A transformative initiative is poised to reimagine the Berg River Dam and its surrounding lands, establishing a vibrant hub for sustainable tourism, conservation, and community development.
BRDATC, in partnership with an esteemed network of stakeholders, has successfully secured a historic lease over the Berg River Dam—a landmark achievement and the first of its kind in Africa. This legacy project reflects years of collaborative effort involving Franschhoek community, councils, regulatory bodies, local communities, and private sector.
“Our vision is to reinstate, preserve, protect, and enhance the Berg River Dam area while fostering inclusivity and opportunities for the local community,” said Reghard Goussard, Founder (now Director) of the BRDATC. “This project is about creating a legacy that bridges the gap between environmental stewardship and economic empowerment.”
Stakeholder Collaboration: A Unified Vision
“The Project” exemplifies the power of partnerships, uniting diverse stakeholders who share a commitment to sustainability and community upliftment. Key collaborators include (to name just a few):
• The Franschoek Community: Longstanding contributors to the Franschhoek region, bring a deep understanding of the area’s heritage and a vision for sustainable development.
• Reghard Goussard ( South African – then a retired Ex Advertising Executive & None-Executive Board Member ) known for opening doors and connecting the right people with each other. http://linkedin.com/in/reghard-goussard
• Jean Marie de Buck van Overstraeten (Belgium) – an international developer specializing in eco-friendly infrastructure, ensuring a world-class yet environmentally conscious approach. http://linkedin.com/in/jean-marie-de-buck-van-overstraeten-03690511b
• CapeNature: Providing guidance on conservation and ecological management.
• Stellenbosch Municipality: Facilitating regulatory support and local engagement.
• Department of Water and Sanitation: Overseeing sustainable resource management.
• Department of Public Works & Infrastructure : To provide strategic direction and quality services that offer innovative and proactive socio-economic infrastructure delivery and maintenance of public assets while protecting the environment and the cultural and historic heritage, safety in the working environment and safer communities towards sustainable development sustainable resource management.
Additional support comes from local committees, councils, municipalities, informal and formal community representatives, and adventure tourism specialists, ensuring every aspect of the project reflects the region’s cultural, environmental, and economic priorities.
Letters of support received from:
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Minister of Tourism
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Minister of Department of Water and Sanitation
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Western Cape Government
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Franschoek Heritage & Rate Payers Committee
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La Motte Empowerment Trust
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Franschoek Conservancy
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Franschoek Tourism Board
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South African Tourism Board
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Cape Nature Conservation
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WESGRO
A Community-Centric Model
At the heart of “BRDATC” is a commitment to inclusivity. The project was designed following extensive consultations with Franschoek residents, community leaders, members of heritage & ratepayers committees, and representatives of informal settlements. “We’ve engaged with all key voices to ensure this initiative reflects the aspirations of Franschhoek’s people,” explained Reghard Goussard.
Key elements of the community-first approach include:
• Employment Opportunities: Local jobs will be created, ranging from hospitality, security, to trail building, maintenance of trails and event management – to name just a few.
• Development & Empowerment of key Academies: Academies will help develop a generational pool of local talent to not only work for BRDATC but also the greater Franschoek business community.
• Business Participation: Local businesses and entrepreneurs are invited to submit proposals for services such as engineering, architecture, landscaping, security, fencing, catering, tourism, education, sponsorship and guest accommodations etc.
• Training and Development: Youth-focused programs in sports and conservation will create long-term opportunities for skills development.
TRAILBLAZING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM:
“BRDATC” sets a new benchmark for sustainable tourism, offering a range of activities that balance ecological preservation with adventure and leisure. Highlights include:
Restoration of Bell’s Lodge & adjacent dwellings
This historic building will serve as the centerpiece of the project, housing an administrative office, a reservation hub, a bespoke coffee shop, and an experiential restaurant showcasing local cuisine and culture.
Rehabilitation of Trails
The surrounding landscape will feature a network of rehabilitated hiking, mountain biking, and walking trails, designed to cater to visitors of all ages and abilities while preserving the natural ecosystem.
Water-Based Activities
The Berg River Dam will become a hub for open-water swimming, canoeing, and rowing. Partnerships with Olympians such as Michelle Weber (open-water swimmer) and Roman Del Monte (rower) will introduce programs to inspire and train the next generation of athletes.
Major Sporting & Cultural Events
Plans are underway to host high-profile events, competitions, positioning Franschhoek as a global destination for adventure tourism.
Preserving Heritage, Building a Future
This project is more than just a tourism initiative—it is a tribute to Franschhoek’s rich history and a commitment to its sustainable future. In partnership with the Franschhoek Heritage Council, the project integrates historical preservation into every aspect of development.
In addition, ecological integrity remains a top priority, with the project following the 2016 Resource Management Plan (Department of Water and Sanitation / National Water Resource Infrastructure (NWRI)) to ensure a minimal environmental footprint. From trail design to event logistics, every detail has been crafted with conservation in mind.
“Our goal is to protect the Berg River Dam as a vital natural resource while unlocking its potential as a space for recreation and cultural celebration,” said Jean-Marie de Buck / now Co-Owner of BRDATC Pty Ltd.
Call for Proposals: An Invitation to Shape the Future together
As part of its commitment to local participation, the BRDATC Pty, Ltd. invites all local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs to partner with them and contribute to the project’s vision. Proposals can be submitted for services including engineering, architecture, landscaping, security, fencing, hospitality, tourism, education, event planning, and many more – they hope.
Submissions can be sent to reghard@hardadventures.co.za