ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies, categorizes, and profiles stakeholders identified at Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site (MCLWHS). The historical context, heritage values (significance), and legislative environment of the site, interests, land uses, and emerging economic opportunities at MCLWHS is used to identify them. Stakeholders identified are the Indigenous and Descendant Communities (IDCs), academics, farmers, private sector, military, tourists, politicians, government departments and agencies, non-governmental organizations, learners, experts, UNESCO, and Advisory Bodies. These stakeholders have varying interests and mandates at MCLWHS. From a governance perspective, government departments and agencies, UNESCO, farmers, tourism, and private sectors are dominant over other stakeholders at MCLWHS. IDCs remain marginalized but are demanding a role in governance, benefits from development, and access to their shrines at MCLWHS. Stakeholder situation at MCLWHS breeds conflicts and tensions over land ownership, its use, and access to resources. There are counter-claims, intense negotiations, and rivalries among stakeholders. Therefore, engaging and involving stakeholders at World Heritage Sites should be an ongoing process.
