Springs MMM draws international attention as Commonwealth delegates tour Ekurhuleni heritage site
The Springs Mine and Military Museum (MMM) is gaining international recognition after hosting delegates from across Africa during the 19th Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers meeting.
The Springs Mine and Military Museum (Springs MMM) is gaining international recognition after hosting delegates from across the Commonwealth.
The visit formed part of the 19th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) Africa Region, which took place from June 14 to 20.
The event gathered over 50 African nations to discuss parliamentary democracy, public trust, and political stability at Emperors Palace.
It also included a City of Ekurhuleni Excursion with the local museum being one of the stops.
Museum founder, Tony da Cruz, says the visit helps promote Springs’ heritage and history on an international stage.
“It means a lot to the team that the Gauteng Legislature chose Springs MMM as one of the two sites on their tour.
“It validates all the work that the team has put in over the last three years, including Ekurhuleni metro’s,” he said.
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He recalled the aspects of the museum that generated the most interest among the visitors.
“They really enjoyed the aircraft displays, but generally were impressed with all the exhibits. The Namibian representative expressed his interest in building a similar museum in Windhoek,” Da Cruz said.
He highlighted the importance of such events to promote local heritage.
“Putting our town on the map promotes our cultural value in the region. This draws in visitors and ultimately drives our local economy. Tourism is a key sector,” he emphasised.
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Da Cruz concluded by stating that he hopes this visit will result in more heritage tourism opportunities for Springs MMM.
“The ultimate goal is to create a space worthy of international visitors for the benefit of the residents of Ekurhuleni.
“Visitors land in Ekurhuleni but spend their dollars and euros on accommodation, food, entertainment and tours mostly outside Ekurhuleni.
“It must change, so we must do whatever we can to keep that spending in Ekurhuleni,” he said.
