The South African National Parks (SANParks) is currently granting all visitors free entry to the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre at Golden Gate Highlands National Park in Clarens, Free State, until 30 September.
SANParks described the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre as a unique interactive facility with strong potential for tourism growth. “The attraction offers visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of world-class scientific knowledge in the palaeontological, archaeological and geological disciplines,” said SANParks.
Palaeontology is the study of fossils, helping us understand ancient life and how it evolved over time. Archaeology explores past human cultures by analysing artefacts, buildings and other remains. Geology examines the earth's structure, history, and the natural processes that shape it. The announcement was made during the launch of the cultural and scientific attraction in June, as part of the celebration of South Africa’s cultural heritage.
As a result, schools, tertiary students, communities adjacent to Golden Gate Highlands National Park and residents of the Thabo Mafutsanyane District Municipality will be among the South Africans who stand to benefit from this offering.
To qualify for entry, visitors are required to present a valid identification document.
Addressing the launch, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said: “This facility is a wonderful addition to our diverse tourism offerings and it will ensure repeat visits, keep visitors longer, and more importantly help visitors spend more money in our captivating destinations.”
The development of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre is a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). The Department of Tourism successfully secured funding of R120 million from the European Union, through the National Treasury, to construct the centre. It will preserve the Free State region’s significant fossil heritage and celebrate the indigenous BaSotho cultures that breathe life into the legacy of these prehistoric creatures.
“The South African fossil record is unique and provides evidence of the earliest single-celled life from 3.5 billion years ago, to the earliest four-legged fish to crawl out onto land some 350 million years ago, to the deepest origins of mammals, dinosaurs, turtles, lizards, and of course our ancestors in the dawn of human culture,” the Minister explained.
She added that the project’s completion includes a successful land claim settlement which will see local communities benefiting from activities at the centre.
During the construction phase a total of 113 people from local communities were employed, 90% of whom received on-the-job training and upskilling.
For more information about SANParks visit www.sanparks.org.za
Email
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp