Waterberg Biosphere sports a new logo
The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve’s competition for residents to create a new logo has drawn to an end.
The biosphere, which lies nestled in the area between the towns of Modimolle, Vaalwater, Bela-Bela, Thabazimbi and Lephalale, is one of ten biospheres in the country.
The winner of the first prize is Marilize Greyling, while the second prize goes to Lesley Barnard and the third prize to Tiny Ngoako.
The requirements for the logo were that it had to contain an elephant and colours that reflect the Waterberg’s characteristics, for example, blue for the sky, yellow for the sun, green for the flora, grey or brown for the mountains. The logo had to embody elements of the Waterberg landscape, community and conservation and had to be simple and easy to reproduce. Apart from the three winners, five creative, hand-drawn artworks caught the eye of the judges. The five winners of the special art packs are Keletso Emmanuel, Katlego Komape, Mojeloa Kabelo, Lekotlo Sello and Katwane Mmaphuti.
According to the Waterberg Biosphere Reserves Facebook page the new logo represents the following: The elephant in the design is based on the elephant rock art painting in Masebe Nature Reserve. This symbolises the rich cultural history of the Waterberg, its diverse community and the deep roots of Waterberg inhabitants, and the dedication to the preservation of history, biodiversity and conservation efforts.
The elephant boldly represents the nobility, strength and spirit of community and cooperation of the Waterberg’s people.
The mountains are based on the Waterberg escarpment — which means “home” to its people. The escarpment symbolises the Waterberg landscape, the strong foundations of the community and the generous hospitality that will always welcome you back.
The yellow, green and blue lines symbolise the sun, water, fauna and flora found in the Waterberg. It encloses its inhabitants, connects them, protects them and heals them. As water flows into and from underneath the Waterberg mountains, feeding the rest of the Limpopo basin, the residents aim to contribute to the larger community of South-Africans and global citizens.
The reserve was designated in March 2001 by Unesco and is a non-profit company to promote environmental education and awareness to promote sustainable practices.
