Picture: Jacob Zuma’s Capture Site in Groot Marico
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 October 2026 – The Groot Marico Heritage Site (The Historical Capture Site) in Groot Marico, North West province, is an official heritage monument commemorating the exact location where former president, Jacob Zuma and 45 other Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) recruits were intercepted and arrested by apartheid security police in June 1963, while attempting to flee into exile. The monument was formally opened by Zuma in October 2017 and the site features a R1.8 million monument and statue.
Some residents urge the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation to make the site more viable to lure tourists to their area. They said the area experiences a high rate of unemployment and tourism sites might bring more job opportunities.
One of the community leaders, Michael Khethele said: “Groot Marico has a rich history and that might assist in creating job opportunities. The Capture Site needs to be taken care of so that it can attract more tourists across the world. There is a high rate of unemployment in our area, but I think tourism sites can be used as a tool to create more job opportunities, especially for young people.”
Another resident, Tshegofatso Mantsi said: “Tourism is vital for the success of many economies. Tourism boosts the revenue of the economy, creates thousands of jobs, develops infrastructure of an area and plants a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens.
“We need sites, where the youth can acquire various skills that will benefit them in the future. I think tourism sites need to lead to economic freedom, where job opportunities are being created.”
The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane said they will work with their sister department to ensure that the Zuma Capture Site is well-marketed.
Meanwhile, Jacob Zuma is a prominent politician who served as the fourth President of South Africa from 2009 until his resignation in 2018. He currently serves as the leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. According to historical records from South African History Online, Zuma was an anti-apartheid activist, who joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1959 and its armed wing, uMkhonto we Sizwe, in 1962.
He was imprisoned on Robben Island for 10 years alongside Nelson Mandela. Zuma served as the Deputy President of South Africa from 1999 to 2005 under Thabo Mbeki.
He later led the country as President for nearly two terms. However, his tenure as president was marked by significant political and legal controversies, including allegations of “state capture” and the misuse of public funds for upgrades to his private residence in Nkandla.
Zuma resigned under pressure from the ANC in February 2018.
In late 2023, Zuma broke away from the ANC to support and lead the newly formed MK Party. He was subsequently expelled from the ANC in July 2024.
