Kimberley
– The Northern Cape Provincial Government is set to revitalize the Kimberley economy through major sport and tourism initiatives.The plan was unveiled by Premier Dr. Zamani Saul alongside MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Mangaliso Matika, during an engagement with representatives of Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley on Monday, 28 September 2026.
The Griquas delegation, led by President Mr. Monty Engelbrecht and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Arni van Rooyen, visited the Office of the Premier to present their holistic rugby development plans and challenges. They were accompanied by Griquas Women’s Rugby Head Coach Ms. Claudia Francke and Women’s Rugby Coordinator Ms. Melissa Nieuwenhuizen, among others.
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During the engagement, Premier Saul pledged R7 million towards the Northern Cape SARU Franchise and challenged the franchise to play an active role in reviving the town’s economy.”As government we have agreed to the repositioning of Sol Plaatje Municipality as a university town with tourism and sport as some of the main economies. The construction of Sol Plaatje University serves as an offset to the decline in mining activities.
SPU accounts for 34% of the town’s economy. But the question is, how do we use big brands like Griquas to maximize tourism in the province?” said Premier Saul.He highlighted several mega sport and tourism events that could strengthen the city’s economy, including the Diamonds and Dorings Music Festival, Wildeklawer rugby tournament, Diamonds and Dorings Yonderfest, Kimberley Big Hole Marathon and the Kimberley Diamond Cup skateboarding competition.
The Premier challenged Suzuki Griquas to introduce a pre-season or competitive rugby tournament to boost domestic tourism.MEC Matika expressed excitement about the imminent opening of the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) offices in the province.
He also spoke about the finalization of the important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DSAC and the Provincial Department of Education.Meanwhile, Suzuki Griquas President Mr. Monty Engelbrecht expressed gratitude to the provincial government.”This for rugby is very special. We have never had such an engagement like this before. We are looking forward to this relationship going forward,” said Engelbrecht.
