Date: 08/09/2005
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government
Title: Moloto: Opening of Dzata Heritage Site


Speakers notes for Sello Moloto, Premier of Limpopo, during the opening of Dzata Heritage Site, Nzhelele, Makhado, Vhembe District

Programme director,
Thovhele Khosi Vho Toni Ramabulana Mphephu
Members of the Executive Council
MPs and MPLs
Honourable Mayors and Executive Mayor
Councillors from various municipalities,
Traditional leaders and healers here present,
Representatives of the South African Heritage Resources Agency
Representatives of the national departments and parastatals,
Ladies and gentlemen

Today marks an important day that will go down in history as an emotional and overwhelming experience for the people of Limpopo and the country as a whole. We revisit Dzata, the ancient capital of the Vhavenda people, with old memories of early anti-colonial battles that have been fought and won on this very grounds and surrounding areas.

Oral history tells us that this is the place which for many decades served as a launch pad for early struggles against colonialist who sought to take our land and deprive our people of their wealth in this part of our country. It is also a place which for many decades served to preserve the rich history of the Vhavenda people and played host to such great leaders as Dimbanyika and others. We feel truly privileged to reunite with this piece of history once again. As a bequeath from the ancestors, Dzata deserves our support and protection in promoting its rich heritage and past history.

In a month dedicated to both tourism and heritage celebrations, we have assembled here on the grounds of Dzata to reaffirm our being and our own identity as South Africans. Underpinning this occasion is a common desire to recognise and acknowledge our diverse heritage, which is at the core of arts and culture in our country.

We have got no doubt, whatsoever that the heritage site of Dzata will continue to inspire our efforts of nation building and national reconciliation as an integral part of our transformation effort. We believe that by locating heritage at the centre of development we are bringing in the most important ingredient for success of our people in their forward march to a better life in tourism.

Dzata is significant not only as a heritage site but also presents an opportunity for the unique opportunity to showcase our province, our rich and varied cultural heritage and our friendly and generous people to the people of the world.

Apart from the obvious benefits that this place has in terms of tourism, it is also our belief that this precinct shall further serve to educate our children about the majestic histories and legacies that our great leaders have left behind.

We trust that henceforth Dzata shall take its rightful place in the world map of heritage, and with future developments taking place, attain the World Heritage Status that it so much deserves. We believe Dzata should add to the existing list of world heritage sites in our province such as Mapungubwe and Makapans valley. Africa needs more places like Dzata to enrich and inspire its renaissance.

Ria livhuwa.

Ndaa.

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government
8 September 2005