page managed by DLM volunteer, Kimberly Ross with volunteer director, Mphatheleni Makaulule. SACRED SITE PRINCIPLES:
Although each clan and community has their own customs and rituals, all members of Dzomo la Mupo are required to adhere to 12 principles regarding sacred sites:
1) Sacred sites are not places of entertainment or for playing sports, they are to be protected and respected.
2) Construction work of any kind, especially hotels or entertainment centers, is not allowed in sacred sites.
3) Those who are not the custodians or guardians of the sacred site have to respect the boundaries, and should not enter within.
4) Sacred sites are not tourist attractions, they play an important role within the ecosystem and society.
5) Sacred sites are not dumping grounds for litter or rubbish.
6) It is forbidden for anyone to chop down a tree in the sacred site, or to fetch firewood.
7) Sacred sites are places for ritual activities and spirituality, only chosen clan members from origin can be custodians who perform the rituals on behalf of the whole community.
8) Sacred sites are to be respected by everyone; including the custodians, the whole community and people passing by.
9) Sacred sites should remain as undisturbed ecosystems; the trees and the atmosphere are essential for creating the right conditions for rain across the whole region.
10) It is taboo to move or replace any object in a sacred site from its original place.
11) Sacred sites should be respected by the government, and they should know that they have to discuss with the custodians first before proposing any project involving the sacred site.
12) The sacred site is not only the forest on the surface, it goes far down to the under-soil and far above to the sky and the stars.
