Media statement - Sibhudu Cave nestled in KwaDukuza has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO



Sibhudu Cave, nestled in the south of KwaDukuza was today, 26 July 2024, declared a World Heritage site at the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which is currently underway in New Delhi, India.

 

Sibhudu rock shelter shows evidence of some of the earliest human innovations including the earliest bone and stone arrow heads dating back to over 60 000 years. The Sibhudu Cave has become the third World Heritage site to be declared by UNESCO World Heritage Committee in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, joining the Drakensburg Mountain and Isimangaliso Wetland Park and the twelfth in the country.


“This is another formidable achievement which underscores the origins of human behaviour. These are certainly our most defining and cherished moments that must be celebrated as they help bridge the gap between the traumatic past of  our forebears and our unified future”, KwaDukuza mayor Lindile Nhaca remarked.

 

“The Sibhudu Cave will re-connect the people of the world and provide avenues for interaction and social understanding of prehistoric human life - a true expression of our rich history and cultural heritage which adds more chapters to the South African heritage landscape. The cave remains a prestigious embodiment of prehistoric life and the modern world; a priceless gem which underscores the world’s most valued archaeological treasures is here at home.

 

This is a well-deserved recognition that sets the bar much high for the nation - and this must be celebrated under our diverse heritage as the people of KwaDukuza and the nation.

 

We will use this site to encourage dialogue and understanding amongst different communities and seek to build new opportunities for our tourism and economic development footprint.

 

We thank the collaboration of various stakeholders including the KZN Department of Arts and Culture, KZN Amafa and Research Institute and Friends of Sibhudu Trust in making KwaDukuza a beacon of tourism heritage opportunities in the province", said Nhaca.

 

Ends


Issued by the Office of the mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality
Enquiries: Sphe Ngobese | 0737847822 | sphelelon@kwadukuza.gov.za

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Media statement - KwaDukuza municipality acts decisively against illegal occupation of its property

Image
In a move triggered by a stringent order issued by the Durban High Court,  KwaDukuza Municipality  today, 17 September 2024,  demolished several illegal housing structures in Shayamoya within the Rocky Ridge Project area (Ward 23).   The illegal occupation of municipal property in this area has been ongoing - with the situation having to be exacerbated by an upsurge of informal structures over the past three days. With the support of law enforcement agencies, the municipality has acted in accordance with the order which interdicts and restrains any person from entering, erecting, or occupying any structure on the property. It also grants the municipality the right to take all reasonable steps to prevent any persons from entering the property.   KwaDukuza mayor Lindile Nhaca has said that the battle against illegal occupation of land by criminals will be heightened with the support of law enforcement agencies and the justice system.   “In our bid to deal wit...
Read more

Media statement: KwaDukuza mayor rejects Independent Alliance’s urgent call for an investigation into Business Start-up Programme

Image
KwaDukuza mayor Lindile Nhaca rejects without reservations, the frivolous  media statement  that was issued by the Independent Alliance yesterday, 02 July 2024, regarding unfounded allegations against faceless municipal officials who according to the statement have squandered funding linked to the Mayoral LED start-up programme. The Mayoral LED start-up programme is an annual programme that is aimed at assisting small businesses and aspirant entrepreneurs with start-up business equipment.   "It must be placed on record that the statement issued by the Independent Alliance has been published in bad faith as it contradicts the portfolio committee meeting resolutions held on Friday, 28   June 2024, where a close out report of the programme was placed under consideration and supported by the author of the statement. We reject the urgent call for an investigation that has been proposed by the party. This is clearly a cause for concern with the sudden change of mind by the...
Read more