Cape Town: Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis officially opened the SAS Assegai submarine museum to the public. The public can now visit the museum and witness its historical facts. The museum officially observed the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Lewis shared an interesting video regarding the submarine museum and said, “I predict it will soon become a firm favourite of Capetonians.” According to Lewis, it was a great honour for them to open it in the presence of the Chief of the Navy – Vice Admiral Lobese.
Furthermore, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis gave full credit to the SA Navy Heritage Trust for making this happen in real and making it available for the public to visit and connect with its past.
He shared the video on various social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X through his official handles, so as it reaches to maximum public and everyone can know and plan to visit here, especially the travellers and tourists in Cape Town.
The SAS Assegaai submarine museum is now officially open to the public!
I predict it will soon become a firm favourite of Capetonians.
It was an honour to open it today with Vice Admiral Lobese, the Chief of the Navy.
Full credit to the SA Navy Heritage Trust for making this… pic.twitter.com/xZHZYyZHnS— Geordin Hill-Lewis (@geordinhl) April 30, 2025
The resurrection of the SAS Assegaai submarine museum situated in Simon’s Town, is an area with a rich naval history in Cape Town’s deep south, that has been a labour of love for those championing the project.
There is something about the submarines that captures the imagination, with the idea of a sleek black hull moving soundlessly beneath the ocean, carrying men and women who may go days without seeing the sunlight.
A visit to the SAS Assegaai submarine museum in Simon’s Town offers a rare glimpse into the lives of submarines including the unique conditions under which they perform their onboard duties. The submarine has formed its part of the South African Naval Museum, that ahs opened its hatches to the public on a trial basis on Dec 16, 2024 and thousands of visitors that have joined the guided tours through its narrow passages.
In year 2003, the SAS Assegaai, which once a proud South African Navy submarine, faced a watery grave destined for disposel. It was a group of passionate individuals who refused to let the history disappear.
They envisioned a future where the Assegaai could inspire generations, a future as a museum. Their unwavering dedication paid off. The Assegaai was granted with a second life, as the journey wasn’t smooth sailing. Challenges arose, funding hurdles and the need for a permanent home. Yet, the team behind the project persevered.
And, now the story continues. Transformation of Assegaai is complete and its new home at Simon’s Town awaits. The SAS Assegaai Museum is ready to unlock the secrets of the deep, igniting a passion for science, technology and South Africa’s remarkable maritime heritage. Join them on this incredible adventure and explore the SAS Assegai’s story and be a part of its exciting future.