The Save Mapungubwe Coalition has launched its latest video, which was filmed in collaboration with Green Renaissance, to help in the fight against the granting of Coal of Africa Limited’s mining licence outside Mapungubwe.

CoAL recently received their environmental authorisation to mine at their Vele Colliery. The video follows after mining activities were once again put on hold, due to a successful appeal against the issuing of the mine´s water licence.

In this video, Mr Vele Christopher Neluvhalani expresses his thoughts about the proposed mining activities. Neluvhalani’s ancestors, according to the coalition, lived at Mapungubwe for thousands of years before him.

Neluvhalani believes that on a fundamental level, people have always been connected to the earth. This is visible through the traces they leave behind, like the ancient rock art on the sandstone outcrops in Mapungubwe. He further states that he feels a deep connection to the park, because his ancestors lived there; tied to it, not only by tradition but by a feeling that he has returned home when he stands on top of the Mapungubwe hill.

Neluvhalani declares that an open-cast mine just outside of the boundaries of the park will change all of this, saying that “it would be an offence to our ancestors to start mining in the area.”

“Once we tamper with Mapungubwe, we will be tampering with the past,” Neluvhalani adds. He also feels that “everyone in South Africa should be united to help preserve Mapungubwe." To see the video, readers can go to Youtube and search for Mining will offend our ancestors.