Mokgadi Mamabolo

This dissertation explores the intersection of eco-centric architecture, indigenous knowledge, and the mining industry within the culturally and ecologically significant Musina area in South Africa. It investigates how post-mining landscapes can be restored through land reparation, restitution, and legal frameworks while addressing historical, cultural, and ecological concerns. By examining indigenous African mining practices and their spiritual, cultural, and environmental significance, the study highlights the importance of balancing heritage and biodiversity in post-extraction landscapes. The dissertation also critiques the impacts of contemporary mining operations, using the Save Mapungubwe Coalition’s concerns about mining near sacred sites as a case study. Through the lens of a reimagined Land Court, this research aims to advocate for justice and reconciliation in mining disputes, integrating social, environmental, and legal approaches to protect sacred landscapes, workers’ rights, and local communities.