Two Western Cape sites lining up for World Heritage status this week

Two Western Cape sites lining up for World Heritage status this week

This week, the 46th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will deliberate on whether two Western Cape sites achieve World Heritage status.

The Western Cape Government delegation joins colleagues from other provinces and national government in New Delhi for this Session taking place between 21 and 31 July 2024.

South Africa has put forward two nominations, following years of rigorous stakeholder engagement, quality assurance, and international evaluation. Successful nominations will be protected under the World Heritage Convention and inscribed on the World Heritage List.

The nomination titled ‘The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa’ includes three Middle Stone Age sites that contribute significant evidence for understanding the origins of modern human behaviour.

These sites are:

• Diepkloof Rock Shelter close to Elands Bay in the Western Cape

• Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape

• Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza in KwaZulu-Natal.

Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said, “These sites are 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.”

Premier Alan Winde added, “The Western Cape is privileged to have such an abundance of cultural offerings and we must make full use of their significance to deepen our collective knowledge, but also harness their potential to further our economic growth to create many more jobs in this space.”

A further release will follow once the outcomes of the Session are announced.