Update Video
MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - A unique tourism initiative, the Point Discovery Centre (PDC), which will house an exhibit depicting evidence of the earliest human cognitive behaviour, is being constructed at the Point, adjacent to the St Blaize cave.
The exhibit was prepared by Nelson Mandela University at great cost and will include artefacts and evidence of modern human behaviour.
Unique home to humans
Over time this story of the emergence of modern humans means that our area is unique in the world.
When anyone visits Mossel Bay, it will mean that they have come back home.
Mossel Bay and the Southern Cape coastal belt are the home of all humans on this planet.
This was discovered in cave 13B at Pinnacle Point by Professor Curtis Marian of Arizona State University and his team of scientists a number of years ago.
Cave 13B at Pinnacle Point is also a provincial heritage site and has been nominated for world heritage status.
According to the chairman of the PDC Committee, Fred Orban, the centre will also provide opportunities for local guides, trained and equipped by top archaeologists.
Modern technology will highlight its former glory as part of the Cradle of Human Culture.
"The immediate area around the centre will be rehabilitated to its natural state over time. Although the exhibition has been prepared to highlight the origin of modern humans and their ways of life, the vision is to gradually bring in the role and ways of indigenous people of the later stone age. It is the story of mankind that will be displayed over time." Job creation through tourism is a strong focus.
Financial buy-in needed
The project has received financial and other assistance through Mossel Bay Tourism, the Western Cape Arts and Culture Department, as well as private individuals and businesses in Mossel Bay.
Any donations or assistance from locals and local businesses will be welcomed. Should you wish to help, contact Gwyneth Harding at the Mossel Bay Municipality.
The centre will be open to the public early in December.
VIDEO - Gwynne Harding, Local Economic Development Manager at Mossel Bay Municipality (Video: Alet Engelbrecht).
VIDEO - Gail Baatjies-Appiah explains the meaning of the Point Discovery Centre (Video: Alet Engelbrecht).
VIDEO - The Point Discovery centre (Video: Alet Engelbrecht).
VIDEO - Albert Wiffen, Chairman Business Council and vice-chairman PDC Committee, Mossel Bay, explains the importance of the PDC to attract a different kind of tourist to the area. (Video: Alet Engelbrecht).
Previous articles:
'n Grafiese voorstelling van hoe die Point Discovery Centre gaan lyk as dit voltooi is.
'n Grafiese voorstelling van hoe die Point Discovery Centre gaan lyk as dit voltooi is.
Cardry Pick (Mossel Bay Municipality), Gwynne Harding (Local Economic Development manager), Gail Baatjies-Appiah (Paramount Chief Khoi-Koranna tribe and United Nations peace ambassador), Fred Orban (chairman, PDC Committee) and Lorenzo de Jager (H&M Custom Aluminium). Back: Hannes de Jager (H&M Custom Aluminium) and Albert Wiffen (vice-chairman, PDC Committee).
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