Standard Bank donates land to World Heritage Site

AT an official ceremony yesterday, Standard Bank donated approximately 100 hectares of its land straddling the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in the Magaliesberg to the Gauteng government for the creation of an information and educational centre (interpretation centre). Besides the centre, the provincial government will also build a conference facility. The land, a portion of the bank’s cultural heritage farm known as Mohale’s Gate, will be the prime showcase and destination for visitors to the Sterkfontein area, one of the world’s foremost palaeo-anthropological sites. The event was attended by amongst others, Gauteng’s MEC (Minister) for Agriculture, the Environment and Land Affairs, Mary Metcalfe; Gauteng Premier, Mbhazima Shilowa; Environment and Tourism Minister, Mohammed Valli Moosa and world renowned palaeontologist, Professor Phillip Tobias. The event was also graced by a very special couple in the form of Mr and Mrs Ples - 2,7 million-year-old skulls which were discovered in the area. The new centre forms part of the 47 000 hectare World Heritage Site which is to developed as one of Gauteng’s Blue IQ tourism projects. The provincial government has invested some R1,7bn in 10 mega projects in tourism, transport and high value added manufacturing and technology sectors. Blue IQ will contribute approximately R200m over the next three years to the development and preservation of the Cradle of Humankind. Speaking at the function held on the site, Minister Moosa said Africa was the origin of all humans and that the world should acknowledge this and contribute to its development by ending its marginalisation. “This project is a step in the rebirth of this continent. The significance of this site should not be underestimated, particularly in relation to its potential to contribute to economic growth and improve the quality of life of local communities as well as sustaining existing businesses,” added Moosa. (Miguel de Sousa)