Minister D George (Dr): launch of Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre

22 June 2025

Unveiling the past, Inspiring the future: Minister Dion George Launches Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, together with the Department of Tourism, SANParks, Free State Provincial representatives and traditional leaders officially launched the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre at Golden Gate Highlands National Park on 22 June 2025. This world-class facility merges science, culture, and conservation to celebrate South Africa's rich prehistoric heritage. In his speech, the Minister hailed the Centre as a powerful tool for environmental education and community pride—where visitors can explore Earth's ancient history while being inspired to protect its future.

Speech

It is a great privilege to join you today in the magnificent Golden Gate Highlands National Park to officially launch the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, a place where science, culture, and conservation come together to tell a story millions of years in the making.

Let me begin by extending my heartfelt thanks to SANParks, whose stewardship of this land makes days like today possible. I also want to recognize our partners at the department of Tourism, led by Minister Patricia de Lille, whose support was instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

This centre is not just a building. It's a living window into our prehistoric past, and a powerful tool for education, inclusion and inspiration. For decades, the sandstone rock formations of this region have attracted paleontologists from around the world. But one discovery, right here in this park, changed everything.

From that moment, the vision began to grow. And today, that vision stands before us in the form of a world-class facility that will open a window to the past while speaking powerfully to the present.

Inside this centre, visitors will journey through time, exploring South Africa's rich fossil record, learning about Earth's evolutionary history, and understanding the fragile balance of biodiversity we must now protect.

And in uniquely local touch, the exhibition ends with the legend of Kgodumodumo, the Basotho monster believed by cattle herders to have left giant footprints across the land. It's a beautiful reminder that science and folklore both hold space in our shared understanding of the world.

This project reflects the department's deep commitment to environmental education and community-rooted conservation. It will serve as a source of pride for surrounding communities, a space o learning for schools and researchers, and a place of wonder for future generations.

Let us continue to tell our stories boldly.

Let us protect our natural heritage fiercely.

And let us build a future where people and planet thrive together.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Thobile Zulu-Molobi
Mobile: +27 82 513 7154 
E-mail: tmolobi@dffe.gov.za  

Chelsey Wilken
Mobile: +27 74 470 5996 
E-mail: cwilken@dffe.gov.za