Two Western Cape spots up for UNESCO World Heritage status

UNESCO World Heritage status for more SA sites

This week, from 21-31 July, a high-level delegation from South Africa will be attending the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee meeting to discuss and consider nominations for the list of  UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

According to a release, South Africa has submitted two nominations, which, if successful, will be protected under the World Heritage Convention and added to the World Heritage List.

The ‘Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour’ nomination includes three South African Middle Stone Age sites which have globally provided significant evidence on understanding of ‘who we are’ today.

“These sites are Diepkloof Rock Shelter close to Elands Bay (Western Cape), the Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay, (Western Cape) and Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza (KwaZulu-Natal). Dr Dlamuka said.

“These three sites display a suite of evidence of the emergence of modern human behaviour dating from as early as 162 000 years, displaying the development of more complex cognitive abilities in our ancestor”, Dlamuka added as per the media release.

Preserving SA’s heritage for future generations

The provincial minister of cultural affairs and sport, Ricardo Mackenzie also said that these sites were 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.” Mackenzie said in the press release.

South Africa currently has 10 sites declared as world heritage sites scattered around the country and should this new nomination succeed, the country will have an additional 11th world heritage site.