Programs like these are implemented to control the impact on water security, agricultural productivity, and on natural ecosystems. Alongside the board, and the role of NEMPA (Norms and Standards for Protected Areas in South Africa) as a guiding thread, Maduwa orchestrates her team to meticulously remove invasive alien plants within the Cradle reserve, particularly black wattle.
UMSUKA Program Pillars: Engaging, Connecting, and Collaborating for Change
Black wattle, a category 2 invasive species that originates from Australia, is transformed from an ecological menace into repurposed resources. They have what they call a “manufacturing process” using the materials from the black wattle which, in turn, warms the Cradle Boutique Hotels hearth. The program turns the materials into various products, including firewood, wood chips for compost, and charcoal to create a sustainable source of energy.
The previous leader departed after nurturing and refining the program with previous funding from National Geographic in the past. This allowed its reach to extend to a vast array of individuals and stakeholders. Funding put evolutionary concepts, alongside cultural and indigenous knowledge, in the spotlight.
The Cradle Boutique Hotel: Beyond Luxury As a part of the Malapa Motsetse Foundation, the Cradle Boutique Hotel joins the orchestrated symphony of conservation and sustainability. With a subtle yet impactful stance that is unobtrusive, one of the
The fervour shown is equally mirrored in the newly revived UMSUKA program. It translates to “root” and is a beacon that illuminates palaeoanthropology educational awareness. However, the UMSUKA program’s ambitions were put on hold and experienced a gradual decline in the absence of a leader.
The program’s revival can be attributed to the appointment and leadership of Maduwa who brings in the energy and ingenuity of a new generation of leaders. In its early phases, driven by a commitment to conserving the Cradle of Humankind, her objective is to continue expanding the comprehension of human evolutionary concepts. With a knack for conveying her content in a captivating and simplified manner that
“The hotel plays their part through active roles that ensure guests can enjoy luxury experiences with the knowledge that a self-sustaining circular framework is in action.” hotel’s initiatives include food efficiency with a #Cradle2Table ethos, aquaponics, wildlife harvesting that is only used in their restaurant, and self produced or locally sourced food cultivation.
Scan the QR Code for more information.
The hotel plays their part through active roles that ensure guests can enjoy luxury experiences with the knowledge that a self-sustaining circular framework is in action. Likewise, visitors are able to delve deeper into the region’s unique heritage and the perils of alien invasive species through informative booklets and interactive QR Codes.
8
conveys the epitome of digestible simplicity. She plans to achieve this within the UMSUKA program through three core pillars: 1. 2. 3.
School outreach Community engagement The Cradle Ambassadors program
Engagement, connection, collaboration, and awareness form the lifeblood of every initiative. The innovative concept of taking the essence of the cradle to the people through
