Discovering the hidden gem of Makhuduthamaga
MAKHUDUTHAMAGA
Located at the heart of Sekhukhuneland, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) is one of South Africa’s must-visit tourism destination, where visitors can navigate spectacular mountains at rural villages, taking visits to see ancient sites, undocumented rock art, sparkling streams, birds, indigenous forests, craft projects, medicinal plants and out of the world views.
Makhuduthamaga is situated within the Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) in Limpopo Province. The name is derived from the liberating name given to those who supported the anti-apartheid struggle in Sekhukhune in the 1950’s. Makhuduthamaga raged a war against the white commissioner and his assailants, Maretsara.
The name Makhuduthamaga was first used in the 1950’s to describe membership of an organization formed mainly by the migrants and the peasants of Sekhukhuneland. The name of the organization was Sebatakgomo which is an idiom used by the Pedi tribe to refer to two things.
Sebatakgomo is first used as ordinary greetings and literal meaning is how you are. Secondly, Sebatakgomo is used as an appeal for help and whenever people are under siege they would shout Sebatakgomo!! Meaning an appeal for assistance.
This organization for migrants and peasants was formed to unite the people of Sekhukhuneland against colonial, apartheid and separate development regime of the previous white domination.
As the struggle for emancipation of the blacks intensified, the organization was banned towards the close of the 1950’S. However, the organization resurfaced as Fetakgomo, a Pedi idiom which is an appeal for unity of the Pedi tribe.
Makhuduthamaga was used to denote membership of this organization of the people of Sekhukhuneland, which was mainly led by Chief Sekhukhune himself and other leaders such as kgoshigadi Madinoge Morwamoche.
Makhuduthamaga literally means the executive and it denote those who joined this organization and non-members were termed rangers who were largely perceived to be the collaborator of the apartheid colonial system.
Looking at the heritage destinations of the Makhuduthamaga area, one can explore the St Manche Masemola Heritage Site, which was named after a religious martyr who died for Christian beliefs in the 1928.
Manche Masemola, who belonged to the Anglican Church, was brutally murdered by her parents for refusing to abandon her holy beliefs in favour of traditional and spiritual up bring.
An annual event is held at her grave to commemorate by Anglican Church on every first Sunday of August. The event attracts 3000 to 4000 people.
Makhuduthamaga also is rugged with rural and wild perfect for all outdoor adventure as per needs of the tourists such as Leolo Mountains, Nebo Plateau and Phiring Tourism attraction sites.
Scenic adventure, emotional amusement and immeasurable pleasure are found at the Nebo Plateau, which has an unusual and exciting experience for visitors to cruise on its ridges. The destination also includes the hiking trails of Thitlong Game Lodge and majestic view of De Hoop Dam.
MLMM also boasts a few other dams for tourist looking for a refreshing getaway, fishing, picnicking and caravan camping, where visitors can enjoy bird-watching escapes or the clean crisp air while relaxing near these vast natural dams.
Makhuduthamaga’s unique eco-tourism makes it a home to a thousand species of flowers, among those is the Protea and when visiting Majwe Maraga and Mahlophane in Leolo Mountain, tourists will be able to have a view of the Zandeteschia family of flowers, commonly known as lilies and shrubs, which are used for medicinal purposes by traditional healers.
The dramatic lifestyle of the people of Makhuduthamaga is one of many reasons why thousands of tourists flock to the peaceful land. Humanity is in use and therefore, they will always make everyone feel at home.
