This week, the 46th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will decide whether two Western Cape sites should be designated World Heritage sites.
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The Western Cape Government delegation joins colleagues from other provinces and the national government in New Delhi for this session, which will take place between July 21 and July 31, 2024.
South Africa has submitted two nominations following years of rigorous stakeholder engagement, quality assurance, and international evaluation. Successful nominations will be protected under the World Heritage Convention and added to the World Heritage List.
The nomination, titled ‘The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa,’ includes three Middle Stone Age sites that provide important evidence for understanding the origins of modern human behaviour.
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These sites include the Diepkloof Rock Shelter near Elands Bay and the Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay, both in the Western Cape, as well as Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal.
The provincial minister of cultural affairs and sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said:
‘These sites are not only global archaeological treasures but also symbols of our resilience, creativity, and capacity for innovation. They remind us of the importance of preserving our cultural and natural heritage for future generations. It is incredible to imagine the early humans who lived in and passed through these places. I am excited about the potential for World Heritage Site status to boost tourism, economic development, and enable job creation.’
Premier Alan Wine added, ‘The Western Cape is privileged to have such an abundance of cultural offerings and we must make full use of their significance to deepen our collective knowledge, but also harness their potential to further our economic growth to create many more jobs in this space.’
A further release will follow once the outcomes of the Session are announced.
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Picture: Supplied