Lentswe, Klerksdorp – The Leano la Bophelo project together with its partners are in a process to rebuild Goudkoppie heritage hill which has been in a bad shape for some time. The facility has been vandalized and left for decay and has since been not serving its purpose of educating members of the community about its historic heritage and significance to the people of Matlosana and the district.
“After a long and hard engagement with potential partners to come on board to assisting with the renovation process, Leano la Bophelo was able to raise resources towards the course.
Renovations and rebuilding activities have begun and construction activities are underway at the facility. In the completion of rebuilding activities they will launch an Information centre that will better market tourism destinations around Greater Matlosana area and this will include local business in its brochures, banners, billboard, website and any of its marketing materials,” said Rathebe Mojaki, coordinator.
“Continued activities will minimize criminal elements associated with illegal mining activities which have negative impact on the city and business. The facility will also create direct and indirect job opportunities to young people, women, people with disabilities and ordinary people within our communities. We anticipate completing renovations soon and we request individuals, Foundations, businesses and government departments and institutions to donate anything from building materials to funds which will be used towards rebuilding process.”
At the same time Leano la Bophelo has developed a programme which will see to it that there are three main events to be organized and celebrated for 2024, and these events will be coupled by continuous weekly and monthly traditional events which will ensure that vibrancy is kept at the Goudkoppie heritage hill and other heritage sites including freedom squares across Matlosana area.
The first event will be organized and celebrated on July 19 with a theme “#rebuilding Goudkoppie to embrace our heritage”.
The day will begin with a health peaceful walk by everyone at 9:00 from Wimpy restaurant to Goudkoppie heritage hill where there will be an itemized program where everyone present will be briefed about the project on rebuilding of Goudkoppie heritage hill and promotion of cultural heritage of Matlosana, creation of jobs for artists and stakeholders will be provided the opportunity to address and provide messages of support to everyone present.
The second part will be celebration of Africanism and Matlosana heritage at the same time remembering Nelson Mandela and doing our bit to provide an opportunity to young people to make a living. There will be lots of activities embracing different African cultures, languages, story-telling, customs, music, clothing, food etc. We will be having our local artists and crafts men and women who will be selling their items, also there will be traditional cultural groups to entertain all present. We encourage all our guests and participants to wear their traditional attire on that day.
Also on the day of the event Leano la Bophelo will prepare traditional meals to be served to remind everyone present of their roots, ways of dressing, indigenous languages, traditional ceremonies, olden ways of doing things and communication.
The festivities of the day will end at 17:00. Leano la Bophelo invites members of the community to be part of the event and celebrate Matlosana heritage with us.
The two other dates are September 24 for the information centre and cultural village launch and November 29 for the Matlosana heritage extravaganza & traditional picnic.
More information from Mojaki on 072 979 5619.
