New World Heritage Site proclaimed in KZN

THE 46th session of the Unesco World Heritage Committee proclaimed World Heritage Site status for Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza recently.

This brings Sibhudu Cave into the leagues of KwaZulu-Natal’s other World Heritage Sites, including the iconic uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

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The successful declaration of Sibhudu Cave as a heritage site follows the nomination for an inscription of three archaeological sites in KZN and Western Cape, as recommended by the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) as part of the South African nomination.

KZN Premier Thami Ntuli welcomed the proclamation, saying Sibhudu Cave is a game changer in the province’s heritage tourism.
“This is significant, not only for KwaZulu-Natal but the whole of South Africa and the African continent. It is a known fact that our country is rich and diverse in pre-historic and archaic human occupation.

“These date back tens of thousands of years. On the other hand, we are a country that subscribes to human rights, liberation and reconciliation, and the declaration of oHlange as a Heritage Site is at the heart of our ideals as a province” said Ntuli.

He added that the proclamation will bring added impetus to KZN’s strategy to reposition the province as one of tourism and heritage, for economic recalibration and historic preservation.

“This will bring much-needed attention of the world to KwaDukuza where the cave is located, and a welcome boost for the Inanda tourism and heritage route.

“As a province, we will leverage the comparative advantages offered by these sites, especially now that they are World Heritage Sites. We urge our people to visit these sites as part of local and rural tourism, which will boost the economy of the areas” added Ntuli.

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