Date: 2025-09-17 08:46:03

Visit Mpumalanga heritage centre for immersive historical experience

Visit Mpumalanga heritage centre for immersive historical experience

THE Mpumalanga Heritage Centre is located in the Mpumalanga Township, west of Durban. The centre has the responsibility of reflecting two complex narratives; political violence in the area which took place from 1983 to 1992, as well as more than 30 years of peace and a democratic government that has passed since the end of that violent confrontation. They do this in a manner that promotes social cohesion within the community that suffered during this conflict.

 

Tensions arose in all sections of Mpumalanga township during 1984 and 1985, because of general opposition to apartheid as well as the history of conflict over land that existed in Mpumalanga. Violent clashes erupted between 1984 to 1987 and continued with increased force. This divided the community into pockets of political loyalties which turned sections of the township against one another. One of the most distinctive elements of the conflict was the absence of impartiality, where everyone was forced to take sides regardless of their own privately held opinions. The simple fact of residence in one place or another largely indicated

 

the allegiance held by the people living there and exposed their families to indiscriminate attacks from the opposing side. Even during the height of the killings and torching of homes, people who lived through that war-torn period acknowledged the potency of history to record their ordeals. The heritage centre serves as an educational institution, viewed as a means for individuals to learn about the history of their area. It utilises an engaging exhibition to narrate the story. Academics, pupils, researchers, institutions, and guests rely on it for the wealth of history and reliable information. The peace process from 1991 to 1993 and the final element of the peace process, namely the 1993 Africa Peace Award, also forms part of a piece of history on display at the Mpumalanga Heritage Centre. The Heritage Centre is located on 3699 Shezi Main Road in Hammarsdale, near the Mpumalanga Library. It is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4pm.