Johannesburg, – The Gauteng Department of Finance & Economic Development which serves as a shareholder department for the Gauteng destination marketing agencies namely the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA), the Gauteng Growth & Development Agency (GGDA) and its subsidiary the Constitution Hill, is elated by the news confirming the declaration of a set of Nelson Mandela Liberation & Heritage Sites as part of the collective Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites in Gauteng as the golden province’s 2nd World Heritage Sites.
These includes the Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, Union Buildings in Tshwane, Sharpeville Massacre Site, Police Station, Sharpeville Memorial Garden and, Sharpeville Grave Site in Sedibeng, Liliesleaf Farm, June 16 Memorial, Streets of Orlando West and Walter Sisulu Freedom Square also in Johannesburg, Ohlange in KZN, Waaihoek Wesleyan Church in Free State and the Great Place at Mqhekezweni and the Ford Hare University in Eastern Cape.
The addition of these South African sites associated with the country’s liberation struggle and human rights crusader President Nelson Mandela into the UNESCO World Heritage List, mark a historic and joyous moment for the country and Gauteng province in particular. Accordingly, Gauteng houses a lion share of these sites through its world-class museums, iconic streets and heritage sites associated with this great stateman and freedom fighter.
The nomination named ‘Human Rights, Liberation Struggle and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites’ was put forth by South Africa in recognition of the global impact of Madiba, his ideals and values not only in shaping a free, democratic and prosperous South Africa but also as a staunch advocate for a better Africa and World.
“As the Gauteng provincial government, we are excited and accept this declaration with humility and great appreciation to UNESCO committee and all the participating members. We will continue to preserve, promote and share this important route and sites with the people of the world in recognition of the great journey we have traversed over the years, explained Gauteng MEC for Finance & Economic Development Mr. Lebogang Maile.
As the country marks 30 years of democracy & freedom, the articulation, promotion, development and preservation of its liberation and heritage story and experiences takes a center stage. Without a doubt, this announcement bodes well for cultural and heritage tourism in our province. We are looking forward to immediately leverage this affirmation as we highlight the importance of tourism as one of the 10 high-growth sectors driving our economic recovery, job creation efforts and heightened reindustrialization.
We salute man and women who have worked tirelessly in packaging, submitting, and propagating our submission and case to UNESCO. Special appreciation goes to the Constitutional Court leadership, South African National Arts & Culture Department, Management, and Board of the GGDA and Conhill and our destination marketing and development partners who have kept these sites top-of-mind, intact and appealing to the world. Our task now is to ensure they are properly maintained, preserved, and continuously present them to the world as they now no longer belong to Gauteng-South Africa but to the people of the world, reiterated Maile.
As we conclude this Nelson Mandela month, GTA working together with its marketing partners, municipalities, government bodies and civil society, will post this announcement put together a protracted programme aimed at popularizing these sites to the people of the province, South Africa, and Africa first, as we prepare to share them with the world. This programme will also take into consideration the changing content consumption patterns and the use of artificial intelligence, gaming, robotics and creative expressions as a powerful tool to share and tell our stories and efforts to grow Gauteng together.
