South Africa has multiple cultural heritages, not to mention the diversity of natural heritages that make up the country’s interior. South Africa is famously known as the “Rainbow Nation” in celebration of the various cultures that make up our country. Upon the arrival of spring, we are reminded of a day that celebrates this diversity – Heritage Day. This public holiday was created in an effort by the post-apartheid government to unite the nation after culture had been used in the past as a way to divide South Africans. As we mark the 30th year of democracy this Heritage and Tourism Month, let us be reminded of the special places associated with our natural and cultural diversity.

South Africa was recently awarded two more UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bringing the total number of the country’s sites to 12. The first recent additions are the Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, which include icons such as the Union Buildings, Constitution Hill, and Mqhekezweni, where Nelson Mandela grew up; they represent South Africa’s struggle for freedom and the need to promote mutual understanding. The second additions are The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa, with sites in Elands Bay and Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, and the Sibhudu Cave in KwaZulu-Natal; they contribute to the understanding of the origins of modern humans, the development of “their cognitive abilities and cultures, and the climatic transitions they survived”.

As we celebrate these special sites and the significance they may have for our heritage and tourism sectors, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and promoting such special places. Upon a recent visit to some of Mamelodi’s heritage attractions, it quickly became apparent that political tensions and neglect continue to threaten the preservation of these important landmarks, and that without proper maintenance and care, these significant sites risk fading into obscurity.

Yet, despite many examples, all hope is not lost. Dr Ephraim Mabena, steward and champion of the Mothong African Heritage Trust and Village is the perfect example of how it takes only one person with a dream to make change happen. Years ago, Dr Mabena, a traditional healer from Mamelodi, had a dream to convert the once illegal dumping site, now known as Mothong, into a beautiful nature conservation sanctuary and botanical garden that conserves indigenous plants and animals. Various institutions have collaborated with the site to ensure its success, including the University of Pretoria, the University of South Africa, the Tshwane University of Technology, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Department of Science and Technology. This collaboration focuses on the cultivation of medicinal plants and the promotion of African indigenous knowledge, with plans to expand into the production of cosmetic and medicinal products. The Mothong African Heritage Trust also serves as an educational hub for local schools and a centre for traditional ceremonies, fostering an understanding of the deep connection between the community, the land and nature.

As we celebrate Heritage and Tourism Month in South Africa, let us celebrate who we are as a people and reflect on the role that we all play in safeguarding our collective history. The challenges faced by heritage sites serve as a reminder that our historical landmarks are vulnerable without proper care and attention. Let us also be reminded of their importance to the tourism sector. The success of initiatives such as the Mothong African Heritage Trust inspires hope. By coming together to maintain, restore, protect and visit these important sites, we honour not only the legacy of those who came before us but also our shared humanity.

Let this month be a celebration not only of our diverse cultures but also of our collective responsibility to keep both our natural and cultural heritage alive, ensuring that it continues to educate and inspire new champions!

Veronique van Wyk is a BSocSci Heritage and Cultural Tourism Honours student in the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies, at the University of Pretoria, with a love for travel and dreams of pursuing a career in tourism that would allow her to see and experience new places and cultures. Her current research focuses on the environmental impact of dive Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa but a recent visit to some of Mamelodi’s heritage sites has inspired her to write this article on the protection and promotion of heritage sites in South Africa.