Giyani begins construction on new landmark

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01-07-2025
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Letaba Herald
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GGM has begun construction on a new “Welcome to Giyani” landmark, aiming to boost tourism and community pride.

LIMPOPO – The Greater Giyani Municipality has officially begun construction on its long-awaited “Welcome to Giyani” site, a project aimed at transforming the entrance to the town into a visually striking and tourist attraction landmark.

The initiative forms part of the municipality’s broader vision to boost local tourism and community pride through infrastructural beautification. Earlier this year, the municipality invited residents and creatives to participate in a design competition for the new welcome sign, offering a generous R100 000 prize for the winning concept.

Less than two months after announcing the winner, construction on the site is already underway.

According to municipal spokesperson Steve Mavunda, the project is being carried out in carefully planned phases. Phase 1, which is currently in progress, focuses on landscaping and site preparation.

Mavunda said this work is being done internally, without the use of external service providers, as the municipality has personnel with the necessary landscaping skills.

“The municipality is handling the landscaping phase internally, using skilled personnel already available within its team,” explained Mavunda. “We intend to save costs while at the same time not compromising the quality of the overall outcome of the project.”

“Phase 2 will see the construction and installation of the new ‘Welcome to Giyani’ sign, which will be mounted on a prominent section of the mountain overlooking the entrance to the town.
This phase will also include the building of a small viewing structure to allow both locals and visitors to appreciate the full scope of the scenic upgrade,” he said.

“Phase 3,” Mavunda added, “will involve the construction of sculptures and the remaining artistic elements that were included in the winning design. These final touches will give life to the complete vision and solidify the site as a unique attraction.”

Meanwhile, the processes to prepare a tender for the construction of phase 2 are said to be underway.

Those willing to participate in the project should start keeping an eye on newspapers to avoid missing out on an opportunity.

Once completed, the site is expected to serve not just as a welcoming point for visitors but also as a symbol of community identity and pride.

The municipality hopes that the project will encourage more tourists to explore the region and help uplift the local economy.

“This is more than just a beautification project,” said Mavunda. “It’s about building a sense of place and giving the people of Giyani something they can be proud of,” he said.