In a bid to maintain cleanliness around the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COH WHS), the site’s Management Authority (MA), in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Environment and Mogale City’s Waste Management Services, embarked on a cleanup campaign on Friday, 28 March 2025.
Spearheaded by COH WHS MA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Matthew Sathekge, the initiative was prompted by numerous complaints about excessive littering in the area. This cleanup is part of ongoing efforts to preserve the site’s natural and historical significance while ensuring a fitting experience for both visitors and local communities.
Nestled in the northwestern quadrant of Gauteng Province, the Cradle of Humankind is Mogale City’s premier tourist attractions. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, it spans 53,000 hectares and is home to 13 official fossil sites. These sites have yielded some of the world’s most significant hominin fossils, including the remains of Australopithecus Africanus, Homo ergaster, and the recently discovered Australopithecus Sediba. Other world iconic fossil finds such as the Taung Child, Mrs. Ples, Little Foot, Karabo, and Homo Naledi are also home to Gauteng’s only World Heritage Site.
Being one of Gauteng’s top tourist destinations, the Cradle of Humankind plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy, not only attracting thousands of visitors annually, generating revenue for local businesses, tour operators, restaurants, lodges, and artisanal markets. The site also creates employment opportunities in hospitality, conservation, and tourism-related services, further contributing to the region’s economic development.
According to the COH WHS MA, these cleanup campaigns have been conducted monthly since September last year. Stakeholders participating in the campaign include Nedbank, Maropeng, the visitor centre for the COH WHS, Cradle Boutique Hotel, Bidon Bistro, Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, Ga Mogale Restaurant, and Melograph.
Through these efforts, the Municipality and its partners aim to preserve the Cradle of Humankind’s historical and environmental integrity, ensuring that it remains a world-class heritage destination while continuing to drive tourism and economic opportunities for Mogale City and the city of human origins.