The Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, MP, in partnership with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), the Modjadji Royal house, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the KARA Institute will  unveil the Modjadji Dynasty Memorial on Friday, 05 December 2014 at Greater Letaba Local Municipality, Ga-Modjadji, Setlhakone village in Limpopo Province.

The Modjadji Dynasty has been identified as part of the National Estate heritage resources by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA).The mandate of SAHRA is to identify, protect and promote heritage resources in South Africa as well as to grade and declare heritage sites in accordance with the National Resources Act (No. 25 of 1999). Declaration as a National Heritage site is an acknowledgement of heritage resources of cultural significance. Heritage resources are irreplaceable and the aim is to protect the authenticity and integrity of these resources.

 “We have adopted the theme of reclaiming, restoring and celebrating our heritage as part of the 20 years celebration of our democracy. This is in line with our mandate to preserve and conserve our heritage by honouring our heroes and heroines who played critical roles in various areas of our emancipation in the struggle, literature, music, religion and traditional leadership”, said Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi.

The Modjadji Dynasty is based on divine Kingship with rain-making powers which enhanced their influence on Southern Africa for decades. The unveiling of the Modjadji Dynasty memorial is part of recognising the historic role of Kings and Queens in traditional leadership.

The erection of the monument aims to cultivate a cultural pride and to share the history of the Modjadji Dynasty in order to promote local economic development amongst traditional, cultural and religious communities through cultural tourism derived from the protected heritage and sacred sites.

The protection of the Modjadji heritage site also took cognisance of the sacred site, cultural values and indigenous knowledge systems. “The site will eventually be declared as a National Heritage Site, which will help us to tell South African stories and preserve their legacy for future generations”, said Mabudafhasi.

The unveiling of the Modjadji Dynasty Memorial forms part of the Reconciliation Month Celebrations.

Media are invited to attend the unveiling of the Modjadji Dynasty Memorial as follows:

Date    : 05 December 2014

Time    : 09:00

Venue  : Modjadji Tribal Authority, Setlhakone village

RSVP  : RSVPs: Madimetja Moleba: 060 971 7482/012 441 3737: Madimetjam@dac.gov.za                              

Media Enquiries: Peter Mbelengwa – Spokesperson for the Deputy Minister: 082 611 8197 / petermb@dac.gov.za or Thomas Khakhu – Manager Communications and Marketing – SAHRA: 061 962 1884 / tkhakhu@sahra.org.za

Issued jointly by the Department of Arts and Culture and the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA)