Staff Profiles
Maropeng doesn’t have staff members, we have family. Every member, whether their job is big or small, is special and important to us. We are proud of the achievements of our family and have created a staff section here so you can read all their stories. Have you had an experience with the Maropeng family that you want to share with us? You can email your stories to ..
Always willing to accept any challenge – Norman Maine
January 5, 2012
Norman Maine has only been at Maropeng for a few months but he’s already shining in his new role as a tour guide.
Maropeng staff graduate from mentorship programme
December 13, 2011
Maropeng staff members continue to grow and succeed in their jobs thanks to a fantastic mentorship programme run by the Visitor Centre of the Cradle of Humankind.
Giving it her all – Beverly Makopo
November 11, 2011
Beverly Makopo joined Maropeng seven months ago as a tourist guide. After completing her degree in tourism at the Tshwane University of Technology, she knew that the Sterkfontein Caves was where she wanted to work.
Returning home – Trudie Delport: Conferencing and events executive
August 17, 2011
When Trudie Delport resumed her position as conferencing executive at Maropeng, one of the guides greeted her by saying, “Welcome home.”
Profiling the female species at Maropeng this Women’s Day
August 8, 2011
Since the first Women’s Day was celebrated on August 9 1994, South Africans have commemorated the contribution of women to our history.
Empowering women at the Cradle of Humankind
August 3, 2011
Maropeng, the visitor centre to Gauteng’s only World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind, prides itself on educating visitors about humankind’s journey of evolution. The enthusiastic team that works so hard to make the Maropeng experience memorable is made up of many strong, creative and intelligent women.
Maropeng walks the talk
July 25, 2011
Yesterday, seven staff members from Maropeng joined forces to complete the Discovery 702 Walk the Talk 2011. This is the second year that Maropeng has taken part.
Maropeng wishes Nelson Mandela a happy birthday from the Cradle of Humankind
July 18, 2011
Today, July 18, is a special day in South Africa as it is the 93rd birthday of one of the country’s most famous icons, former president Nelson Mandela. To commemorate this special day, the team at Maropeng, the visitor centre at Gauteng’s only World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind, sang a special song for this incredible man who changed South Africa’s destiny.
Maropeng chef top of the class
March 28, 2011
Chef Joash Mangoli Boiyo, who works at Maropeng’s Tumulus Restaurant, recently graduated at the top of his Culinary Arts class with the Hospitality Trainers and Associates. And that’s not the only accolade to come his way ...
Organised and ambitious – Ntlotleng Kobue
January 21, 2011
Bianca Bothma
Marketing Assistant Ntotleng Kobue is one of the more recent additions to the Maropeng team, but in just over six months she has already become a vital part of the staff complement.
A passion for fossils – Phindi Gumbi
January 11, 2011
Miliswa Sitshwele
Working in a place that deals with fossils or has fossils has always been Phindi Gumbi’s dream. Her uncle worked at the Sterkfontein Caves when she was a child, and would often take her there on weekends. Working in the Cradle of Humankind after graduating from high school was, as such, a natural choice.
An all-rounder and ongoing learner – Kefilwe Mabothla
December 17, 2010
Miliswa Sitshwele
Kefilwe Mabothla never thought that she would be a supervisor, but when opportunities to work in other departments at Maropeng arose, she grabbed them with both hands. She joined Maropeng in 2005 as a housekeeper, but soon moved on to the banqueting division, then becoming a cashier, and then a guide. Today she is supervisor at the Market Place Restaurant.
Little wonder Kefilwe calls herself an all-rounder.
Maropeng staff recognised for five years of outstanding service
November 25, 2010
December 2010 marks Maropeng’s fifth birthday, and this heritage landmark certainly has much to celebrate.
Right at home at Maropeng – Maropeng Ramalepa
November 23, 2010
By Miliswa Sitshwele
“Hi, my name is Maropeng. This place is named after me – I am the trustee of this place.”
This is just one of the ways the ways in which Maropeng Ramalepa introduces himself during his guided tours of Maropeng. It’s a popular gimmick with the visiting children.
An African chef – Joash Mangoli Boiyo
Joash Mangoli Boiyo
November 9, 2010
In 2003, Joash Mangoli Boiyo moved from Kenya to South Africa in search of better opportunities. In March 2008, he joined Maropeng as a junior chef, making salads and sandwiches, and hasn’t looked back since.
Cooking from the heart – Johnny Molefe
Johnny Molefe
November 5, 2010
Johnny Molefe has been cooking up delicious creations in the Maropeng Visitor Centre for five years now, but this experienced chef’s career in cuisine spans two decades.
Service with a smile – Stephen Mathikge
Stephen Mathikge
October 22, 2010
When thirsty visitors order a drink at the Tumulus Restaurant, Stephen Mathikge serves it with a smile. The barman at Maropeng for over four years, Stephen has loads of experience, having worked behind the bar at Sun City near his hometown of Rustenburg.
Ticket officer with a love of fossils – Lucky Titus
Lucky Titus
October 8, 2010
He’s only been working here for a couple of months, but Lucky Titus, a ticket office cashier, already loves his job at Maropeng.
From excavator to tourist guide – Irene Maphosa
July 12, 2010
By Miliswa Sitshwele
Irene Maphosa started working as a tour guide at Maropeng in November 2006. After working as an excavator at a fossil digging company for four years, Maphosa took a tour guide training course.
Floating into his future – Proud Mkhize
July 5, 2010
By Camilla Bath
Proud is the man who sends visitors on their way on the underground boat ride at Maropeng, which takes those brave enough on a trip back through time, retracing the various stages of the creation of our earth.
A handyman with heart – Joseph Sello
June 14, 2010
By Camilla Bath
Joseph Sello may be a somewhat diminutive man, but his personality jumps out at you. He’s one of Maropeng’s dedicated handymen, and has been working at the tourist attraction since August, 2007. He was given the job just a week after being interviewed, a fact that Sello, who was born in Carletonville, clearly still takes pleasure in: “I was a lucky guy!”
Multi-tasking at Maropeng – Yvonne Molefe
June 7, 2010
By Miliswa Sitshwele
“I am a receptionist, tour guide and cashier. I don’t know how I manage; I just do. It’s called multi-tasking.”
Teaching the world at Maropeng – Magel van de Venter
May 3, 2010
For 16 years Magel van de Venter was a biology teacher at a high school in Krugersdorp, near Johannesburg. The need to grow herself as an educator and learn more about eco-biology saw her applying for a job at Maropeng.
Young waiter with a big smile – Dominic Tshepiso Tshelane
Dominic Tshepiso Tshelane
April 19, 2010
At just 21, Dominic Tshepiso Tshelane is the youngest member of staff at Maropeng. He was employed in August, 2008, as a banqueting waiter. He started working on the very same day he got his job and isn’t bashful about just how well he performed on his first day: “I was perfect!”
Finding herself at Maropeng – Dorcas Tshabalala
Dorcas Shabalala
March 30, 2010
“Here at Maropeng I am called Mama; even the management calls me that because of my age and that makes me feel really good.”
Dorcas Tshabalala is a reservationist at Maropeng, where her job entails making bookings for school children who would like visit Maropeng.
Entrepreneur in waiting – Jabulani Lungu
Jabulani Lungu
March 19, 2010
“I love my job; there is never a dull moment there. I mean, it’s a World Heritage Site,” says Jabulani Lungu, a waiter at Maropeng’s Market Place restaurant.
Something to smile about – Salamina Mogwase
Salamina Mogwase
November 23, 2009
When Salamina Mogwase applied for a housekeeping job at Maropeng four years ago, she didn’t realise that this was where she would finally find her place in the world.
Salamina works as a housekeeper for the Maropeng Hotel – though she does not consider it work. “I love cleaning, it makes me happy,” she explains.
Incredibly humble in her approach Salamina says she would not be where she is today without the help of her fellow housekeepers, who she describes as family more than co-workers.
Manager in the making – Aaron Konopi
Aaron Konopi
November 16, 2009
In the first week of May 2006, Aaron Konopi walked onto the grounds of Maropeng knowing that he had come home. The interview he was there for was a simple step in his journey, and it wasn’t long before Aaron was a member of the Maropeng team.
Working at the Maropeng Hotel as a waiter is just one of Aaron’s talents. “I have worked in all departments, I am a flexible guy,” he says with a broad grin.
Maropeng: more than just a job for Nurse Monnana
Nurse Monnana
November 9, 2009
Nurse Monnana, a housekeeper at the Maropeng Hotel, is full of ambition.
When she joined Maropeng as a scullery maid in 2005, Nurse worked hard to prove herself. In 2006, when Maropeng Hotel opened, she was one of many who welcomed guests to the new establishment.
Nurse’s hard work has paid off – today she is a supervisor at the establishment.
“I enjoy everything about my job,” she says.
Making waves at Maropeng – Paul Mabuza
Paul Mabuza
October 27, 2009
Paul Mabuza’s father had a plan for his son’s future – he wanted him to study agricultural engineering so that he could help out on the farm. But Paul had other ideas. Instead, he enrolled in a food and beverage course at the University of Pretoria. His effort paid off – today he is a food and beverage controller and assistant manager at Maropeng.
A new baby at Maropeng, Paul joined the family in July after working as a food and beverage manager at a lodge next to the Kruger National Park. He has also worked at Emperors Palace, where he once served South African President Jacob Zuma.
Maropeng is where the heart is for Khathu Negondeni
Khathu Negondeni
October 27, 2009
Even though he has only been at Maropeng for the past four months, Khathu Negondeni is already part of the Maropeng “A Team”.
Khathu, who manages the Maropeng Hotel, has been in the hospitality industry for the past eight years – an experience he wouldn’t trade for anything in the world, he says.
Before he joined the Maropeng family, Khathu worked at River Stone Lodge as a Food and Beverage Manager: Operations.
Creative cooking in Maropeng’s kitchen – Peter Langa
Peter Langa
October 27, 2009
When he was growing up, Peter Langa wanted to be a geologist. But due to financial constraints his mother advised him to enrol for a hospitality course at Pretoria College instead. Today, Peter is a head chef at Maropeng.
Being a chef, says Peter, is like being a child with clay in your hands. “Playing with food is like playing with clay – you create something different every day,” he explains.
Peter has been working at Maropeng for a year and seven months now, and he’s loved every minute of it. “I am enjoying myself a lot and I am becoming more and more creative. I started out as a sous chef and I am now head chef.”
From street kid to receptionist – Johanna Mbewe
Johanna Mbewe
August 21, 2009
When her father kicked her family out to marry a younger wife, Johanna Mbewe, her mother and her four siblings had nowhere to go, so the street became their home.
With cardboard and plastic bags as blankets, they lived under a bridge in Randfontein. This was what life was like until a white lady offered her mom a job, which meant they would have a roof over their heads and Johanna could go to school.
Maropeng is a home away from home for Anthony Sibanda
Anthony Sibanda
August 11, 2009
Hard work, loyalty and determination are some of the qualities that Anthony Sibanda likes in his staff. The former Maropeng waiter is now Assistant Hotel Supervisor at Maropeng’s Cradle of Humankind’s four-star hotel.
In December 2005 Anthony heard that there were vacancies at Maropeng. He decided to apply and was lucky to be offered a job; he hasn’t looked back since.
Comfortable at home in his genes – Mark Fouché
Mark Fouché
August 4, 2009
Mark Fouché might be new to Maropeng, but his history has been linked to the Cradle of Humankind since before he even set foot in the door.
After living in New Zealand for seven years, Mark decided that there was no place like home. Coming back to South Africa, he started scanning the classifieds for jobs. He came across an advertisement for a position as maintenance manager at Maropeng and applied.
Redefining hard work – Miriam Kwapeng
Miriam Kwapeng
July 31, 2009
Miriam Kwapeng, junior chef at Maropeng, was number 400 in the queue when she applied for a job at Maropeng in 2005 – number 400 in the second group of interviewees. Needless to say, she was nervous.
Before she got the job at Maropeng, Miriam baked cakes for shops in Honeydew. What she likes most about working at the visitor centre of the Cradle of Humankind is the opportunity to learn from experienced chefs.
Big dreams and a big heart – Portia Mogamisi
Portia Mogamisi
July 10, 2009
Portia Mogamisi is a self-proclaimed people person. She started at Maropeng as a cleaner in 2006, and was later recruited as a guide by the former curator.
“I love working with people, interacting with them and learning from them,” says Portia.
“I especially enjoy meeting international tourists and telling them about South Africa. They come here with one concept about how we are, but I like to show them how welcoming we are. Then they leave with a different concept.”
Zodwa Mtshali: Guide with a sense of fun and a passion for people
Zodwa Mtshali
July 3, 2009
Zodwa Mtshali started her career in the Cradle of Humankind as a waitress, but this year she is celebrating her fourth year as a guide.
Zodwa, who is based at Sterkfontein Caves, is the daughter of the late Ben Mtshali, who was a guide at the caves himself for more than 20 years, before his death in 2003. “I’m continuing the heritage,” says Zodwa proudly, her energy and enthusiasm lighting up her face.
Working for Maropeng a Afrika, the company that operates the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng, the official Cradle of Humankind’s Visitor Centre, is a family affair for the Mtshalis: Zodwa’s mum, Ruth, works in the restaurant kitchen at “Sterk”.
A recipe for success – Adelaide Sebotoma
Adelaide Sebotoma
June 17, 2009
Adelaide Sebotoma’s life prospects seemed a little gloomy to her after she left school, but then she got a job as pastry chef at Maropeng’s Tumulus Restaurant. And the cherry on the top is that she is now enrolled in a cookery course.
“My life has changed a lot since I started working at Maropeng. I have been given the chance to go back to school.
Putting people first – Catherine Nthleng
Catherine Nthleng
May 14, 2009
From shy and quiet to bubbly and confident – Catherine Nthleng has come out of her shell in her five years of working at Maropeng. She is one of the boat ride operators and she interacts with visitors all day.
Before she joined Maropeng, Catherine worked as a volunteer at Itumeleng Clinic, educating people about HIV/AIDS. She and her team of volunteers went door to door, telling people about the virus and the importance of using condoms.
Boat ride operator rides the waves to success – Anna Magobolo
Anna Magobolo
May 8, 2009
Blue and yellow lights flash across her face, the engine roars in the background and she signals to her guests to hold on. Anna Magobolo, one of Maropeng’s boat ride operators, is preparing to take visitors on an amazing trip through time.
What makes it all the more amazing is that Anna used to have a phobia about water. She never thought she would be able to swim, let alone be qualified to rescue people. But after five years of experience at Maropeng, she confidently checks her boat and leads the journey down the underground river.
Man on the move – Peter Mhanaza
Peter Mhanaza
April 21, 2009
One day, three years ago, Peter Mhanaza stood in a queue with 600 people at Sterkfontein Caves for five hours, waiting to be interviewed. As the queue got shorter, Peter became more anxious. “It was nerve-racking but worth it because I got the job,” he says.
Peter is the assistant food and beverage manager at Maropeng. He has been working at the Cradle of Humankind for three years and has risen quickly and successfully through a variety of positions.
Cradle of Humankind: where I’d rather be
Samson Mqwati
March 9, 2009
The following article was written by Samson Mqwati, a Maropeng boat ride operator:
People from all over the world are anticipating the long Easter weekend. Plans have been set, plane tickets are already bought and seats guaranteed. People will be travelling to places of their choice. Different churches and religions will be gathering in multitudes for their annual worship as Easter is that time of the year when many want to get in touch with their innermost person and desires to have that spiritual fulfilment.
A life path through the caves – Reuben Tsime
Reuben Tsime
February 27, 2009
Reuben Tsime is one of Maropeng’s award-winning tourist guides, but first he was one of its biggest fans.
A resident of nearby Krugersdorp, Reuben has fond memories of visiting the famous Sterkfontein Caves on school tours when he was about 13 years old. He remembers buying books about the caves and archaeology, encouraged by his mother to read and learn.
Good manners hold the key to good management – Tony Rubin
Tony Rubin
February 23, 2009
Tony Rubin joined the Maropeng family as Managing Director in 2007. At the time he was running a small beverages company with one of his two sons and enjoying a semi-retired lifestyle.
Tony was approached by Maropeng because of his background – he was a successful and experienced Hotelier. The chance to do something different persuaded him to join Maropeng.
A supporter beloved by his team – Patrick Mutavhatsindi
Patrick Mutavhatsindi
February 11, 2009
“Awesome, phenomenal, strict and diligent”, are some of the ways that Patrick Mutavhatsindi’s peers use to describe Maropeng’s food and beverage manager.
Patrick, a father of two, has been in the hospitality industry since 1998 and in his present job at Maropeng for the past year. He says he loves working in the hospitality industry because it entails liaising with different people from different cultures and religions.
Hard work and mussel power get Maropeng chef ahead – Kenosi Mosito
Kenosi Mosito
February 3, 2009
The first time Kenosi Mosito, Commis Chef at the Maropeng Hotel, saw mussels was when she had to prepare them for hotel guests. “I was very excited because I didn’t know there were such things. I tasted one with some dressing and had to chew it for a long time before I could swallow,” she says.
Learning new things is something Kenosi does every day as she prepares food for the hotel restaurant. It is also what she enjoys most about her job. “I work hard and I’m learning lots,” she says with a shy smile.
Curating the exhibitions, caring for the staff – Lindsay Marshall
Lindsay Marshall
January 23, 2009
“For so long we didn’t know how much we had to be proud of,” says Lindsay Marshall, curator of Maropeng. “Now we have the opportunity to highlight and showcase the richness of our palaeontological and archaeological heritage, and Maropeng provides the platform where we can get the public interested.”
Contact
Tel: +27 (0) 14 577 9000
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Directions
Visit our map and directions page.
Admission
Open and closing times
The Maropeng Visitor Centre is open to the public from 09h00 to 17h00 every day. The last boat ride departs at 16h00.
Admission fees
Adults: R95
Children (4-14 years): R55
Children under 4: Free
Pensioners: R65 (on production of a valid pensioner’s card)
Combination ticket (Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves)
Adults: R150
Children (4-14 years): R90
Children under 4: Free
Please note: the combination ticket is only available until 1pm, in order for visitors to have enough time to see both exhibitions.
Restaurants
The Tumulus Restaurant is open seven days a week. On Saturdays the chef prepares a special of the day, and on Sundays, our famous buffet lunch is served and is ideal for a family get-together. The restaurant is used for conference events and from time to time may be closed for a private function. Pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment. The Tumulus Restaurant also provides a beautiful setting for weddings.
The Market Place Restaurant serves delicious breakfasts and light meals. Enjoy a tasty snack before embarking on your journey of discovery, or on your way home.
Also ...
The Sterkfontein Caves, Maropeng’s sister site, are just a few kilometres away and are well worth a visit.
The Cradle of Humankind is an area filled with family-friendly activities, and perfect for weekend or week-long getaways. Why not try the Maropeng four-star boutique hotel for a relaxed and peaceful getaway. Click here for more information about the hotel.
The Cradle of Humankind covers an area of over 47,000 hectares of privately owned land in the north-western corner of Gauteng, South Africa, and is home to over 17,000 residents. The Magalies Meander and hot-air ballooning are examples of activities you can take part in after enjoying the thrilling journey through the Maropeng Visitor Centre.
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