A two-year temporary 
job opportunity involving the upgrading of the Agulhas National Park's Lighthouse Precinct in the Western Cape has renewed hope for Suzette Leonard, who worked as a construction worker at the facility.
The 49-year-old Leonard from Bredasdorp in the Western Cape, secured the temporary construction worker position in 2024 when she was struggling to get her baking business off the ground and was worried about where the next meal for her and her three children would come from.
This job opportunity became her lifeline, helping her generate income and allowing her to acquire critical skills.
"Part of my job included helping with construction work, installing paving, painting, cleaning the site, planting trees and learning horticulture. I acquired various skills that I will be able to impart to others," she said.
During the upgrades of the precinct, she also attended other skills training, including first aid, health and safety and painting courses.
She is now confident that she will be able to secure work in future should other opportunities arise because she is multi-skilled.
The infrastructure developments at the Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct are aligned with South African National Parks' (SANParks) approach to inclusive conservation, which supports co-creation with local communities to ensure their sustainability.
Leonard is one of more than 117 community members from Agulhas, Struisbaai and Bredasdorp who secured employment and training opportunities through this collaborative initiative.
While earning income from working at the construction site, Leonard saved some of her earnings and used them to kickstart her baking business when the construction project was completed, allowing her to continue to provide for her family.
This precinct is expected to create a thriving area for SMMEs to offer crafts, food and cultural experiences.
The upgrades to the Agulhas National Park's Lighthouse Precinct are expected to create lasting opportunities for local communities.
Promoting local tourism
The upgrades to the Agulhas National Park's Lighthouse Precinct are set to drive up tourism numbers while advancing the cause of heritage and inclusive conservation in the Overberg region.
The Department of Tourism and SANParks invested R81.7 million to build new infrastructure and enhance the aesthetics of the 178-year-old Agulhas Lighthouse.
The precinct includes a 60-seater restaurant, a fully equipped interpretation centre, visitor and bus parking facilities, new access stairways and a wheelchair ramp to improve universal access.
Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille noted during the handover ceremony that the project serves as a clear example of how collaboration in tourism infrastructure can drive both job creation and enterprise development, ensuring that the benefits extend well beyond the construction phase.
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