Tšate Heritage site in total disrepair

BURGERSFORT – Tšate Heritage Site is in a state of disrepair. The site, situated in Ntswaneng Village, was proclaimed a provincial heritage site in 2007. It is currently reduced to just two mobile containers posing as offices, with no access to water and electricity.

Speaking to Steelburger/Lydenburg News, the DA’s Katlego Phala said they are saddened that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in Limpopo has abandoned the site.

“During an oversight inspection, we were shocked to find the place in a total state of disrepair, which is indicative of a department that failed to take ownership of the site and fulfil its mandate.”

According to residents, the Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) initiated the first development phase in 2008 but nothing has happened to date.

The newspaper discovered that the security guards relieve themselves in a nearby bush, as the toilets have been turned into storerooms. The site is not fenced, allowing for stray animals to walk through it on a daily basis, causing more damage.

“Despite a generous budget allocation of R66 million for maintenance in the 2017/18 budget, it is clear that the department did not spend a cent on this historical site to preserve our history and culture. We have noted that the maintenance budget was reduced to R47 million for this financial year, which poses a further risk for non-maintenance to all our heritage sites across the province,” Phala added.

She said they will table questions to the MEC for sports, arts and culture, Onnica Moloi, to ascertain why the site is not being maintained and what is being done with the funds allocated for this.

“Heritage sites such as Tšate play a crucial role, not only in educating our people about the history of our traditional kings and leaders, but also as a tourist attraction which in turn will boost the province’s economy.”

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Tšate Heritage Site portrays the natural and cultural history of the region, the rise and fall of the Pedi Empire, living culture and the fascinating natural and geological environment in the surrounds of the site. King Sekwati and his son King Sekhukhune had the vision and leadership skills to unite a large number of vulnerable communities into the formidable Pedi Empire of the eighteenth century. The valley provided safety and was backed by the Leolo Mountains to the south, the hills of Mosega and Modimolle guarding the entrance to the north, with Ntswaneng as bastion in the centre.