UNESCO has proudly named two new South African areas as World Heritage Sites in 2024, adding seven new landmarks to our growing collection.
South Africa (29 July 2024) – South Africa is beaming with pride as UNESCO has recently added more sites to its prestigious World Heritage List.
This achievement marks a significant milestone in the preservation and recognition of South Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are landmarks or areas recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of significance. They are legally protected by international treaties and recognised as holding importance for all of humanity.
In 2024, two remarkable sites were added to South Africa’s UNESCO World Heritage List. The inscription follows the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India held from the 21 – 31 of July 2024.
The inscribed sites termed as The Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, which is a serial property comprising of fourteen (14) components that are located in four provinces and seven municipalities across South Africa are, 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 and 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 14 components exemplify strong memories and beliefs in the triumph of human rights, liberation and reconciliation.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee further inscribed three Middle Stone Age sites as recognition of South Africa’s significant contribution to the understanding of the origins of modern human behaviour.
The second South African serial site inscribed is The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa.
The sites are located in the Western Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal. The three sites are:
- Diepkloof Rock Shelter close to Elands Bay, Western Cape
- Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay, Western Cape
- Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal.
The inscription of these two serial properties, increases South Africa’s list of World Heritage Sites to 12.
Notable sites include:
- Blombos Cave: Famous for its ancient artifacts, including tools and artwork, offering a glimpse into the cognitive evolution of early humans.
- Sibudu Cave: Known for its well-preserved archaeological deposits that reveal sophisticated technologies used by early humans.
- Pinnacle Point: A series of caves with evidence of early coastal living and advanced tool use.
South Africa is already home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each with its unique charm and significance:
- Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa: Known as the Cradle of Humankind, these sites have produced a wealth of information about human evolution.
- Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape: A rich archaeological site that was once the center of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe.
- Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape: Celebrated for its cultural practices and unique botanical diversity.
- Robben Island: Infamous for its role as a prison, including the incarceration of Nelson Mandela.
- ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape: Reflecting the rich heritage of the ǂKhomani San people.
- Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains: Offering a glimpse into some of the oldest geological formations on Earth.
- Cape Floral Region Protected Areas: Boasting incredible biodiversity with thousands of plant species.
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park: A stunning natural wonder with diverse ecosystems.
- Vredefort Dome: The world’s largest and oldest meteorite impact site.
- Maloti-Drakensberg Park: A beautiful area featuring both natural beauty and rock art from the San people.
South Africa’s addition of new sites to the UNESCO World Heritage List highlights the country’s commitment to preserving its invaluable cultural and natural heritage. These sites are not only treasures for South Africans but are also recognised and celebrated globally. As South Africa continues to honour and protect these areas, it strengthens its position as a shining example of heritage and history on the world stage.
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