N.West ancient city ruins of ancient city expected to draw tourists

THE discovery of a ruined pre-colonial city and royal graves in South Africa's North West province is expected to boost local tourism. African Heritage Consultants spokesman Dr Udo Kusel said the new archaeological site, near the modern farming centre of Brits, was an early Tswana settlement dating to roughly 1650. The city, which was discovered during excavations for a pipeline, stretches over 5km and includes remains of a settlement area for an estimated 4 000 people, with hut floors, ash middens (refuse heaps) and nine graves identified so far. "Early Tswana settlements were very large as the whole tribe lived in one city and this settlement was sub-divided into wards. The economic life centred around cattle. However, goats, sheep and dogs were also kept," Kusel said. Apart from numerous structures which had been discovered, a burial ground and evidence of iron ore processing have also been identified. (African Eye News Service)