{"id":959,"date":"2019-09-24T09:21:31","date_gmt":"2019-09-24T09:21:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/musea.qodeinteractive.com\/?page_id=959"},"modified":"2026-08-18T12:31:02","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T10:31:02","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ditsong.org.za\/en\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About Us"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row content_placement=”top” row_content_width=”grid” content_text_aligment=”left” simple_background_color=”#f8f8f8″ css=”.vc_custom_1638889046527{padding-top: 80px !important;padding-bottom: 80px !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″]

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\n \n About Ditsong<\/span>\n <\/span>\n \t\t\t\t\t

\n <\/span>About us<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”4px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInLeft”]DITSONG: MUSEUMS OF SOUTH AFRICA is an amalgamation of eight museums, seven in Tshwane and one in Johannesburg. These museums have diverse collections covering the fields of fauna and flora, palaeontology, military history, cultural history, geology, anthropology and archaeology. The target audience for these museums are children, youth, adults, students, tourists (foreign and local), researchers and the public in general.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”]\n View brochure<\/span>\n <\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″]
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\n \"\" <\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”80px”][\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″]
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\n \n Mandate of Ditsong<\/span>\n <\/span>\n \t\t\t\t\t

\n <\/span>MANDATE<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”3px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn”]Collection, conservation and safe management of national heritage collections on behalf of the South African nation.<\/p>\n

Carry out research and publish such information for the cultural, social and economic use locally and internationally.<\/p>\n

Render heritage-based service to other museums as well as to individuals and tertiary institutions.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”60px”]\n Our Museums<\/span>\n <\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-6 vc_col-sm-offset-0 vc_col-xs-12″]

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\n \n Our Vision<\/span>\n <\/span>\n \t\t\t\t\t

\n <\/span>Vision<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\tTo be sustainable museums that are globally recognised, accessible and relevant to all.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” row_content_width=”grid” content_text_aligment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1641382650281{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 42px !important;}”][vc_column]

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\n \n Our Mission<\/span>\n <\/span>\n \t\t\t\t\t

\n <\/span>Mission<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\tTo acquire, preserve, research, exhibit heritage assets, and engage the public on our cultural, military and natural heritage in a sustainable, innovative and transformational manner.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” row_content_width=”grid” content_text_aligment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1641382650281{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 42px !important;}”][vc_column]

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\n \n Our Values<\/span>\n <\/span>\n \t\t\t\t\t

\n <\/span>Values<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
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\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tExcellence and Accountabilityl<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\u2022 We strive for excellence in all we do, including service delivery and maintaining the sustainability of DMSA as an organisation through positive organisational and corporate identity by putting people first, especially our clients and employees.<\/p>\n

\u2022 We instil a spirit of excellence among employees, motivating them to continuously improve their work performance and achieve the highest quality results at individual, team, and organisational levels.<\/p>\n

\u2022 We foster a culture of trust and accountability where all employees, both managerial and non-managerial, take ownership of their actions, individually and collectively.<\/p>\n

\u2022 We accept responsibility and accountability for our work performance and the services that museums provide to the broader South African society, in alignment with principles of good management and governance.<\/p>\n

\u2022 We acknowledge our mistakes, address issues promptiy, and make necessary adjustments to improve performance and outcomes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tProfessionalism and Teamwork<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text css=””]\u2022 We execute our duties with the utmost professionalism to continuously improve the reputation of DMSA. We continually strive towards acquiring knowledge and expertise. By growing and developing our competencies and capabilities, we endeavour to be thought leaders in the knowledge and heritage sectors.<\/p>\n

\u2022 We advance the rights of vulnerable groups and promote access to our programmes and facilities.<\/p>\n

\u2022 We are committed to working as a team and creating synergies for shared learning and improved efficiencies across all our museums.<\/p>\n

\u2022 As a team, we support each other and work tirelessly at building the reputation of DMSA as the place where cultures meet.[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tuBuntu \/ Value our People<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text css=””]\u2022 We recognise that each person matters. Everyone is valued and respected; their opinion and contributions are important and recognised. To count and be counted, reflects the heartbeat of DMSA.[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tEthical Behaviour<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text css=””]\u2022 We strongly uphold DMSA’s high standards of ethics in the execution of all
\nour work in preserving, creating awareness and building knowledge about
\nour cultural heritage.<\/p>\n

\u2022 We are committed to acting ethically and transparently in the execution of our duties and responsibilities, prioritising doing the right thing over personal gain.<\/p>\n

\u2022 We are committed to always acting with honesty and integrity to build trust among employees and between the Council and staff, fostering a positive work environment grounded in strong human relationships.<\/p>\n

\u2022 The Council’s resolve and determination to fight against fraud and corruption guide decision-making on the part of both management and
\nCouncil.<\/p>\n

\u2022 All organisational values pertaining to honesty, integrity, accountability and the fight against fraud and corruption are communicated to all employees, individually and collectively, on a consistent and regular basis.[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div>

\n \n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tCreativity and Innovation<\/span>\n<\/h5>\n
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\n\t\t[vc_column_text css=””]\u2022 We are committed to working smarter and harder by fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, encouraging new ways of thinking, learning, and working. Our approach aims to improve organisational effectiveness and efficiency, particularly during challenging economic times, while combating stagnation and enhancing productivity.<\/p>\n

\u2022 We are committed to developing and maintaining an organisational culture that stimulates and promotes creativity and innovation on a continuous basis. We see this as an imperative for DMSA, which currently seeks better ways of ensuring financial sustainability.[\/vc_column_text]\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” row_content_width=”grid” content_text_aligment=”center”][vc_column width=”1\/4″]

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Natural History<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n \"Natural <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
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The DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History is of the most recognisably and prominent features in Tshwane today. The museum curates thousands of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″]

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Cultural History<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n \"Cultural <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
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The DITSONG: National Cultural History Museum explores South Africa's cultural diversity in various permanent & temporary exhibitions.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″]

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Military History<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n \"Military <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
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During the First World War (1914 - 1918) no formal showcase was made of South Africa's involvement in that war. In 1940, Capt J Agar-Hamilton was appointed official historian of Union Defence Forces.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″]

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Kruger Museum<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n \"Kruger <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
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Kruger Museum & it's contents bear witness to the forceful personality of the man who lived there as leader of a small republic in Southern Africa, at a stormy time of his people's long struggle against British imperialism.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes” row_content_width=”grid” content_text_aligment=”center”][vc_column width=”1\/4″]

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Pioneer Museum<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
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While enjoying a cup of coffee & homemade bread, visitors can experience a way of life that has irrevocably passed. The stories of the Pioneer Museum & 1848 house, & of the people who lived on the farm.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″]

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Tswaing Meteorite<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
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Some 220 000 years ago a blazing stony meteorite the size of half a football field slammed into the earth's crust. The impact formed a huge crater. This crater is one of the best-preserved meteorite impact craters in the world.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″]

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Sammy Marks<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
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Sammy Marks arrived in South Africa with a case of silver knives as his only valuable possession, & became one of the first entrepreneurs, playing a significant role in mining, industrial & agricultural development in the country.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″]

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Willem Prinsloo<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n
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The Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum preserves & presents South African agricultural history in a unique manner. The Museum showcases the history of the development of agriculture.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” row_content_width=”grid” content_text_aligment=”center”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” content_text_aligment=”center”][vc_column]

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\n\t\t\"Natural\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/circle>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/circle>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/polygon>\n\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>[vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” row_content_width=”grid” content_text_aligment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1641387535670{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column]
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\n \n About DITSONG: Museums of South Africa<\/span>\n <\/span>\n \t\t\t\t\t

\n <\/span>We Are Ditsong<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″]
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPROFESSIONALISM<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

We execute our duties with utmost professionalism to improve the reputation of the Institution;\nWe continually strive towards acquiring more knowledge and expertise and by growing and developing our competencies and capabilities we strive to be thought leaders in the knowledge and heritage sectors;
\nWe advance the rights of vulnerable groups and promote access to our programmes and facilities.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″]

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tACCOUNTABILITY<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

We are responsible and answerable that the products and services provided by our museums are of the best possible quality, given our resources and capabilities, and are delivered in accordance with the principles of good governance;
\nWhen mistakes are made, we take corrective action and resolve the situation quickly, ensuring that lessons learnt inform new, improved approaches to how we work.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″]

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tETHICAL BEHAVIOUR<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

We view our responsibility for preserving, creating awareness and building knowledge about in a serious light;
\nOur decisions and actions are therefore considered and based on what is the correct action to take;
\nOur ethical behaviour means that we have zero-tolerance towards unfairness and discrimination of any form.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”62px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″]

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEXCELLENCE<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

We strive for excellence in all that we do. We know that our impact and sustainability is dependent on putting people first, especially our customers and employees;
\nWe therefore benchmark ourselves with international best practices, as we move towards being a digitally transformed, accessible and relevant group of museums.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″]

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTEAMWORK<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

We are committed to working as a team and creating synergies for shared learning and improved efficiencies across all our museums;
\nAs a team, we support each other and work tirelessly at building the reputation of our brand as the place\u201cwhere cultures meet\u201d.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″]

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVALUING OUR PEOPLE<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

To count and be counted, our people are the heartbeat of DITSONG;
\nEach person matters, they are valued, they are developed, their opinion is important and their contributions are recognised.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”62px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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