SDA and Bapedi Kingdom collaborate to promote cultural heritage tourism
MOHLALETSE
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sekhukhune Development Agency (SDA), Mantwa Makanyane, paid a royal courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Bapedi Kingship at the Tšate III Great Palace recently, a historic visit that marked a moment in the ongoing effort to elevate Sekhukhune’s cultural heritage tourism.
Bapedi Regent Queen, Leganabatho II Thulare, senior wife of the late King Sekhukhune III and mother of the late King Thulare Victor Thulare III, welcomed Makanyane and her delegation.
The Queen, who has played a pivotal role in preserving the Marota Empire’s heritage, expressed her appreciation for the visit, highlighting the long-standing disconnect between the Bapedi Kingdom and local economic development initiatives in Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM).
“She is the first CEO to visit the Bapedi Kingdom, despite the fact that the Kingdom is the rightful custodian of Sekhukhune’s heritage,” said Queen Thulare.
She indicated that they are happy with the visit because for too long the name ‘Sekhukhune’ has been in widespread use, while the kingdom that owns this heritage has been side-lined.
Makanyane underscored the significance of the visit, emphasizing that the district’s strength lies in its rich and uninterrupted royal heritage.
“Today, we are honoured to meet the direct lineage of King Sekhukhune, the true stewards of the Marota Empire and Bapedi heritage. This meeting marks a new chapter in how we approach cultural heritage with greater esteem and understanding,” she said.
The discussion between the SDA and the Bapedi Kingdom explored various initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting cultural heritage tourism in Sekhukhune District. Among the key issues raised was the identification, documentation, and cataloguing of heritage sites within the district, particularly those bearing Bapedi historic footprint.
There was also a strong commitment to securing recognition for these sites from national and international heritage authorities, such as UNESCO, the South African Heritage Resources Agency, and the National Heritage Council.
“This visit aligns with our objectives of heritage conservation and tourism promotion,” said Mr. Moleke Makgeru, spokesperson for the Bapedi Kingdom.
He added that by preserving the cultural and historical landmarks that define the district’s identity, they enhance tourism potential while fostering community pride and sustainable heritage protection.
One of the pressing issues raised was the need to replace the existing statue at Tšate Heritage Site with a more historically accurate representation of King Sekhukhune.
Based on that, Queen Thulare emphasized the importance of this correction, calling on the SDA to lead the charge in ensuring that King Sekhukhune, a leader who was once the nightmare of British conquest armies, is appropriately honoured.
The visit laid the groundwork for a structured approach to heritage development, with the SDA committing to several key action points, including crafting an Annual Heritage Sites Catalogue to document and promote significant historical locations; conducting site visits and engaging with local communities to gather input on heritage conservation efforts; presenting a comprehensive heritage project report to the SDM Board, SDM Council and Local Municipality Councils to secure funding and support; submitting applications for heritage recognition to UNESCO, SAHRA, and the National Heritage Council.
To ensure accountability and transparency, the SDA said they will maintain detailed site reports with photographs and historical data, and formal applications submitted for heritage site recognition, as a build up to national and international recognition.
As the meeting concluded, Makanyane reflected on the profound impact of the visit. “The Queen exudes power, humility, and love. I truly felt the royal embrace just through her presence. Now that we have engaged directly with the custodians of Sekhukhune’s heritage, we can move forward with a more informed and respectful approach to cultural heritage tourism,” she said.
The collaboration between the SDA and the Bapedi Kingdom marks a significant step in positioning Sekhukhune as a premier cultural tourism destination, deeply rooted in its royal heritage and historical legacy.
