Journal Article

FROM PARIS TO PONTDRIFT: UNESCO MEETINGS, MAPUNGUBWE AND MINING

MESKELL, LYNN

2011

Overview

This paper documents some recent international interludes in the Mapungubwe mining saga. Specifically, I outline the official position taken by South Africa at the 35th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris in 2011, with regard to decisions taken by UNESCO in 2010 pertaining to Mapungubwe's buffer zones and imminent threats from the Vele Colliery. This leads to a closer examination of the original site nomination and inscription in 2003 and how Coal of Africa (CoAL) have used debates over natural and cultural heritage to try to secure their advantage. Within South Africa, this episode calls for reflection on the status of archaeology within the current government, the prioritisation of development goals over cultural assets, and ultimately the continued shortfalls of archaeology, as both object and practice, at the World Heritage Site of Mapungubwe.

• Publisher: SOUTH AFRICAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY IN ASSOCIATION WITH ASAPA,South African Archaeological Society
• Subject: African culture / Archaeological sites / Archaeology / Buffer zones (Ecosystem management) / Coal / Coal mining / Congresses and conventions / Conservation of monuments / Conservation of prehistoric areas / Cultural heritage / Cultural landscapes / Cultural policy / Cultural preservation / Cultural property / Development policy / Economic development / Environmental aspects / Environmental conservation / Government policy / Mapungubwe / Mines and mineral resources / National parks / Protection / South Africa / UNESCO / World heritage areas / World Heritage Committee