Cullinan residents fear neglect of historic sites

The recent decisions by the Gauteng government to spend R52.5m on a 180ha property in Cullinan, ostensibly to relocate Mamelodi residents, have ignited outrage among affected residents and those dedicated to preserving the environment and cultural heritage.

Aaron Maluleke, MMC for Human Settlements, stated during the last council meeting on November 28 that certain cultures impose their views on others, indicating a contempt for the historical and cultural significance that the Cullinan area embodies.

“The Cullinan name must change,” demanded Maluleka.

He voiced his opinion that the name Cullinan itself is steeped in controversy.

“Thomas Cullinan, an English migrant exploited the land for its diamond riches, leaving behind generations of impoverished people.”

According to Anton Pelser, an archaeology consultant who visited the site two weeks ago, the Mahlangu family’s meticulously maintained burial sites exemplify the deep cultural ties to this land.

“They serve as poignant reminders of the lives, struggles, and stories that shaped history.”

The findings by Pelser, who has unearthed historical structures predating 1910, lay bare the urgency of this situation.

Ward 100 Clr Johannes Bekker said this move is not just an illogical exercise; it is an affront to the shared history, and it reflects a toxic trend of prioritising misguided urban expansion over reverence for the profound legacies embedded in the land.

Bekker, a staunch believer in the preservation of cultures, said the proposed neglect of nearly 200 unmarked graves and several historic structures that lie within this area, which are not simply remnants of the past, is infuriating.

“These are sacred spaces that deserve respect and dignified remembrance.”

Bekker said the planned demolition of these historical sites under the guise of progress is not just foolish—it is a betrayal to any ancestor and a severe miscalculation of social value.

“How can we rationally invest millions of rands into a project that flirts with catastrophic cultural loss? The decision to forge ahead, regardless of these revelations, signals a profound ethical bankruptcy—a decision motivated by short-term gains rather than long-term integrity,” reacted Bekker.

“The Cullinan area represents more than a piece of land; it embodies centuries of history, culture, and sacrifice. Let us not be the generation that tramples on our heritage under the weight of greed. Instead, let us commit to preserving these sacred spaces, ensuring that future generations inherit a legacy rich in history rather than one of erasure and loss.”

This situation is steeped in bitter irony; in the pursuit of urbanisation, the government risks leaving behind a legacy comparable to the tragic neglect observed at Pilgrim’s Rest.

Advocacy groups, residents and environmentalists are uniting in a resounding call to action, demanding that the City of Tshwane’s mayoral team halt these plans immediately.

“The argument from government officials that such development fosters economic growth and creates jobs is inherently flawed. It assumes that modernity and progress can thrive only at the expense of heritage,” said Karen Yssel, Cullinan CPF chairperson.