ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the empirical perspective of stakeholders at Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site (MCLWHS) using both quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches. However, this is preceded by critically analyzing the state of conservation at MCLWHS from the time of inscription. The site faces challenges from mining developments, tourism, governance, resource use, and infrastructural expansion. This includes outstanding formal agreements on land uses at MCLWHS. From a stakeholder perspective, power, legitimacy, influence, and role plays are established, displaying exclusionary approaches, unequal yoking, and unbalanced relations among stakeholders. Indigenous and Descendant Communities (IDCs) are strongly demanding inclusive governance and access to benefits at MCLWHS. The chapter ascertains stakeholders knowledge on MCLWHS, anticipated roles and responsibilities, views on beneficiation, and the relationship between conservation and development at MCLWHS. These emerging stakeholders’ empirical perspectives bring out perceptions, aspirations, power-interest matrix, challenges, opportunities, and influence capabilities at MCLWHS. These perspectives inform discussion on conservation and sustainable development (SD) as a stakeholder-driven process at MCLWHS.
