fourlegged land animalswere emerging.
Key to this discovery process has been the support of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). Roadworks along the N2, which passes through Waterloo Farm, first exposed the fossil beds in 1985. Over the years, SANRAL has played a crucial role in preserving these ancient treasures, providing essential resources to safely extract and store fossil-bearing rocks.
SANRAL has partnered with Dr. Gess to promote palaeo-heritage tourism in the area, recognising the site’s potential to attract tourists and scientists alike. The agency has built parking areas, preserved sections of the geology at Coombs Hill, and supported the development of educational facilities. A roadside educational centre is also being developed, which will further enhance the public’s understanding of the site’s significance.
A Tourism Treasure
Waterloo Farm’s fossils represent an untapped tourism dimension that is set to breathe new life into Makhanda. Already, the city has positioned itself as a destination for palaeo-tourism, with key exhibitions at “The Old Priest House” and the planned educational centres. This shift promises to draw a new type of visitor to the region, as interested in ancient history as in modern-day attractions.
Makana Tourism’s Acting Director, Prudence Mini, sees this development as critical for Makhanda’s identity. She said these discoveries are important in attracting people to the town. She highlighted that tourism has evolved from simply marketing the city’s historical landmarks to now including its rich prehistoric past.
The tourism industry in the Eastern Cape, part of South Africa’s broader tourism landscape, plays a vital role in economic development and job creation. The Eastern Cape attracts around 7% of the total foreign tourist arrivals in South Africa. This provincial share reflects the region’s diverse offerings, including stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Domestic tourism is also significant in the Eastern Cape, with the province accounting for around 15% of all domestic tourism trips in South Africa. The region’s appeal includes beautiful coastal areas, such as the Wild Coast and the Eastern Cape’s Game Reserves, which attract both local and international visitors. The Eastern Cape has a strong potential for growth, particularly in the adventure tourism sector. Statistics indicate that activities such as hiking, water sports, and wildlife viewing are increasingly popular among tourists.
The collaboration between SANRAL and Dr. Gess is a testament to what can be achieved when local institutions and national bodies come together to preserve and promote heritage. The Waterloo Farm discoveries are more than just a scientific curiosity; they represent an opportunity for Makhanda to redefine itself in the eyes of the world.
As plans move forward for the roadside educational centre and further fossil excavations, the town is poised to become a key destination for both tourists and researchers. In celebrating its ancient past, Makhanda is forging a bright future.
