We celebrated World Heritage weekend in traditional Shangaan style at the Mafunyani Village with Hosi Axon Khosa as our generous host. We were joined by Maruleng Mayor, Mr M Mafogo and his family; Mr Masilo Ramajela from the Department of Manpower and his family; the Head of Sunninghill based SARS Legal Division, Mr Lindelani Segogo and his family and Ms Leseho Sello from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, who was joined by her daughter and a friend. Our guests arrived at the White Lion Reintroduction reserve the day prior (Saturday 22 September) and spent the latter part of the afternoon with our monitoring team tracking the reintroduced White Lions in their endemic habitat.

Following a hearty bush breakfast on Sunday morning, we presented our hopes and vision for the White Lion Community Conservation Project to our guests. We were delighted at their interest and support for the world-first reintroduction project as well as their guidance on our next steps to establish the White Lion Heritage centre. At mid-day we travelled in convoy to the Shangaan village where we were greeted by a Hosi Khosa's family in traditional warrior-dress. First they showed us around the traditional dwellings in the cultural village, after which they entertained us to the energetic rhythms of Shangaan drum beats with their cultural dance. The learners from Funjwa Primary and surrounding School followed suit with a dynamic rendition of the "Madiba: White Lion" Play which they performed for Mr Nelson Mandela earlier in the year. The play had acquired a renewed spirit and confidence following the visit to Madiba, which reflected in the learners' booming voices and expansive dramatic gestures. Our guests were further charmed as the learners, glowing with pride, marched confidently in a long line to shake their hands after the play. As they introduced themselves, it became clear that their names uncannily resembled the many positive qualities we associate with Madiba: Justice, Gracious, Godfrey, Mighty, Freedom, Surprise, Promise and Polite...

Wendy Strauss and Linda Tucker join Chief Khosa and Mayor of Maruleng, Mr Mafogo at Mafunyane Village.

The day's celebratory proceedings concluded with the Mayor of Maruleng formally addressing everyone present. The crux of his address related to the preservation of the various cultures in the region, with none being more important than the regional cultures honouring the White Lions of the Timbavati. Confirming his commitment to conservation in the region, he put out an earnest plea for our wildlife - in particular the White Lions - to remain protected and unharmed, stating that they are of greater value to our people alive rather than as trophies on the walls of a few commercially driven hunters. It is not surprising then, that our Mayor is equally committed to adding to the naming convention of Maruleng municipality the words: "Municipality of the White Lions".

Mayor of Maruleng, Mr Mafogo, addresses the gathering on the importance on saving the White Lions, this country's National Heritage.