LAST week saw the University of Fort Hare achieve a milestone when it became the first higher learning institution on the African continent to be added to the list of Unesco Heritage Sites.

The declaration was made at an event at the 46th session of the Unesco World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India last month, and, in congratulating the institution, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) said such a significant addition was a milestone that served as a reminder of the long struggle against apartheid.

“And, most importantly, it highlights the rich history of all South Africans with their languages which are crucial in making a person’s identity. The University of Fort Hare now joins other legacy sites such as the Union Building, the Constitutional Hill, Liliesleaf, Sharpeville, Walter Sisulu Square, the 1976 June Uprising where language was key, and many others,” PanSALB said.

They said the addition of the Eastern Cape university, which boasts among prestigious and notable alumni former president Nelson Mandela, Ntsu Mokhehle, Julius Nyerere, Robert Mugabe, Sir Seretse Khama, Kenneth Kaunda, Yusuf Lule, Sir Charles Mugane Njonjo, among others, encapsulated the pivotal programs and ideals central to South Africa’s liberation struggle.

“These continue to inspire people with its values of democracy, freedom, and reconciliation, especially as the country commemorates 30 years of democracy this year.”

They said the recognition was critical as the university has been at the forefront of education and political transformation in South Africa. It served as a pioneering institution for black education during a difficult time when access to higher learning was largely restricted. “This is significant because of the university’s strong support for indigenous African languages and for being one of the institution that produced students that completed higher degrees to a level of PhD in isiXhosa,” PanSALB added.

This brings the total number of properties inscribed on Unesco’s World Heritage List to 1223, in 168 countries. The Committee also examined the state of conservation of 123 other properties already inscribed on the World Heritage List.

They lauded the institution for also playing a crucial role in collaborative efforts with various strategic partners, including PanSALB, to develop strategies to revitalise the historic Lovedale Press where African languages (starting with isiXhosa) were first published. “This press, established over 200 years ago and sharing its history with the University of Fort Hare, provided a platform for many African language scholars to publish their works that shaped African languages literature.”

The initiative is focused on preserving this rich heritage and cultural impact of one of South Africa’s oldest publishing institutions” said PanSALB CEO, Lance Schultz.

The university is one of the 14 interconnected locations spread across four South African provinces that have been inscribed as the Human Right, Liberation and Reconciliation, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela legacy sites.

In addition, Unesco Heritage Site’s recognition sheds light on the significant role the university played in shaping the trajectory of South Africa and making critical contributions to the broader struggle for justice and equality for all, Schultz said.

The recognition followed the selection of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality - also in the Eastern Cape, as the Unesco Creative City of Literature for 2023.

Among other areas which made it onto the new list of World Heritage Sites announced at the India session are Beijing Central Axis, China; Brâncuși Monumental Ensemble of Târgu Jiu, Romania; Cultural Landscape of Kenozero Lake, Russia; Frontiers of the Roman Empire, Romania; and Hegmataneh, Iran.

Others include many Nelson Mandela Legacy sites in South Africa; the Melka Kunture and Balchit, Ethiopia; Moidams, India.

The other inscriptions include 20 cultural properties, five natural properties and one mixed site, and, these properties benefit from the highest level of heritage protection in the world. Their managers will now have access to new opportunities for technical and financial assistance from UNESCO.

Sunday Independent

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