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NORTHERN NEWS
Completion of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Centre
By Annie Makalane
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Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Centre
The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre construction reached completion at the end of February 2022.
In April 2007, SANParks EXCO approved the planning of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre to proceed with construction plans when numerous fossils were found in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. This find was unique in that it consisted of a nest of dinosaur fossil eggs with foetal skeletons discovered within Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The National Department of Tourism secured funding for constructing the Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in Golden Gate Highlands National Park, and it issued a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for this project to SANParks. It was envisioned that the marketing and exposure of this facility would attract an increasing number of visitors to the park and surrounding area.
The research facility will allow visitors and students from all walks of life to learn about the study of archaeology, palaeontology and flora and fauna in the park. Concept architectural designs and an interpretation strategy were developed for the project during an earlier process, resulting in a broad cost estimate of R237 million. Funding was secured for R120 million and the original concept had to be adjusted. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park Dinosaur Interpretation centre was projected to be completed by July 2020. But, due to several challenges such as the COVID-19 lockdown, minor construction faults and the supply of raw material affected by the COVID-19 lockdown, the project was completed in February 2022.
A concept plan for the layout, models and displays have been developed to focus the visitors’ attention onto South Africa’s dinosaurs and rich fossil finds. It is believed that at least 12 different dinosaurs occurred in this area, the most common being Massospondylus. The visitor’s experience ends with the Basotho mythology of a monster called Kgodumodumo which lends its name to the centre.
Two commercial opportunities have presented themselves at the dinosaur centre, namely a retail outlet and a fast-food kiosk. Prospective bidders were invited and met with the Golden Gate Management to attend a site meeting at the centre. The bidding process is underway, and suitable bidders will be appointed.
In addition to the staff in the centre and retail outlets, it is anticipated that the centre will attract secondary businesses such as cultural heritage artefacts and activities, as well as guiding on local trails or visiting fossil sites.
