A cultural heritage resource management plan for Thulamela heritage site

Abstract

This mini-thesis serves as an introduction to the drawing up of a Cultural Resource Management (CRM) plan for Thulamela Heritage Site in the Kruger National Park. It is envisaged that this will be a strategy by which Thulamela heritage resources (including natural and cultural elements) will be identified, their significance assessed, and interpretations constructed to guide their conservation and presentation in a manner that is consistent with their availability for public appreciation or enjoyment. Thulamela Project involves the process of locating, assessing, and dealing appropriately with the Thulamela heritage resources which are represented by the physical manifestation of humanity’s interaction with the natural world around the site and surrounding landscape of Thulamela. This thesis will serve as a guideline towards designing a CRM plan for Thulamela Heritage Site that will be practical. Most of the issues here are management plan issues that the KNP should start implementing in order to preserve and conserve the site for future generations. This study is a result of fieldwork undertaken in the KNP. Problem areas and opportunities are identified. Goals and objectives of a Management Plan for Thulamela Heritage Site are identified and solutions are proposed. Three appendices have been added at the end of the thesis. These are additional recommendations that can be implemented concurrently with the implementation of the CRM plan. The additions are: - Professor Tom Huffman’s “Standard interpretation brochure”. This is a brochure that is intended to be used by Thulamela Tour Guides during trips. It emerged as a result of differing information from different tour guides at Thulamela. The brochure that is attached herewith is still a draft. It will have to be perused and approved by the Thulamela Heritage Site Board of Trustees. - The “Suggested excursion plan or booking system” for Thulamela. This is designed inrder to allow a free flow of tourists to the site. - Of most importance is the “Proposed heritage agreement” to be reached between the South African National Parks (SANP) and Thulamela Board of Trustees. Other members may be added in the process, depending on the agreement between the two most important key stakeholders. The KNP is encouraged to evaluate the thesis and decide which issues are to be dealt with as a priority. The author strongly believes that the implementation of some of the proposals as outlined in this thesis will add value to the preservation and conservation of Thulamela Heritage Site. The thesis will also be helpful to the assessment and management of other heritage sites within the KNP and SANP in general. The document gives the Social Ecology (SE) department the option to utilize the document as it is or to expand it if necessary.