Until the 16th century the gold producing region of Mpumalanga was known as Komatiland. Early Portuguese sources describe it as Terra dos Macomates, the land of the Komati people. Komati was the professional name of a Dravidian merchant caste of South India. This name is still attached to the Komati River, Komatipoort, etc. During centuries of gold exploration they mixed with the indigenous Kung (Bushmen) creating the Quena (Otentottu), and with the Black people from the NW creating the aBantu people, and together they gave rise to the MaKomati. The pre-European form of the name was MaKomatidesa, Land of the MaKomati. (Cyril Hromnik, 1995)

THE FOUNDERS

The foundation was inspired by the extensive research of Dr. Cyril Hromnik and initiated by Johan Zietsman in Nelspruit, South Africa on the 18th of September 2002.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The MaKomati Foundation was registered as a section 21 non-profit organisation on 27 June 2003. Our financial year end is the last day of February.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Are clear and focused. To protect, maintain and promote the ancient ruins of Mpumalanga, which includes sustainable and responsible tourism to selected sites.

The foundation’s principle objectives are stipulated in our memorandum as follows:

* Sustainable research and publication of results

* Fund raising

* The responsible promotion of Mpumalanga’s stone ruin heritage as a major tourist attraction

* To mobilise national and international academics (History, Anthropology and Archaeology)

* Education, benefiting and uplifting the rural communities - including the training of guides

* Development of the MaKomati Society – informed and educated people

* Application for World Heritage status

* Media exposure of all above – the African Renaissance

FOUNDING MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS

Johan Zietsman

Cyril Hromnik

Johan Heine

Chris Austin

John Shongwe

Gerrit van Rooyen Marais
James Murray

Helena Venter

Steward Meikle

Vijay Ramea

Willem Rossouw

Michael Tellinger