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. 

“Being a supervisor is like teaching” – Maggie Khoza

By Miliswa Sitshwele

Maggie Khoza was working in Magaliesburg when she heard about the opening of Maropeng. She thought this would be a great opportunity for change and dropped off her CV. She didn’t know what job she would get, but she was determined to get one.

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!”

Multi-tasking at Maropeng – Yvonne Molefe

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

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

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 Shabalala

“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 Shabalala is a reservationist at Maropeng, where her job entails making bookings for school children who would like visit Maropeng. 

Entrepreneur in waiting – Jabulani Lungu

“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.

A gift for the gab – Adelaide Motsanani

“I can TALK!”

That’s vibrant Maropeng tour guide Adelaide Motsanani at her best, and most honest…

Something to smile about – Salamina Mogwase

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

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, 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.

Organisational guru – Sazi Radebe

Sazi Radebe breezes into the conference room, bringing with him an air of confidence. As Maropeng’s events executive, his confidence is one of his biggest assets.

Sazi’s job entails managing some of the events held at Maropeng. Depending on the event, he could be managing thousands of people while dealing with high-end corporates and VIPs.

“I enjoy the thrill of it,” he says.

Making waves at Maropeng – Paul Mabuza

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

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

When he was growing up, Peter Langa wanted to be a geologist. But, due to financial constraints, his mother advised him 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

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

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.

Going beyond the call of duty – Diane Naude

From florist to financial accountant, Diane Naude’s life story is proof that with hard work and determination nothing is impossible.

Diane is a financial accountant at Maropeng and has been part of the Maropeng family for the past eight-and-a-half years.

She is also a wife, mother and grandmother and describes herself as someone who goes out of her way to help others. She says she might be strict, but she loves her children and grandchildren dearly. Before moving into the corporate world, Diane owned a florist for many years.

Comfortable at home in his genes – Mark Fouché

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, 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. 

Making a mark on Maropeng – Itumeleng Mtombeni

“I want to do whatever I have to do at Maropeng to leave my mark,” says Itumeleng Mtombeni, senior restaurant supervisor at the Tumulus restaurant in the Maropeng Visitor Centre.

Itumeleng joined the Maropeng family in 2005, when he became a restaurant supervisor at the Sterkfontein Caves. He had been working at Usambara Function Centre in the Magaliesberg when he saw an advert for the position at Maropeng. He applied and got called in for an interview.

Happiness is – Thabo Shabango

Thabo Shabango, sous chef at Maropeng’s Tumulus Restaurant, prides himself on making people happy. It’s what he enjoys most about his job.

As much as he enjoys working in the kitchen, he loves serving people directly, making sure that they enjoy their meal. Perhaps that’s why people remember him.

Learning every day - Trudie Delport

When Trudie Delport started working at Maropeng, she found the exhibition mind-boggling. “Many people have a complete misunderstanding of the theory of evolution,” she says. “Christians believe that everything was created by God. Since working here, I have come to the conclusion that even evolution is part of God’s plan.”

Trudie is the executive events co-ordinator at Maropeng – or a “jack-of-all-trades” as she calls herself. She joined the Maropeng team five months ago after deciding to leave her job at a security company and get back into the hospitality industry, and she hasn’t looked back.

Big dreams and a big heart – Portia Mogamisi

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 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’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. 

Maropeng is going places, and Sylvia with it

The minute Sylvia Makgetla walks into the room, you feel you’re in good hands. Confident and friendly, she is one of those unusual people who actually enjoy having questions to answer and problems to solve.

“It’s a blessing that everyone has so much faith in me,” she says.

Putting people first – Catherine Nthleng

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.

Finding fulfilment every day – Kelebogile Mangole

“Success is not about glitz and glamour, it’s about fulfilment. Not all of us will be rich, so achieving your goals and being happy, to me, is success. Being a guide here means I have succeeded,” says Kelebogile Mangole, a tour guide at Maropeng.

The 21-year-old has been a tour guide since 2008. She is also studying towards a marketing diploma with the University of South Africa (Unisa).

Boat ride operator rides the waves to success – Anna Magobolo

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

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.

Well on her way to the top – Refilwe Monageng

For Refilwe Monageng, a tourist guide at Maropeng, success means finally reaching a comfort zone after having worked hard to get there. She may be well on her way, but she doesn’t believe that she’s achieved it yet. “I’m still beginning,” she says.

Refilwe joined Maropeng in 2006 as a chef. After matriculating in 2004, she completed a hospitality course at Roodepoort College before working briefly at the Forum Homini hotel. She had been working in the kitchens at Maropeng for eight months when she heard that a tourist guide post was being advertised.

Cradle of Humankind: where I’d rather be

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.

Passionate about selling World Heritage Site to the world – Erica Saunders

“Sometimes I feel I should pinch myself,” says Erica Saunders, Marketing Manager of Maropeng. “I am so privileged to do what I do. How many people can say that they work in a World Heritage Site?”

Erica joined Maropeng in October 2006, after she was headhunted from her previous position as project manager at Thebe Exhibitions and Events Group.

A life path through the caves – Reuben Tsime

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 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.

Seeing God’s work in Sterkfontein Caves – Lwazi Bonase

Lwazi Bonase teaches people about evolution every day – and he’s a confirmed Catholic.

Bonase has come a long way from home to his current position as a tourist guide at the Maropeng Visitor Centre and Sterkfontein Caves. Lwazi originally hails from Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, where he attended St James’ Catholic School, before going on to study accounting through Unisa.

A supporter beloved by his team – Patrick Mutavhatsindi

“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

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

“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.”

Maropeng by the letter

Staff at Maropeng a’Afrika are receiving training to help them understand and tell the Maropeng story.

The training, which is entitled Mmegadikgang (the story teller), is being offered to every staff member, including outsourced security and cleaning staff.