Northern Cape Business 2017-18 edition

SPECIAL FEATURE
Bloodhound land speed record
Jet and rocket powered vehicle set to top 1600km/h on Northern Cape runway.
Tourism is playing an increasingly important role
in social dynamics not only in South Africa, but
the all over the world. The Bloodhound project
that will be hosted in the Northern Cape is a
fine example of how tourism can help to unify and
uplift communities.
The Bloodhound project will see RAF wing commander
Andy Green steer a custom-built supersonic
car in an attempt set a new world land speed record
by travelling at 1 000 miles (1 600km) per hour. The
supersonic car will be propelled by rocket and aircraft
engines to achieve the necessary propulsion.
The first test runs will take place at Hakskeenpan
in the Kalahari region of the Northern Cape from
September 2018.
Supported by the Northern Cape provincial
government since 2010, the Bloodhound project
has created employment for members of the small
villages in the Mier district and brought technological
advances and infrastructural improvements that
would otherwise have been unobtainable.
The project has contributed significantly to job
creation in the area with over 300 members of the
local community being contracted to assist with
track clearance. Since November 2010 over 15 800
tons of stones have been removed from the track
and safety zones. The nearby communities have
also benefited from a fresh water pipeline and a
sophisticated communication network.
Local mobile service provider MTN has signed
on as official telecommunication partner and has invested
over R30-million in infrastructure at the pan.
It has installed long-term evolution (LTE) technology
to transmit video, audio and data from the car and
provided 3G connectivity in the area.
The Bloodhound project has also been pivotal
in the marketing efforts of the province by drawing
global attention to a very remote part of South
Africa’s largest province. The province has been promoting
itself as a premier destination for extreme
sports and outdoor adventure and this high-octane
adventure has highlighted this positioning. It has also
showcased the tourism potential and diversity of
experiences to be enjoyed in the Hakskeenpan area.
During the build-up to the first run, the pan has
attracted thousands of visitors which has made a
positive contribution to alleviate unemployment
and has also delivered a significant financial impact
in local communities.
Since 2010, the pan has hosted several motoring
events and even the World Tourism Day celebrations.
Each of these events created further opportunities
for community development and participation as
event managers engage locals as service providers.
This has contributed to giving the local community
a sense of pride and ownership in the project.
The pan lies in the heart of the Kalahari Red Dune
Route and visitors have been encouraged to explore
the fascinating offerings of this diverse region, which
offers something for any type of traveller whether
looking for luxury, adventure, culture or family fun.
Children are being empowering and inspired
by the science and technology represented by the
Bloodhound project. All data generated, including
research and design, and from the manufacturing
and testing stages, are available to schools registered
with the Bloodhound education department.
Visit the Northern Cape Tourism Authority at:
www.experiencenortherncape.com
NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2017/18
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