Paul Weinberg South African, b. 1956
Layers of history are buried in the Melville Koppies landscape on one of the few remaining
archaeological sites in Johannesburg. Archaeologist Revil Mason found early hominid sites
dating back some 250 000 years, a San settlement in a cave dating back 100 000 years and
more recent Iron Age Tswana settlements from about 500 years ago. Mason was able to
show a grouping of people who practised pastoralism, agriculture, metal craft and were
involved in trade. The Tswana people lived in this area until about 1820 when they fled from
Mzilikazi who in turn was on the run from Shaka. The discovery of gold and the subsequent
development of mines in the late 19th century led to the destruction of much of this
region’s rich social history. Today, a variety of Zion Church groups and izangoma (spiritual
practitioners) regularly visit this space, adding further layers of cultural life and history.
