This Heritage Day, Saturday 24 September 2016, Maropeng will be the proud hosts of a breakfast dialogue with the Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura. Everyone is welcome.

Maropeng 1
We look forward to welcoming you at Maropeng this Heritage Day

Premier Makhura will be hosting a panel discussion on the topic: “What defines our differences: a discussion on race, gender, religion and xenophobia”.

The panellists will comprise:

  • Mavuso Msimang, former CEO of the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation
  • Yacoob Abba Omar, faculty head, humanity: Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (former South African ambassador)
  • Professor Mary Metcalfe, deputy chairperson of the Premier’s Panel on Social Cohesion
  • Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, outgoing SRC president, University of the Witwatersrand

This public event is a fundraiser to contribute to a programme of free access to Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves for qualifying quintile 1 schools.

The event will be followed by the opportunity to view an exciting new temporary exhibition on loan to Maropeng: All from One, an exhibition from the Paleontological Scientific Trust (PAST).

PAST's All from One exhibition is part of a global awareness campaign that emphasises the shared origins of humankind, to promote tolerance of diversity and to foster collaboration in building a sustainable and prosperous future. Through digital media platforms, individuals are asked to commit to tolerance, unity, collaboration and conservation and to share their experiences in applying these ideals in their lives and communities.

All From One Exhibition At Soweto Theatre 1
The All from One exhibition will have its formal opening at Maropeng on Heritage Day, 24 September 2016 (Image: PAST)

Says Maropeng managing director, Michael Worsnip, “Heritage Day is a day on which all South Africans need to reflect on the complexity of our past, the challenges of our present and the hope for our future. The Cradle of Humankind is not only a national symbol, it's an international marker of all humanity's common heritage. Nowhere else on the planet is it as clear as it is here that we all share a common history – not only as South Africans, not only as Africans, but as human beings. And that is what we're celebrating on this day.”

Further information on our Heritage Day proceedings are provided below:

Date: 24 September 2016 (Heritage Day)
Time: 9am to 11am
Cost: R400 (including a seat at the dialogue, a sumptuous buffet breakfast and Maropeng exhibition tour)

For bookings or more information, please contact us on +27 14 577 9000 or e-mail mmathabom@maropeng.co.za