The Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit.
From Midrand's "Religious Mile" to the Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng could play a key role in a new tourism strategy that promotes South Africa's rich religious diversity.
Researchers at North-West University believe the country's churches, temples, mosques and other sacred sites could become major tourism attractions, creating economic opportunities while encouraging greater understanding between different faith communities.
Dr Walter Wessels, from the university's Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) research unit, is part of SacredTravels4Growth, an Erasmus+ initiative funded by the European Union. The project is exploring how pilgrimage routes, sacred heritage and religious destinations could contribute to sustainable tourism, local economic growth, cultural preservation and community development.
Wessels points to Midrand, where a variety of religious sites are located within a relatively small area, describing it as the "Religious Mile". He also highlights the Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit, saying visitors often lack the information and guided experiences needed to fully appreciate the site.
