Mapungubwe Threatened by Adjacent Coal Mine

Att: Minister Buyelwa Sonjica and Minister Susan Shabangu

Don't Trash Our World Heritage Site 

South Africa has eight World Heritage Sites with the most exceptional being Mapungubwe. Located at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, the community moved from Bambandyanalo Hill north of the confluence during the eleventh century to nearby Mapungubwe Hill, south of the confluence (c.1220). Mapungubwe prospered for a short period of time (c.1220 to 1290/1300).

The importance as a cultural heritage landscape was one of the main reasons why the site was inscribed in 2003. This is the first known site where there was a distinction between the leaders and the community has been found. Considered as the capital of southern Africa's first state, Mapungubwe may have reached a population of 5000 before drought took its toll and they moved north to Great Zimbabwe (c.1250 to 1450).

The Limpopo-Shashe Trans-Frontier Peace Park and Conservation Area is threatened by Coal of Africa Limited (CoAL) whom want to strip-mine adjacent the park. Once one mine is established a host of mines will follow as well as the planned Thermal-Powered Power Station (Coal fired), polluting the area. Initially the coal will be transported to the rail siding in Musina by an estimated 500 trucks per day!