The launch of the Diepkloof Cave ceremony on 18th November was attended by members of the West Coast Museum Forum.
The fund is essential to preserve the cave, and also to provide better access. It is also one of the requirements to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and this process is underway with the planned application in 2021.
After the speeches the attendees went up to the cave where Professor Parkington gave a wonderful description of the people who would have used the space from about 60 000 years ago. He emphasised that these were modern humans, just like us, and stressed that brain development was helped by eating fish.
The site is noteworthy as a reference of human creativity and cognitive thinking, and important step on our journey to where we are today.
Below are photos from the ceremony from Chris Murphy.
Dr Mxolisi Dlamuka, CEO Heritage Western Cape, officiating at the launch event at the Diepkloof Rock Shelter.
US Consulate General, Virginia Blaser. The grant is to help improve conservation of the site as well as make it accessible
The Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, who during his talk, stressed the importance of our identity, #Weskus, the only one on the planet.
Signing of the grant award
The team who have helped instigate the process. Next step: UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Attendees walking up to the cave
Diepkloof, a Provincial Heritage Site
Main image: Prof John Parkington vividly describing the legacy of the early inhabitants of the Diepkloof Cave.
