Melville Koppies listed as top national destination
Annually, the National Heritage Council acknowledges heritage activists and practitioners for preserving national treasures.
The Melville Koppies has been awarded one of the prestigious Golden Shield awards by the National Heritage Council (NHC).
The nature reserve, run by Friends of Melville Koppies and headed by Wendy Carstens, entered the ‘Preferred Destination’ category in which they came out tops.
“Yippee we won and are all absolutely delighted,” said Carstens who attended the 10th Golden Shield Awards in Cape Town.
“Thank you, NHC for encouraging and rewarding SA’s wonderful heritage.”
According to the council, “The Golden Shield Heritage Award is an annual event to create a platform whereby the public can celebrate and cherish their heritage while being recognised for their excellence.
“This is the only premium gesture of rewarding the heritage activists, practitioners and citizens for their relentless dedication to protect, promote and preserve the heritage of the people of South Africa.”
The prize aside from recognition also came with a R30 000 bounty which will be used for the conservation team’s wages.
Carstens explains, “The Melville Koppies is the last conserved remnant of Johannesburg’s ridges as they were before the discovery of gold in 1886. Its geology goes back three billion years.
“The vegetation of the Koppies is entirely indigenous and is a remarkable example of the richness of highveld grasses, flowers, and trees so close to a city centre. These ridges have looked like this for hundreds of years.”
Visit www.mk.org.za to learn more about the koppies and the various walks, hikes and activities that can be enjoyed by nature enthusiasts.
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