Maropeng welcomes children to the Visitor Centre on Mandela Day

July 21, 2010

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 children – who ranged in age from six to 16 – arrived at Maropeng at midday and enjoyed a picnic lunch of soup, sandwiches, crisps and biscuits on the grass outside the Tumulus building.

After lunch, the kids spent time inside the Maropeng Visitor Centre. Their itinerary included a ride on the famous underground boats and a wobbly walk through the “vortex tunnel”.

The children also paid a visit to the Human Evolution exhibition, which was of particular interest to teenagers in the group who are studying evolution as part of their curriculum.

Before heading home, the visiting youths took part in a painting project. Their colourful, Madiba-inspired creation will be auctioned soon.

Maropeng’s education and marketing executive, Magel van de Venter, says Sunday’s programme was “a great success”, adding that Maropeng was eager to get involved in the Mandela Day initiative.
“It is important for Maropeng to be part of the heritage structure of South Africa,” she explains.

The children – who came from Abraham Kriel Home in Potchefstroom, Refilwe Community Home in Lanseria and Bethany House in Johannesburg – enjoyed their time at the Maropeng Visitor Centre.
“Here we are child-friendly [and] humanity-friendly,” says Magel. After all, “the Cradle of Humankind is where [humanity] started!”

News comments powered by Disqus