Lindile Nhaca, the Mayor of Kwadukuza municipality, says the declaration of the Sibudu Cave as a world heritage site is an opportunity for the municipality to educate the public about our heritage, and to boost tourism in the area.
On the 26 July 2024, the Sibudu Cave, nestled in the south of KwaDukuza, was declared a World Heritage site at the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
In a statement, the municipality said Sibudu rock shelter shows evidence of some of the earliest human innovations, including the earliest bone and stone arrowheads dating back to over 60 000 years.
It has become the third World Heritage site to be declared by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, joining the Drakensberg Mountain and Isimangaliso Wetland Park, said the statement.
The mayor said, “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.”
She added: “The Sibudu Cave will reconnect 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 higher 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,” she said.
The Mercury