THIS IS THE ARCHIVE FOR SAHRIS 1.0
THIS SITE IS NOW AN ARCHIVE AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR MAKING APPLICATIONS
Please be aware that no content and application creation or changes to information on this version of SAHRIS will be retained.
To make applications or utilise SAHRIS for the creation of information, please use the new site:
https://sahris.org.za
Changes to SAHRIS!
The South African Heritage Resources Information System (SAHRIS) has undergone a generational upgrade and restructure. These changes to the site include, but are not limited to:
- A new & modernised look and layout
- Improved site usage flows with respect to applications and content creation
- Improved site performance and stability
Launch for the new version of SAHRIS occurred on Monday the 30th of October 2023.
The new site can be found here:
SAHRIS | SAHRIS
Lake Fundudzi, Vhembe District Municipality
- 223 reads
SiteReference:
Organisation:
DeclarationType:
GazetteNo:
Gazette Date:
NoticeNo:
Notice Date:
Gazette Notice Status:
- Current
GazetteFile:
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 Lake Fundudzi - 070214.pdf | 424.29 KB |
FullDescription:
The first sacred site to be declared a National Heritage Site, Lake Fundudzi holds significant
intangible heritage value and is closely associated with the living heritage of the Vha Venda
people. The site is also scientifically significant with its relatively unaltered natural environment
due to its sacredness.
Situated in the northeast of Limpopo in the Soutpansberg, Lake Fundudzi is viewed as the
only natural inland lake in Southern Africa. Three rivers flow into the lake - the Mutale (or
Mavhidzelele), Godoni (or Tshidumbi or Govha), and Muiladi. The lake is geologically unique
in that it is one of few lakes to be formed due to a landslide. Scientifically, the sediments of
the lake are important as they may hold a wealth of information about the geological history
of the area.
Lake Fundudzi is a revered sacred site for the Vha Venda people, especially the Vhatavhatsindi
(“People of the Pool”) and is the focus point of folklore, myths and ceremonial rituals. The
lake is home to the Vhatavhatsindi ancestors, the python God of Fertility and the White
Crocodile, who all watch over the Vhatavhatsindi. The White Crocodile protects the ancestral
spirits of the Lake.
