Mapungubwe's future in doubt
2009-08-26 10:17
Johannesburg - In what is considered the largest land claim in the history of South Africa, Mapungubwe - a world heritage site - as well as 56 farms in the far north of Limpopo, have been awarded to the Machete royal family.
The Machetes' successful claim has, however, placed the future of Mapungubwe in doubt, as it is set to become part of a transfrontier park in the near future.
Tele Mapoto, land claims commissioner for Limpopo, said his office and SANParks are currently holding talks with the Machete family, with the aim of trying to find a negotiated agreement regarding Mapungubwe.
Mapoto said it was a "painstaking" process.
"It is an agreement which will probably cost billions."
Plans for Mapungubwe
SANParks spokesperson, Reynold Thakhuli, said the government considers the conservation of Mapungubwe to be very important.
"At this stage, the future of Mapungubwe is uncertain, but we're looking at possible exchanges."
Lucas Machete, one of the leaders and chief negotiator of the royal family, told Beeld that they have great plans for Mapungubwe, but at this stage do not wish to reveal these plans.
The Machetes are "happy" that their claim has been successful.
However, they are still seeking legal advice, since they are laying claim to a further 88 farms in Limpopo. It appears as if this claim was registered too late.
Johan Verhoef, international co-ordinator of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA), said he has taken note of the latest developments, and immediately took the case up with SANParks.
According to him, it is of critical importance that the negotiation process be finalised as soon as possible, in order for the future of Mapungubwe to be determined.
Transfrontier park
The TFCA has already poured a large amount of money into the establishment of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Park, he added.
"South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana have given us the mandate to compile the treaty, in terms of which the transfrontier park will be managed. The agreement of understanding between the three countries was signed recently. All that remains to be done is for the treaty to be compiled."
According to a document compiled by the land claims commissioner, research which was done over 10 years shows that the Machetes are, "beyond all reasonable doubt", the rightful owners of Mapungubwe and a further 56 farms in the Vhembe district municipality along the Limpopo river.