Mount Tshikumbu: SANParks launches new heritage site at Kruger

South African National Parks (SANParks) has launched a new heritage site at the Kruger National Park Phalaborwa Gate. Check it out here…

Mount Tshikumbu Interpretation Site: SANParks new heritage site

In celebration of Heritage month this September, South African National Parks launched a new heritage site on 13 September, at the Kruger National Park Phalaborwa Gate. The site, which is called the Mount Tshikumbu Interpretation Site, was launched in honour of the heritage and history of the Bakgalaka people.

According to SANParks, the new site is found near the Phalaborwa Gate and is linked to Chief Tongogara whose Kingdom once flourished in its era. Mount Tshikumbu is regarded as a shrine, a place of holiness and it maintains its sacredness as rituals are still being practised by Chief Tongogara’s descendants, called the Bakgalaka tribe. When Chief Tongogara passed away, his body was also laid to rest on Mount Tshikumbu.

ALSO READ:

• 10 Kruger Facts 95% of Tourists didn’t know
• Kruger train hotel defies lockdown odds AND gravity
• Kruger makes TripAdvisor’s list of ‘Top Outdoor Destinations’
• Heritage Month: Five South African museums you NEED to visit
• It’s Heritage Month! Here are FIVE spots you MUST visit…

Business Insider reports that, Samson Mokgalaka, a spokesperson of the Bakgalaka tribe, said that he was very honoured and happy about the construction of the new SANparks heritage site.

“When SANParks told us that they are going to erect something here [in honour of the Bakgalaka tribe], I never thought it was going to happen. I’m very much happy for our people as they will have something to show for their history.” Mokgalaka said.

“All that we stood for, for years, all that our parents stood for, for years is being shown today, and we are very much thankful for that,” he added.