Submarine museum officially opens in Simon’s Town

The historic SAS Assegaai submarine has officially opened to the public as a museum in Simon’s Town, following a special ceremony last week.

The event, held at the new permanent site near the NSRI Station 10 building, celebrated the work of Naval Heritage Trust (NHT) volunteers, the South African Navy, and donors who helped make the project possible.

The Assegaai was moved overland in July 2024 — no small feat, considering the submarine is 58 metres long and weighs nearly 700 tonnes.

It had a soft launch in December, but the gathering on Wednesday, April 30 marked the official opening.

Guests included Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the SA Navy, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, former and current submariners, donors, and members of the public.

Vice Admiral Lobese spoke about the importance of submarines in naval history. “From the moment the first submarine was commissioned, naval warfare changed,” he said. “Submarines have served as silent tools of diplomacy and defence. They’ve navigated the darkest depths and often stood as our final line of defence.”

He said the Assegaai is now “a symbol of pride and honour” to those who served aboard her, and praised the NHT for preserving South Africa’s maritime heritage. “This museum brings history to life. It helps us educate, inspire, and spark curiosity about life beneath the waves.”

He also noted the submarine’s value as an educational exhibit.

“No other single exhibit contains a greater variety of practical applications of technologies than submarines. These range from basic mechanical and electrical systems to hydrodynamics, optics, sonar and many others.”

He said the museum would be a major attraction for tourists and school groups, and hoped it would inspire more young people to consider careers in the submarine service.

Mayor Hill-Lewis said the City of Cape Town was proud to have supported the project financially. “Capetonians have a deep love for the South African Navy,” he said. “And they’re going to love this new attraction — it’s a rare opportunity to see what life is like inside a real submarine.” 

Michael Bosazza, chair of the NHT, reminded guests that the Trust was created partly because of a failed effort to save another historic vessel — the SAS Pietermaritzburg. “We lost her,” he said, “but today we stand beside a rare and significant piece of our naval history.”

The submarine remains Navy property and forms part of the SA Naval Museum. The NHT will manage the site.

Retired Rear Admiral Arne Söderlund, a trustee of the NHT, called the opening a “fantastic” and long-awaited moment. “It was a joyous occasion — 22 years in the making — and the interaction with the Mayor and the Chief of the Navy was unbelievable,” he said. “I took them on a tour of the submarine, and the conversations we had were really meaningful.”

He added with a laugh: “The Mayor joked that the penguins, for which Simon’s Town is most famous, are going to have to up their game — because SAS Assegaai is in town now and is going to become the next favourite attraction.”

Since the soft launch, the museum has welcomed more than 11 600 visitors. “ We allow 10 people in every twenty minutes to keep the experience safe and personal,” said Mr Söderlund. “Adults pay R80, pensioners R60, and children under 12 pay R40.”

A virtual tour is nearly ready for visitors in wheelchairs. “It will be set up in our dedicated room for disabled visitors. So far, we haven’t had a single complaint. The comments in our visitors’ book have been incredible — you must see it to believe it.”

He recommends booking ahead. “We’ve had people arrive and not be able to get in because we were fully booked. A quick call makes all the difference.”

The SAS Assegaai Submarine Museum is at Cole Point Gate, 1067 King George’s Way, Simon’s Town. It is open daily from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance by visiting the museum’s website or calling 021 787 4786.