Two priceless heritage sites occur on Toppieshoek, a Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) property on the banks of Hartbeespoort Dam within the UNESCO designated Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve. One of them is the Broederstroom Early Iron Age archaeological site, the earliest known African village in this region, occupied in about AD 350. The other is the former Leiden University Observatory Southern Station which includes two historic telescopes built in the early 1900s and operational at Toppieshoek for 25 years until 1978.
On Saturday, 9 March 2024, these two national heritage treasures that have offered unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning and teaching to students for many years will be unveiled.
For the past year, a collaborative venture between the Magaliesberg Association for Culture and Heritage (MACH) and TUT has been assessing ways of restoring the sites. TUT together with Mr Vincent Carruthers and Professor Jane Carruthers from MACH have worked with astronomers and archaeologists in preparing realistic proposals on how the sites might be restored, responsibly curated and put to practical use for the benefit of students and the public.
A comprehensive report with detailed proposals has been prepared, an extensive bibliography has been compiled, a book describing the sites and their history has been published, and six outdoor information boards have been erected.
To mark the successful conclusion of this project, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of TUT, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke will unveil a Blue Plaque at Toppieshoek. The celebration will include an exhibition of archaeological artefacts, the launch of the book “The Heritage Treasures of Toppieshoek”, and a talk on the history of the telescopes as well as the ancient African village.
Media Enquiries:
Phaphama Tshisikhawe
University Spokesperson
012 382 4711
The Rockefeller Twin Astrograph in operation at Hartbeespoort in 1974. (J.W Pel)
