Limpopo puts heritage sites in tourism spotlight
SELETENG, GA-MPHAHLELE – Limpopo is putting its rich cultural and historical heritage in the spotlight as the province intensifies efforts to grow cultural tourism and encourage residents to explore its heritage attractions.
Provincial Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba made the call during the provincial Heritage Day celebration at Seleteng, Ga-Mphahlele, in the Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality, Capricorn District, on Thursday.
Ramathuba said Limpopo’s diverse cultures, traditions, historical sites and natural landscapes were among the province’s key tourism assets.
“Heritage Month is always cause for celebration as it is the month we appreciate the rich, diverse and common cultural heritage that makes us Proudly Limpopians,” she said.
She urged residents to visit heritage and tourism sites across the province, saying increased local tourism could contribute to the growth of the cultural heritage tourism sector.
Among the attractions highlighted were Makapan’s Valley, Mapungubwe National Park, Lekgalameetse Provincial Park, Tjate Heritage Site and the Muti wa Vatsonga Museum.
Ramathuba said the sites represented Limpopo’s tangible heritage and needed to be protected, appreciated and conserved for future generations.
“Our heritage is what we have inherited from the past to value and enjoy in the present and to preserve and pass on to future generations,” she said.
The provincial government is working with the Limpopo Tourism Agency to market the province as a tourism destination, with Heritage Month providing an opportunity to showcase its cultural and historical attractions.
Ramathuba also welcomed an initiative by the tourism agency to offer free entrance to selected nature reserves included in its tourism itinerary during Heritage Month.
The Premier said such initiatives could give residents an opportunity to experience the province’s heritage and natural attractions while supporting the broader tourism economy.
The Heritage Day celebrations also placed emphasis on the responsibility of communities to protect their cultural identity and ensure that Limpopo’s heritage remains accessible to future generations.
