Mothong heritage site has become an education site
"The mountain was neglected and it was a haven for criminals"
Instructions from the ancestors have led a Mamelodi traditional healer to turn an illegal dumpsite into a heritage site.
Ephraim Mabena of Mamelodi West said 18 years ago, on the instructions of his ancestors, he cleared an illegal dumpsite on Magalies mountain in Section C3, Mamelodi West.
He says he then decided to name the site Mothong because when people consult a traditional healer they say “baya ko mothong” in Setswana.
“That was how Mothong African Heritage Trust came about,” he said.
“The mountain was neglected and a haven for criminals.”
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“They used to dump stolen cars, murder people and rape women on the mountain.”
Mabena has converted it into a friendly place for the community.
He cleaned the mountain along with his wife Mabel Mabena, also a traditional healer, and neighbour Mamorake Moila.
“This was a big dumping site and it was bad. It was not easy, but we managed to clean it and turn it into a botanical garden,” he explained.
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He said as healers they play a role in keeping the environment clean and healthy.
“Magalies mountain is very important to the people of Mamelodi.
“Through this mountain, we promote indigenous knowledge system.
“This mountain is a God-given gift and we should protect all the species, the flora and fauna. We need to protect the plants and animals,” added Ephraim.
His biggest wish is to see Mothong grow into a thriving centre of African Indigenous Knowledge.
However, Mabena is proud to announce that Mothong Heritage Site has become an educational area for local schools.
“Indigenous healing plants such as ummilo, the fruit from which is used for colds and umdladlathi, which has anti-inflammatory properties grow here.”
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Mothong is in partnership with Unisa, the University of Pretoria, the Tshwane University of Technology, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Department of Science and Technology.
The indigenous garden has won awards such as Best Field Care, Best Rehabilitation Project, Best Community Natural Resources Management, the Kudu Award (community contribution group) and awards from the Department of Health (traditional medicine).
Anyone willing to assist can contact Mabena on 076 218 9386/083 991 2928
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