9/2/269/0023

The first sacred site to be declared a National Heritage Site, Lake Fundudzi holds significantintangible heritage value and is closely associated with the living heritage of the Vha Vendapeople. The site is also scientifically significant with its relatively unaltered natural environmentdue to its sacredness.Situated in the northeast of Limpopo in the Soutpansberg, Lake Fundudzi is viewed as theonly natural inland lake in Southern Africa. Three rivers flow into the lake - the Mutale (orMavhidzelele), Godoni (or Tshidumbi or Govha), and Muiladi. The lake is geologically uniquein that it is one of few lakes to be formed due to a landslide. Scientifically, the sediments ofthe lake are important as they may hold a wealth of information about the geological historyof 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. Thelake is home to the Vhatavhatsindi ancestors, the python God of Fertility and the WhiteCrocodile, who all watch over the Vhatavhatsindi. The White Crocodile protects the ancestralspirits of the Lake.