Great news: South Africa adds three new World Heritage Sites
The UNESCO committee has acknowledged three new World Heritage Sites in South Africa. Here’s their location and significance…
Three new World Heritage Sites have been designated in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
This follows a recent meeting by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) committee. Furthermore, the latest sites were awarded for The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa, reports IOL.
The three new World Heritage Sites are situation in Elands Bay and Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and KwaDukuza in KwaZulu-Natal. Specifically:
- Diepkloof Rock Shelter – Elands Bay.
- Pinnacle Point Rock Shelter – Mossel Bay.
- Sibhudu Cave – KwaDukuza.
Moreover, each has an inscription of Middle Stone Age rock. And each acknowledges the significant contribution to the beginnings of contemporary humans, says UNESCO.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Following the announcement of the new UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Western Cape Provincial Minister of Culture, Ricardo Mackenzie, said: “The exceptional preservation of these sites, amidst the challenges of climate change and rising sea levels stand as testaments to our ancestors. Including their resilience, ingenuity, and adaptation to environmental change.”
Likewise, Western Cape Premier Alan Wine said: “Achieving this UNESCO World Heritage Site status is a monumental recognition. Not just fo our province, but country’s exceptional cultural and historical significance on the world stage.” He further pointed out how the integrity and authenticity of these World Heritage Sites has been carefully preserved. This is only possible due to the tireless efforts of several international multidisciplinary specialists.
OTHER SITES IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is currently home to twelve World Heritage Sites. The first three were awarded in 1999, with eight sites listed for their cultural significance and five for natural significance. Most recently, Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites and aforementioned Pleistocene Occupation Sites have been added in 2024. For a comprehensive list of all the World Heritage Sites in South Africa, follow the link HERE.
The latest sites awarded prove through genetic and fossil evidence, that anatomically modern humans developed from archaic predecessors in Africa 200 000 years ago. The three sites, made up of caves and rock shelters, include tools and early art from the Stone Age. They provide significant insight into the evolution of the human species.