SANParks launched a new heritage site on September 13 at Kruger National Park’s Phalaborwa Gate in honour of the heritage and history of the Bakgalaka people, according to Business Insider South Africa.
Mount Tshukumbu Interpretation Site stands at 424m and is located near Phalaborwa Gate.
It is regarded as a shrine, a place of holiness, and has maintained its sacredness as rituals continue to be performed by the Bakgalaka tribe, the late Chief Tongogara’s descendants.
“When SANParks told us that they were going to erect something here [in honour of the Bakgalaka tribe], I never thought it was going to happen. I’m very happy for our people as they will have something to show for their history.
“All that we stood for, for years, all that our parents stood for, for years is being shown today, and we are very thankful for that,” said spokesperson of the Bakgalaka tribe, Samson Mokgalaka.
Tourists who are interested in climbing up the mountain can see the grave of the late chief, and rock shelters where rituals are performed by the Bakgalaka people.
