By Phenyo Selinda
Pretoria, South Africa – The Presidency has proudly announced the latest addition of South African human rights and liberation struggle sites to the prestigious United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites list. These sites, now recognised as “The Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites,” highlight the country’s rich history and its journey towards freedom and reconciliation.
Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites
The newly inscribed sites include:
• The Union Buildings
• Constitution Hill
• Liliesleaf
• Sharpeville (comprising three component parts)
• Walter Sisulu Square
• 16 June 1976: The Streets of Orlando West
• University of Fort Hare and ZK Mathews House (comprising two component parts)
• Mqhekezweni
• Waaihoek
• Ohlange“Collectively, this serial property demonstrates the events and ideas that served as the core of South Africa’s liberation struggle, which continue to inspire humanity and the embrace of reconciliation, a quarter century later,” the Presidency said in a statement.
Middle Stone Age Sites Recognised
In addition to the Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has also recognised three Middle Stone Age sites, acknowledging South Africa’s significant contribution to understanding the origins of modern human behaviour. These sites are:
• Diepkloof Rock Shelter near Elands Bay, Western Cape
• Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay, Western Cape
• Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-NatalThe inclusion of these two serial properties increases South Africa’s total number of World Heritage Sites to 12.
National and Global Appreciation
The Presidency expressed its “heartfelt gratitude to the members of the 46th session Committee for the honour bestowed to the country, its history, and rich legacy.” The recognition by UNESCO is a testament to the enduring significance of these sites in the global narrative of human rights, liberation, and reconciliation.
The Presidency also acknowledged the efforts of the Africa Group and the African World Heritage Fund. Established in 2006 by the African Union and UNESCO, the Fund aims to address challenges faced by African states in implementing the 1972 World Heritage Convention, particularly the under-representation of African sites on the World Heritage List and the insufficient conservation and management of these sites.
Call to Action for Preservation and Development
“The Presidency calls on all South Africans, spheres of Government, management authorities, and heritage stakeholders to work in a coordinated manner to ensure that these precious treasures of humanity are safeguarded and optimally deployed to meaningfully contribute to sustainable development in communities and further entrench the values of human rights, freedom, peace, and reconciliation,” the statement concluded.
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