THE Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) unveiled a Blue Plaque at Toppieshoek and named it a National Heritage Site commemorating early Iron Age sites.
TUT Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Tinyiko Maluleke unveiled it on Saturday, 9 March.
The event included a discussion about the history of telescopes and the old African settlement, as well as an archaeological exhibition and a book launch of the Heritage Treasures of Toppieshoek.
This follows the discovery of two priceless heritage sites at Toppieshoek, a TUT property in the Unesco-designated Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve on the banks of the Hartbeespoort Dam.
One of them is the Early Iron Age archaeological site at Broederstroom, which dates back to around AD 350 and is the first known African community in the region. The other is the historically notable Leiden University Observatory Southern Station, which housed two early-20th-century telescopes operated at Toppieshoek for 25 years until 1978.
These two national historical treasures have provided students with opportunities for experiential learning and teaching for many years.
TUT spokeswoman, Phaphama Tshisikawe said the Magaliesberg Association for Culture and Heritage (Mach) and the TUT have been working together for the past year to assess restoration alternatives for the sites.
ALSO READ | Madala (73): I can now die in peace!
"TUT, in collaboration with Mr Vincent Carruthers and Professor Jane Carruthe from the Mach, has worked with astronomers and archaeologists to prepare realistic proposals on how to restore, responsibly curate, and put the sites to practical use for the benefit of students and the public," she said.
A comprehensive report with detailed proposals, an extensive bibliography, and a book describing the sites and their history have been compiled.
TUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Tinyiko Maluleka were overjoyed, saying the university celebrates its 20th anniversary. It appreciates the rare privilege of standing at the forefront of ancient African history, archaeology, and humanitarian sciences.
He stated that Toppieshoek has become an African heritage not only for the TUT but also for all the descendants of Mzilikaxi-ka-Mashabane, Kgosi Mogale wa Mogale, Kgosi ya Bapo-Bamogale, after whom the mountain of Magaliesburg is named, and the heritage of all South Africans.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaHB5ez7tkj0FuHQkQ0s
