Discovering Our Early Iron Age Heritage At Mpushini
With Celeste Rossouw

Join archaeologist, Celeste Rossouw, of KZN Amafa & Research Institute, accompanied by Francois Marais, of The Rambers, PMB, as they hike out to discover our rich Iron Age heritage in the Mpushini Valley.  Learn about an Early Iron Age Smelting Site in the Lower Mpushini Valley, these early people's way of life and importance of conserving this rich heritage as our 'living libraries'.  

Join archaeologist, Celeste Rossouw, of KZN Amafa & Research Institute, accompanied by Francois Marais, of The Rambers, PMB, as they hike out to discover our rich Iron Age heritage in the Mpushini Valley.  Learn about an Early Iron Age Smelting Site in the Lower Mpushini Valley, these early people's way of life and importance of conserving this rich heritage as our 'living libraries'.  


Ms Celeste Rossouw obtained a Post-graduate diploma in Museum & Heritage Studies (2002) and a Honours degree in Archaeology at the University of Pretoria (2006) as well as a Masters Degree in the Conservation of the Built Environment at the University of Cape Town (2016). 


Celeste has worked at the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa & Research Institute since 2006 and loves to learn about our past, to inspire the youth to care for our heritage and to conserve it for both present and future generations.


To contact Celeste Rossouw Tel: +27 82 891 5518 or email: celrossouw@gmail.com

 

Francois Marais is well known in Pietermaritzburg from his work at the Surveyor General's office, as well as the energetic leader of the PMB Ramblers group.  Francois takes a keen interest in geology and ecology and has a special interest in interpreting both natural and cultural history.  


As part of Francois's training he was exposed to geology at UCT which sparked his further interest.  Working in Namibia, Francois was able to experience both the geology and history of mapping and also developed knowledge of the German settlers.


Coming to KZN and working in the SG office and joining the Ramblers, Francois interests had the chance to grow.  Francois is keenly interested in how it all fits into our existence and the responsibility we have to preserve our natural and cultural heritage is very important to him.  Francois says "Sharing this information gives me great enjoyment."


Francois often visits the Lower Mpushini Valley with fellow hikers to spend the morning doing a stiff hike along the tracks and game trails in the valley.


To contact Francois Tel +27 74 31372 40 or email fran.fm26@gmail.com


The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum presenters on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions beliefs and viewpoints the Ashburton Aloe Festival 2020 Goes Virtual organisers, the Lower Mpushini Valley Conservancy or its membership.  We advocate for social and environmental justice and optimum well-being for people and planet and contextualise our concept within a local understanding of what it means to be on that journey.  Always consult with your local doctor, veterinarian and alternative healing specialists when undertaking new forms of therapy or medication.  It is outside of the expertise or scope of the Lower Mpushini Valley Conservancy to make recommendations in this regard.