Afro-centered heritage management approaches for Mapungubwe World Heritage Site along Vele Colliery Coal Mining Area in Limpopo Province in South Africa

Abstract

This contribution reflects on the role of Mapungubwe World Heritage Site in the promotion of African Knowledge Systems. The study is aligned to the notion that Mapungubwe Kingdom is the epitome of civilization built on African Knowledge Systems. The problem that the study is investigating is that the approach to heritage conservation in Limpopo Province is still reflecting European dominance of Africa. This in turn limits the expression of African Knowledge Systems in the conservation of Mapungubwe World Heritage Site. The overarching aim of the study was to develop the Afro-centred heritage management tool that places Mapungubwe World Heritage Site as the custodian of African Knowledge Systems. The main questions that guided the study were the following: what is the role of Mapungubwe World Heritage Site in the development of African Knowledge Systems? what are the major challenges that Afro-centred heritage management tool should address in the conservation of Mapungubwe World Heritage Site? what are the interventions required to establish Mapungubwe World Heritage Site as the agent for promotion of African Knowledge Systems? what needs to be done to institutionalize African Knowledge Systems within the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site conservation program? Data was collected using in-depth interviews with the purposively sampled participants. Secondary data sources in the form of recorded audio-visuals, minutes of the meetings, newspaper articles and other cultural activities performed to mention but few were also utilized. Data was analysed using a content qualitative data analysis method. This was the qualitative case study designed research that focused on the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site conservation approach. Theoretically, the study utilized the cradle theory that claims that Africa is the cradle of humankind that birthed all ethnic groups in the world. Heritage theorists particularly palaeontologists attest to this sentiment. Insights were also drawn from the Afrocentric approach debate that advocates for location and promotion of African Knowledge Systems in any dialogue. The findings of the study show that there is underutilisation of African Knowledge Systems in the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site, Mapungubwe could be established into African Knowledge Systems University, and public institutions are not well supported to manage heritage matters to mention but few. The study recommends that future research should pay attention on the exploitation of the use of Mapungubwe World Heritage Site as the university for African Knowledge Systems.