North West Province through Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development with various stakeholders will on the 10th and 11th of May host the 2018 commemorations of African World Heritage Day (AWHD) at the Taung Skull Fossil Site.
As part of its role towards environmental development and management, the Department will use these commemorations to raise awareness on the importance of natural and cultural heritage found in the province as well as the efforts that are required to safeguard them and draw attention to their vulnerability.
Themed “Celebrating our African Heritage”, the primary objectives of the African World Heritage Day celebrations are to celebrate positive outcomes of a deepening partnership between sustainable tourism development and cultural heritage conservation; promote awareness of the diversity and vulnerability of cultural heritage; encourage research and education specifically about the Taung Skull Fossil Site.
The Fossil Site has a history of lime mining reflected on the infrastructure and landscape which adds to its authenticity, archaeological and paleontological sites, unique geological features as well as topography that provides vast spectacular views.
In addition, to encourage local communities and individuals to consider the importance of cultural heritage to their lives, identities and livelihoods, the department will have various activities to mark the commemoration, mainly; a tour of the site will be undertaken for lectures on the Taung Skull’s site intangible heritage, specific attributes and features, the history of Kgosi Galeshewe, telescopic star and moon gazing, early morning hiking and exhibitions.
On the day of the event, Management Authorities from all the World Heritage Sites will be afforded an opportunity to showcase their respective heritage sites.
Expected organisations to be part of this important annual event include South African World Heritage Convention Committee (SAWHCC), African World Heritage Fund (AWHF), the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), various national government departments as well as many other provincial departments and local municipalities.
Members of the media are invited cover this two day event which is also aimed at celebrating the 94th year since the discovery of the Taung Child Skull.
AWHD celebrations are scheduled to take place as follows:
Day one of the event: Thursday, 10 May 2018
Venue: Taung Skull Heritage Site
Time: 14h00
Day two of the event: Friday, 11 May 2018
Venue: Taung Skull Heritage Site
Time: 09H00
Transport is available on request on day 2 of the event for community media.
*Please RSVP to Ms Tsholofelo Dintwe at: tsholofelod@nwpg.gov.za by Tuesday, 08 May 2018 or call 079 946 7486
