Building dreams in the Cradle of Humankind
"I feel honoured to have been part of this journey and am looking forward to the next 10 years."
In 2005 Maropeng – Setswana for ‘returning to the place of origin’ – opened its doors to the public, inviting them to experience the birthplace of humankind.
10 years later, people still are discovering their path to humanity.
Over the years Maropeng has built and nurtured numerous relationships, both near and far. One of the most rewarding has been its series of corporate social investment projects involving Maloney’s Eye Primary School in Magaliesburg. To date Maropeng has built a kitchen and playground at the school, as well as provided a vegetable garden, all of which are run and maintained by the school, with support from Maropeng staff.
Peter Mhanaza, a former pupil at Maloney’s Eye, is now acting general manager at Maropeng, where he too is celebrating 10 years of service. His time at Maropeng has seen him climbing the ranks from ticket officer, to hotel receptionist, reservation supervisor, Sterkfontein Caves operations manager, junior assistant: food and beverage manager, Maropeng’s hotel manager and acting food and beverage manager, and finally acting general manager.
Looking back at his first day at Maropeng, Peter said the big, futuristic Tumulus building and the masses of people arriving made him nervous, but he was determined to make an impression at his first-ever job.
“When I first saw Maropeng, it was a beautiful, big place with masses of people wanting to be the first to visit after it opened. I was scared of making mistakes as this was my first job, but I got into character. I was excited to be there. I showed enthusiasm and I learned fast , which is why I believe I occupy this acting GM position today,” he said.
He is happy that Maropeng has made improvements to Maloney’s Eye, where he attended primary school.
He said, “Back in the day, things were harder for us. Coming from a rural background to where I am now, it goes to show that you never should let where you come from affect your dreams.”
He adds that 2015 is a big year for Maropeng, not only celebrating its 10th birthday but also being a part of the incredible Homo Naledi discovery.
“It has been very exciting seeing how the public, both locally and internationally, have been flocking to Maropeng to see this unique find. We also are warming up for our birthday celebrations planned for December this year. Maropeng has had an incredible journey over the last 10 years and we have much to celebrate. I feel honoured to have been part of this journey and am looking forward to the next 10 years,” he concluded.
Related articles:
• Groundbreaking fossil discovery to be unveiled at Maropeng
• Maropeng extends Homo naledi exhibition
• Mrs Ples returns to Maropeng after eight years
