The Assegaai Submarine Museum, Africa’s only submarine museum, will be moved to its new place of rest ashore in Simon’s Town in coming months.
After close to eight years since it closed its doors to visitors at the South African Naval base, the vessel is coming ashore next to the False Bay Yacht Club and National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 10 in Simon’s Town, thanks to two specially constructed cradles.
The announcement was made at an unveiling of the cradles on Monday 14 August.
South African Navy vice admiral Monde Lobese said it was a noteworthy accomplishment.
“Today we celebrate the hard work, dedication, perseverance and never-give-up attitude of a handful of volunteers who absolutely refused to give up on their dream.
“That dream was to make sure that we as the South African Navy can have the first – and only – submarine museum on the African continent.
“Once the Assegaai Museum is in place, she will be the 125th museum submarine in the world, but only the 7th in the Southern Hemisphere and the first one in Africa. This is indeed a noteworthy accomplishment.”
In 2015, after operating as a museum since 2008, the Assegaai required external maintenance and closed to the public until funds could be raised for its repairs.
Jankees Trimpe Burger, managing director at Damen Shipyards Cape Town, said their support for the museum came about last year.
“More than a year ago, in February 2022, our sales director for the African region requested support for the realisation of a museum submarine, the former SAS Assegaai on land in Simon’s Town.
“It was not difficult for me to be enthusiastic to assist and with the approval of the board of directors we chose to help with permanent cradles.”
The Assegaai is the last remaining of three French-built Daphné Class submarines operated by the South African Navy during the 70s, 80s and part of the 90s.
It will be moved from the synchro lift, where it is currently held, to its display position and placed on the newly built foundations.
The two cradles, each 3,6 m long x 9,1 m wide weighing seven tons, were built using steel salvaged from old Damen ship transport cradles.
It will hold the submarine in place when it takes up its home next to the False Bay Yacht Club and NSRI Station 10 in Simon’s Town.
Mike Bosazza, chair of the Naval Heritage Trust, said the South African Navy had a rich history.
“The Naval Heritage Trust was formed 29 years ago and it was there to assist the Navy in encouraging South Africans to acknowledge the importance of South African Naval heritage. It is a very proud history.”
The Trust is trying to secure further sponsorship to ensure that the submarine museum can be realised in a reasonable time frame.
Among the costs that need to be covered are R1,8 million to move the submarine and R3 million for the repair and restoration of the external hull of the vessel.
Retired rear admiral Digby Thomson is one of several retired navy men who are assisting on the Naval Heritage Trust submarine museum project.
“We have raised about 40% of the money we need to move the vessel.
“Once we have moved her, we will cut two holes forward and aft to allow for tour groups. We will use the funds from the visitors to finalise her look and make her more presentable to the public.
“I personally believe that everybody should at least visit the inside of a submarine once in their lifetime, just for the experience, to have a look at the technology and to be able to say that they have been there and done it. It really is a fascinating world,” says Thompson.
Wafeeq Fakier, Damen Shipyard Cape Town’s project manager, says the submarine will bring joy to maritime enthusiasts.
“We were happy to help with the preservation of this historic naval vessel which will bring much joy to maritime enthusiasts once it opens its hatch to the public.”
The static submarine museum will be managed and operated by the combined efforts of the Naval Heritage Trust, the local non-profit Facility Management Company (Stadco), and the South African Navy Museum.
