Kgalagadi - The South African Government has invested R395 million into the infrastructural development of the Kgalagadi Transfontier Park in the lead up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

According to Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said the money would be used to upgrade and develop new infrastructure over the next three years.

It is anticipated that thousands of visitors would visit the country for the world-famous soccer tournament.

The minister was speaking at the 75th anniversary of the former Kalahari-Gemsbok National Park at Tweerivieren Rest Camp in Kgalagadi, Northern Cape, on Tuesday.

It is now called Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and straddles South Africa and Botswana.

The Minister indicated that the rollout of infrastructure would include the building and upgrading of accommodation as well as the construction of roads in the park.

"It will also create an improved seventh entrance to the park," he said.

The minister said the park had been identified as a priority for implementation within the first phase of the Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) 2010 strategy, which is an official Southern African Development Community (SADC) initiative.

"The Mata Mata access road and gateway is integral to the strategy, and constitutes a segment of an envisaged coast-to-coast transfrontier tourist route being developed for the 2010 World Cup.

"As a tourism border post, Mata Mata will increase revenue for the TFCA by capitalizing on the new TransKalahari Highway, and attracting a new stream of visitors from Namibia," Mr van Schalkwyk said.

In the 2005/6 season, the park is said to have attracted close to 22 000 visitors.

"Since last year 643 students, guided by 31 educators, visited the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park from around the country, covering an average distance of 3460 km in 2005 and 1890 km this year.

"To enhance the experience of these young people, the park management established a youth centre. This centre is due to be upgraded as part of the Social Responsibility Programme."

This initiative called Kids in Parks aims to enhance cultural resource management and indigenous knowledge, as well as strengthen community relationships said the Minister.

"With the recent improvements to the rest camps and facilities and further upgrades in the pipeline, the park will be more than ready to receive both local and international tourists who are arriving in increasing numbers," Mr Van Schalkwyk said.

In term of its size, the South African side is 9591 square kilometres large while Botswana's side measures 28 400 square kilometres.

The anniversary celebrations were also attended by members of the indigenous San community.

The Nana speaking people who reside in areas surrounding the park, displayed their cultural heritage through traditional song and dance. - BuaNews