Africa's first submarine museum to open in South Africa

The submarine was moved from the SA Navy headquarters in Simon’s Town to its new location next to the False Bay Yacht Club in August.

This was announced by South African Navy Vice Admiral Monde Lobese in 2023.

Following several weeks of upgrades and restoration work, the vessel considered to be the first submarine museum in Africa, is expected to be opened by mid-December.

Retired Rear Admiral Arne Soderland from the Naval Heritage Trust shared details about the restoration.

“We are busy with the portals, which are frames to the doorways, and we are fitting a platform, water blasting the frames, and then doing the painting,” Soderland was quoted. The project has seen improvements to the submarine’s exterior and essential systems, such as ramps and ablution facilities, to enhance visitor access.

Initially approved by the Naval Board in 2005, the museum project has been carried out by volunteers at no direct cost to the SA National Defence Force.

The estimated cost of the project, including site preparations and the submarine’s relocation, was R5 million ($283,408).

R500,000 ($28,300) was spent on final preparations, with support of R750,000 ($42,500) from Mayor Geordin-Hill Lewis in June.

Hill-Lewis described the submarine as a unique educational and tourist attraction.

“The City is glad to support the Assegaai’s continued sustainability as a unique educational and tourist attraction for schools and visitors from far and wide,” he was quoted. “This is the only preserved submarine of its kind in Africa, containing all sorts of fascinating technology for young and old to immerse themselves in.”