PICS: Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre launched in Free State! Ledumahadi mafube, a 12-ton, 12-meter-long South African dinosaur first discovered in 1989 by James Kitching in the Free State, is considered the heaviest dinosaur to have roamed the prehistoric Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
It is also one of the first dinosaurs to be given a proper African name – “The Giant Thunderclap” – inspired by the sound it may have made as it thundered through the Free State roughly 200 million years ago.
Kgodumodumo Dinosaur
This massive sauropodomorph is one of South Africa’s more well-known dinosaurs, now brought to life in full-scale artistic models at the newly launched Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, located in SANParks’ Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State.
The state-of-the-art centre, officially opened by Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille, is a collaboration between the Department of Tourism and SANParks, designed to enhance the visitor experience at the park.
The facility features several life-sized sculptures and provides an exceptional educational experience in paleontology, archaeology, and geology geared towards inspiring curiosity in both young and old visitors about our country’s ancient past.
Early BaSotho communities discovered fossilised bones and footprints of unknown creatures scattered across their homelands, sparking the creation of myths and legends that still echo in BaSotho folklore today.
The legend of Kgodumodumo tells of a monstrous being that terrorised villages, devouring anything in its path. When it moved, it shook the very mountains of the BaSotho homeland. One brave young man, Moshanyana wa Senkatana, who grew up hiding from the beast, grew strong and clever in his constant efforts to evade it. After the creature swallowed half his people, he allowed himself to be eaten, armed with food and fire, and ultimately cooked the beast from within, killing it and freeing those trapped inside.
His Majesty Moremoholo Mopeli of the Bakoena Kingdom, who cut the ribbon alongside Minister De Lille on 22 June 2025, expressed his pride in seeing the heritage of his people displayed in such a powerful way.
“A lot of the information you see here, the storytelling, the narration, was done by us and our people,” he said.
The centre now employs at least 15 permanent staff, many from the surrounding communities. Locals are encouraged to offer goods and services to both domestic and international tourists, with the hope of growing the local economy through this new attraction.
Funded by the European Union, the R120 million Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre is a celebration of African history, science, and storytelling.
For a limited time, SANParks is offering free access to all South African citizens until 30 September 2025, an open invitation to walk among giants and rediscover the ancient wonders beneath our feet.
In other news – Hungani Ndlovu and Stephanie Sandows confirm divorce after 5 years of marriage
Popular South African actors, Hungani Ndlovu and Stephanie Sandows, have confirmed their divorce after five years of marriage.
The two actors released a joint statement on Sunday stating that they’ve parted ways but remain friends and are committed to raising their daughter. Read More
