We all know there's something special about Barberton. Now the rest of the world is about to catch on.

According to Tony Ferrar the Makhonjwa Mountains were once on the potential world heritage list, but was removed. Now, due to sustained local effort last year, they are back on again.

So, what has happened since last year, he was asked?

A local consortium of specialists, headed by Concession Creek Consulting, has been awarded the tender for the planning of the “Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Land World Heritage Site”.  According to Tony planning work brings no instant bonanza. “The estimated two and a half year process won't create many jobs in itself, but creating sustainable jobs is the plan's purpose.”

A World Heritage Site (WHS) really pulls in local and international visitors. More than anything, it will require tailor-made activities like hiking and vehicle trails, historical, scientific and cultural activities, skilled and knowledgeable guides and interpretive material like booklets and maps. These and more, along with the usual accommodation, restaurants, tea gardens and other services, will be needed.

The reason for the WHS will be the area's unique geological treasures. “This time it is not gold but the scientific value of rocks that tell the story of the earth's earliest beginnings. These incredibly ancient rocks are better preserved here than anywhere else in the world and they need to be protected as everyone’s heritage,” Tony said.

And how do you protect rocks? By being very careful how you move them or break them, especially with dynamite, and by not digging them up or planting trees all over them. “This does not go down favourable with our miners and timber growers in the area,” he said.

“We are very proud that Sheba is the oldest and riches operating gold mine in the world, but employment in these sectors has been declining for years. These two historically important sectors are not going to be the source of new jobs in the long term. Finding employment around here is going to be extremely difficult.”

Each town has to have something to draw tourists to it. Badplaas has its spa, the coastal towns have the ocean but Barberton has the spectacular, beautiful, scientifically fascinating range of mountains around it. “There are people all over the world who will pay good money to stay here for a few days, to walk and ride through the hills and listen to the story the rocks tell, retold by skilled guides and enthusiastic tour leaders. The new Bulembu Road is destined to become one of the most renowned and scenic Geo-Trails in the world,” said Tony clearly excited.

Finally after all these years Cockney Liz is about to give back all the wealth she cleverly fleeced from the workers back in the bad old days. Planning for the movie has reached the stage where the producer has to decide on the precise location for the film set. Can there be any better place than right here in Rimer’s Creek where it all happened?  

Plans include recreating the gold rush town square, to be left for tourism and heritage use once the filming is over. It may end up cheek by jowl with the latest research findings on the beginnings of Life on Earth.

Tony said that provincial government is investing R11 million for the building of the set, and the production company will bring to the town, revenue many times more than that.

This is good news for Barberton’s eager work force now and for our eco-heritage future in developing sustainable tourism. 

The film crew will be visiting Barberton next week and a meeting is scheduled with the council to determine where the site will be built.

Some of the rocks found in the area

The sun rises over the Makhonjwa Mountains

Breathtaking views a stone throw from town