The Manie Mulder Adventure Park in Roodekrans has fallen into a deep state of decay over the past few years. Neglect and lack of maintenance and security have left a spectacular piece of land unrecognisable. This is why, as part of the City’s A Re Sebetseng campaign, there is a huge project in place to return the centre to its former glory.
There are interesting historical and cultural aspects of the centre that are believed to have been lost because of the neglect.
According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, seven South African war heroes who fought in World Wars I and II are buried there.
The Muldersdrift-se-Loop runs through the Manie Mulder Gorge and is considered sacred. Sangomas and indigenous people travel long distances to collect the water and take it back to their homelands. Unfortunately, the lack of sufficient security has allowed these people to sneak in at night through the unsecured Krugersdorp boundary of the Centre. They are usually unaware of the depth of the pool below the waterfall, and in the past four years, 15 lives have tragically been lost because of drowning. This is why improved security has a high priority on the list of goals.
The historical and cultural significance of this centre, coupled with its extreme beauty, gives Manie Mulder Adventure Park the characteristics of a Gauteng tourism icon. Not only that, but the City of Johannesburg entities, as well as the conservation groups, community members and local businesses involved, have plans to make the centre accessible for learners that receive minimal outdoor and conservation education. This education is extremely beneficial to the development of the community’s youth and well-being.
A project was started to help highlight the amazing features of the park, make it safer for children and families, and give it the recognition it deserves.
The characteristics that all involved are hoping to highlight are:
• The Muldersdrift-se-Loop, which is the source of the Crocodile River and runs through the Manie Mulder Gorge. It is also the only clean river in Gauteng
• It is the deepest gorge in Gauteng
• The same river runs into the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden
• The only two species of exotic ferns thrive at the Manie Mulder Gorge
• The centre offers a 15-minute hike through the gorge to the sacred waterfall
By highlighting these characteristics and polishing up the existing attractions, the following goals have been set for the Centre.
• Include Manie Mulder Centre as the start of a National Biodiversity Conservation Area in the botanical offering
• Offer an interactive learning centre for young children from all over Gauteng
• Offer a curio shop for informal/ small traders
• Offer a café
• Offer a corporate strategic breakaway place with an obstacle course
• Provide accommodation for 40 people in rondavels
• Offer a sacred ceremonial space for sangomas
• Introduce rock-climbing facilities
While some features already exist, they require repairs, care, and budget to get them off the ground. By adding or repairing these features, the Manie Mulder Adventure Park will not only become a tourist attraction, but will also generate employment opportunities.
The first step of the revamp for this beautiful place was a clean-up that was held on 19 October.
