Johannesburg - Thursday’s unveiling of a ground-breaking fossil in the Cradle of Humankind has been hailed as a coup for SA, but at least one analyst is sceptical that it will do anything to bolster tourism numbers.
The unveiling has been hailed as a break through in our understanding of where humankind came from and modern-day understanding of human behaviour among our ancestors.
The discovery of the fossils - representing at least 15 individuals - may alter views of human behaviour, Wits University, the National Geographic Society and the South African Department of Science and Technology/ National Research Foundation (DST/NRF) said on Thursday.
Besides shedding light on the origins and diversity of our genus, the new species, Homo naledi, appears to have intentionally deposited bodies of its dead in a remote cave chamber, a behaviour previously thought limited to humans.
As a result of the massive scientific breakthrough, many are saying the country will benefit from an influx of tourists keen to see the fossils.
Speaking to the South African Broadcasting Corporation, Maropeng Africa board member and Trustee of Cradle of Humankind, Trish Hanekom reportedly said the find will boost tourism figures in the country.
Brand South Africa CEO Kingsley Makhubela, who celebrated the find as “part of our heritage and as part of South Africa’s legacy to the world”, was also keen to welcome visitors.
“South Africa looks forward to welcoming the world to the Cradle of Humankind to view the fossil elements which will be on display from September 11 – October 11, 2015.”
However, Warwick Lucas, chief investment officer at Galileo Asset Managers, says although the find is “fascinating”, “it won’t be in a museum straight away, and it won’t help offset the damage done by the birth certificate fiasco”.
Lucas is referring to Department of Home Affairs rules requiring tourists who are applying for visas to travel to a South African embassy to appear in person during the application process, and the requirement for all children under the age of 18 travelling to and from SA to present an unabridged birth certificate.
According to Grant Thornton’s Advisory Service, in a July report, the new rules have cost the economy about R1.6 billion as 150 000 fewer people chose to visit the country at a time when the country’s weak currency should theoretically have driven up the numbers.
Lucas adds the find will not results in a massive tourism boost that can offset the decline. “It will attract some long stay professionals maybe, but there will be no immediate tourism boost.”
Lucas is not alone in worrying about the visa rules, with Bloomberg on Friday reporting that Christo Wiese, one of South Africa’s richest men, has accused the government of implementing ill-considered policies that are curbing economic growth and undermining efforts to reduce poverty.
Wiese cited the visa regulations as being a deterrent to visitors to SA.
IOL