Tourism Minister, Derek Hanekom, and Mayor of Mogale City, Patrick Lipudi, were present on the day to cut the ribbon across the giant granite stones which serve as an entrance to Stone Park and are designed as stone tools to symbolise human endeavor and industry.  Managing Director of Maropeng, Michael Worsnip, introduced the special occasion, as well as Minister Hanekom, Mayor Lipudi, and CEO of the Cradle of Humankind and Dinokeng Project, MakhukhuMampuru.

Heritage Day encourages South Africans across the spectrum to celebrate their cultural heritage and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions. After years of Apartheid the Heritage Day public holiday is an attempt by the government to bring South Africans together in mutual understanding of each others’ respective cultures.

The Stone Park was designed and com­plet­ed by award-win­ning land­scap­ing firm FSG late last year. A rolling green land­scape punc­tu­at­ed by strik­ing gran­ite pieces make the space con­tem­pla­tive and artis­tic. It was the ide­al set­ting for the Cra­dle Colour Fest, due to the event being held at the begin­ning of spring, one of the most beau­ti­ful times of year in the Cra­dle of Humankind.

The site is an important World Heritage Site as it represents the story of human development and how humans craft their environment to suit their needs. The park can be used for a variety of events such as picnics, concerts, weddings, gatherings or festivals. After the unveiling of the Human Impact picnic site, Maropeng hosted its first-ever festival event called the Cradle Colour Fest, inviting visitors to celebrate their shared history and heritage, or experience the local cultural history and celebrate the diverse cultures of the South African nation.

The colourful festival was a fun event for all ages to celebrate and hosted appearances and performances by a number of South African artists, musicians, fashion designers and dancers such as DJ Dino Bra­vo and The Fos­sils. The festival was a collaboration with a number of South African organisations including the SA Department of Arts and Culture, Gauteng Tourism and Go West!

The Cradle of Humankind is globally recognised as the world’s richest hominin site, home to around 40% of the world’s human ancestor fossils. It is also where the discovery of Homo naledi took place, fossils that scientists date from between 335 000 and 236 000 years ago.

The Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves give tourists the opportunity to explore the history of humanity, captured in preserved fossils in the museum, or explore the caves where many of the fossils were found.

The post Cradle of Humankind Heritage Day Celebrations appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

The objective of the Speed Marketing workshop was not only to bring together Gauteng Province tourism products and SATSA accredited tour operators with the aim of promoting business, but to truly show off the diverse culture, heritage and future prospects that locals, tourists as well as businessmen and women can look forward to.

Maboneng

The Maboneng Precinct, also known as the Place of Light is nestled in the heart of Johannesburg CBD, an amazingly rejuvenated part of the city filled with a broad mix of people from all walks of life. Maboneng is fast becoming Jo ‘burg’s most unique and innovative area, offering fine restaurants such as Ravioli & Che Argentine Grill, entertainment venues, retail stores and art galleries, to The Bioscope, South Africa’s only independent cinema. Completed developments includes Arts on Main, Main Street Life, Revolution House, and Maboneng flagship accommodation and hotel development, Hallmark House.

There is a warm-friendly buzz with the smell of great cooking from the array of restaurants. The vibe is proudly South African with dancers and music in the streets.

– Alethea

The Cradle of Humankind

Maropeng, The Cradle of Humankind is the perfect destination for a quick getaway just an hour’s drive from Johannesburg. The Maropeng Visitor Centre is an exciting, world-class exhibition, focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years. Not only is the Cradle of Humankind the only one of its kind in the world, it is also the only World Heritage Site that showcases human origins and development through interactive and entertaining exhibitions.

Southern Africa 360 offers day tours into both of these places and they can be booked as both a single tour or an add-on to a package. If you are interested in booking one of these tours you can contact us at info@southernafrica360.com

The post Site Visit: Maboneng & The Cradle of Human Kind appeared first on Southern Africa 360.