News

Maropeng’s nosiest employee – Kiki Serokolo

By Miliswa Sitshwele

“I would like to thank Mr Tony Rubin for giving me the opportunity to be myself, which I am at all times, says Kiki Serokolo, a receptionist at Maropeng.”

Maropeng welcomes children to the Visitor Centre on Mandela Day

In response to Nelson Mandela’s call for all South Africans to spend 67 minutes in service to communities and those less privileged, the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site Management Authority, in conjunction with Maropeng, gave youngsters from three children’s homes the opportunity to explore the Visitor Centre for free.

The World Cup brings even more global visitors to Maropeng

Maropeng is celebrating having drawn a record number of people from around the world to the birthplace of our species, the Cradle of Humankind, during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

Fashion meets fossils: Marianne Fassler’s sediba-inspired collection

By Camilla Bath

The worlds of paleoanthropology and fashion seldom collide; it’s even more rare for them to do so against the backdrop of the world’s greatest sporting event. But collide they did during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, thanks to local designing doyenne Marianne Fassler.

From excavator to tourist guide – Irene Maphosa

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

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.

Caves of the Ape-Men is first book of its kind

Caves of the Ape-Men by Professor Ron Clarke, the late Professor Tim Partridge and Dr Kathleen Kuman (S.E. Publications, 2010) is a seminal work, and the first of its kind to explore in detail the palaeoanthropological and archaeological wealth of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The book was launched on Saturday, June 26, at the Everard Read Art Gallery in Johannesburg.

Soccer Tuesday at Maropeng – photo essay

The second word on everyone’s lips is “soccer” or something else related to the World Cup. It’s no wonder then that Maropeng’s employees pledged their support for Bafana Bafana by celebrating Soccer Tuesday in their offices this week.

A handyman with heart – Joseph Sello

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!”

Mexican visitors at Maropeng

Maropeng had the pleasure of a visit from some Mexican fans this week. During a monumental time for the country, these visitors took the time to learn more about South Africa’s heritage.