13 Aug 2026

A short walk from Kalakamati stands Mantenge Hill, a natural landmark adorned with Stone Age rock art and paintings believed to have been engraved by inhabitants thousands of years ago.

More than a scenic feature, the hill is also home to the Mantenge Conservation Trust, a community-based organisation working to preserve its cultural and ecological value while ensuring residents benefit from it.

The hill derives its name from ‘Tenge,’ a word meaning meeting place or chamber where village leaders once gathered to discuss community planning and development.

Mantenge Conservation Trust field assistant and tour guide Mr Ibrahim Mazwiduma said the trust was established in 2008 and formally registered in 2010. It runs several programmes aimed at community benefit.

Central to its work is a heritage site dedicated to safeguarding the area’s rich cultural history, traditional practices, natural environment and biodiversity, while promoting sustainable development.

“The heritage site exists in tandem with the trust’s objective to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of Kalakamati,” Mazwiduma said. Among the protected sites is where the Bakalanga used to assemble for rain-making initiation ceremonies, performing the Hosana dance. The trust also conserves indigenous wildlife, vegetation and natural resources within the fenced area around the hill.  

“This is also inspired by the regulations and taboos that prohibit the collecting or harvesting of anything from the proximity of the hill and inside the enclosure,” he said.

Key features of the hill include the perennial Mantenge Well, a natural rock well about 7 metres deep that has never dried up. For generations it has supplied water to residents, livestock and surrounding communities.

“During droughts when rivers and wells had dried up, the well was used as a source of water in the area. Its water was even used by different church groups, traditional doctors and sangomas for religious purposes, making the site highly sacred,” Mazwiduma said. 

Caves dot the hillside as well. One is linked to folklore about a mythical snake called Nkabaile, said to have rolled itself on the smooth rock surface facing the sun at dawn.

Aligned with its mandate, the trust is developing plans to give back to the community in partnership with the local district council’s Social and Community Development department.

While the broader plan is still in development, one immediate need has been identified: transport for school children.

“The trust is planning to purchase a mini-bus to transport children who walk long distances to school at a lower bus fare,” Mazwiduma said.

Other projects in the pipeline include agricultural ventures to create jobs and supply the community and local schools with eggs, meat and other products. ENDS