A World Heritage Site is an area that is deemed to have outstanding natural or cultural value and is therefore worthy of protection. Protection takes place as a result of being inscribed in the World Heritage List of the World Heritage Committee in terms of the World Heritage Convention, established in 1972 by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation).

Once a site has been inscribed in the World Heritage List, it receives national and international recognition. World Heritage status helps countries to safeguard their sites and to protect them for future generations.

Four South African sites have already been listed:

• The Cradle of Humankind Fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai and Environs
• The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park
• Robben Island
• Ukhahlamba / Drakensberg Park

The Cradle of Humankind

The many caves in the Sterkfontein Valley have produced abundant information on the evolution of modern man over the past 3,5 million years, on his way of life, and on the animals with which he lived and which served as a source of food.

More than 500 hominid fossils, thousands of animal fossils, over 300 fragments of fossil wood, and over 9 000 stone tools have already been discovered in these caves and more are still being found.

Greater St Lucia Wetland Park

This site contains a variety of landforms, including coral reefs, long sandy beaches, coastal dunes, lake systems, swamps, and extensive reed and papyrus wetlands. The diversity of habitat types and a transition between sub-tropical and tropical climates have resulted in exceptional species diversity. The site contains critical habitats for a range of species from Africa's marine, wetland and savannah environments.

The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is also of exceptional scenic value. The mosaic of landforms and habitat types creates superlative scenic vistas.

Robben Island

This island is situated 11 kilometres from Cape Town in the middle of Table Bay. Nelson Mandela was held prisoner on Robben Island for a period of 18 years. Prior to being used as a prison, this island served as a leper colony. Robben Island is now a museum and conservation area.

Drakensberg Park

The rock art of the Drakensberg represents the largest and most concentrated group of rock paintings in Africa south of the Sahara and is outstanding with regard to both quality and diversity. The many caves and rock shelters in the Drakensberg Park contain a wealth of paintings made by the San people over a period of 4000 years. This area is also of outstanding natural beauty.