Protecting the Maropeng Visitor Centre – Lamlela Dube
Gauteng’s only World Heritage Site, the Cradle of Humankind, is home to one of the richest hominid fossil sites in the world. The Maropeng Visitor Centre is the gateway to this area of historical significance. Protecting it is a huge responsibility, but Lamlela Dube, Maropeng’s new security manager, is up to the challenge.
He can usually be spotted on site at the Maropeng Visitor Centre armed with a walkie-talkie radio, which he uses to communicate with Maropeng’s three security providers.
Lamlela has been based at the Cradle since Maropeng opened five years ago, but was employed by a service provider until he joined the Maropeng team in March 2012.
Guarding such an important place is a privilege and is very fulfilling, says Lamlela. “I feel honoured to provide security for this place. In my previous jobs I was always stuck at the back of a factory warehouse counting stock. Here I’m part of a team and I meet different people on a daily basis. I love this.”
Maintenance Manager Mark Fouché says he has always enjoyed working with Lamlela. “The transition has not been a big one as we always regarded Lamlela as part of the team. He’s very likeable, knowledgeable, helpful and meticulous, which are qualities I admire.”
Lamlela used to guard the construction site at the Cradle, looking after equipment and contractors. He says, “At the time I thought the Tumulus building was a bit strange. It confused the hell out of me. But we were taken on a dry-run tour by one of the architects and then I felt very excited that I would be meeting international visitors for the first time.”
Lamlela grew up in Tembisa where he was raised by his single mum, Sibongile. Unable to complete his matric due to financial constraints, Lamlela spent a few years in the military before he joined his uncle’s security company in the late 1990s.
A typical day at work begins with reading reports by the duty manager from the security control room. The rest of the day might include a number of tasks such as dealing with misconduct relating to theft or damage to property.
This can be stressful at times, as Lamlela often has to conduct investigations. But he says the key to dealing with stress is to leave work at the office. “I take each day as it comes and I don’t take things personally. Whatever I discuss with people during work hours stays here.”
Lamlela has a great personality, says Maropeng Revenue Accountant Irvine Ngara. “He’s very easygoing and he likes to joke. He’s also very efficient and a no-nonsense man, which can be expected from someone who does security.”
Family is of huge importance to Lamlela, who is father to three boys. “They are my life and it’s very relaxing to spend time with them.”
They are very active and on weekends go to the gym and play football. “We are big Pirates fans. We don’t miss any games in Gauteng and I always take my sons. I love to bring my boys here and share the stories with them.”
Lamlela is proud to tell people where he works. “When I look at Harry the Hominid I see how we’ve changed as humanity.”