The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Mr Thamsanqa Ntuli has welcomed the proclamation of Sibhudu Cave and oHlange as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO World Heritage Council, calling it “game changing in the province’s Heritage Tourism”.

KwaZulu-Natal scooped these accolades on Friday and Saturday 26 and 27 July 2024 respectively, during the 46th session of the UNESCO Heritage Committee following a presentation by Team KZN led by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture on behalf of the Province.
These brings to four the number of Heritage Sites in the province with the iconic uKhahlamba Drakensburg Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
The successful declaration of Sibhudu Cave as Heritage Site follows the nomination for inscription of three archaeological sites in KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape that was recommended by the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) as part of the South African nomination, ‘The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa.’
This serial nomination explores the emergence of modern human behaviour in Homo sapiens, when humans became “behaving modernly” between 200 000 and 38 000 years ago.

Evidence of modern human behaviour at Sibhudu Cave includes, amongst others, the first evidence of the use of bow and arrow, the use of bedding and medicinal plants, some of the first evidence for the production of bone tools.
The nomination of oHlange, is part of the serial nomination of ten components that demonstrate the events, ideas and believes that were at the core of the Struggle. Of the ten components, one is in KwaZulu-Natal, Ohlange, comprising the small Dube family cemetery, the grave of Dr John Dube, the house he built on the property when he moved to Ohlange, and the original school hall of the Ohlange Institute.

“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 ago. On the other hand, we are the 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 the Province” said Premier Ntuli
The Premier added that the proclamation will bring the added impetus to KwaZulu-Natal strategy to reposition the Province as a tourism and heritage province, for economic recalibration and historic preservation.

“This will bring much needed attention of the world to KwaDukuza where the cave is and a welcome boost for the iNanda tourism and heritage route. As the province we will leverage on 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 the Premier

The Premier also praised Team KZN for presenting a compelling case for KwaZulu-Natal at the UNESCO Heritage Council which resulted in the awarding of the Heritage Sites. “We are proud of you. Together with Team Western Cape you have made our country proud” concluded the Premier

Premier Ntuli will welcome Team KZN at King Shaka International Airport when they arrive back in the Province on Friday 02 August.

Premier Ntuli also congratulated the Western Cape Province, which alongside KwaZulu-Natal had two sites proclaimed World Heritage, as part of the South African nomination. The three sites are Diepkloof Rock Shelter close to Elands Bay and Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape

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For more information contact the Head of Provincial Government Communications Bongi Gwala on 072 793 4757 or Media Liaison Officer Lindelani Mbatha 061 499 0774

ISSUED BY KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT