SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni, said the inscribing of the #Khomani Cultural Landscape, in the Northern Cape, was a very important and symbolic step in the recognition and restoration of the dignity of the #Khomani San whose cultural life and traditional practices were significantly undermined due to the forced removals they suffered under apartheid.
Mketeni said the inscribing by Unesco added to the recognition of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and the larger Kgalakgadi Transfrontier Park as a special and unique conservation area to be protected and enjoyed by all. “It further gives recognition to the great work being done in the preservation and promotion of South Africa’s diverse heritage.
According to Mketeni, the site contains evidence of human occupation from the Stone Age to the present, associated with the Khomani San culture. The site also includes landmarks of San history, migration, livelihoods, memory and resources.
The submission to Unesco was a collaboration by the #Khomani San SANParks, the Department of Environmental Affairs, The Peace Parks Foundation and EcoAfrica.
Source: TU
