We ignore the verdict of the bones at our peril

It is a clash of two worlds - one anchored in African ancestral beliefs, the other in capitalism's profit-driven imperatives. The war is being fought in Thabazimbi, Limpopo.

Aquila Steel SA, a subsidiary of an Australian company, wants to open an iron ore mine in Thabazimbi in an area regarded by many of its residents and traditional healers as sacred. The SA Heritage Resources Agency has until next year to rule whether the local community or the mining house will triumph.

Last year the agency ruled that all mining exploration near the Madimatle mountain and its caves must be stopped for the next two years because of the site's cultural and religious significance.

Although many among us will argue that the creation of jobs should supersede tradition, we should never underestimate the importance of culture in our people's daily life.

We are told that traditional healers in the area have used the mountain and its caves for their rituals for generations. Some people say they have been told by the throwing of bones to travel to Madimatle mountain.

There are fears that the noise of the mining would drown out the voices of the ancestors.

William Masokwine, 61, said the mine would "kill my culture and my ancestors will be angered and cause drought".

Before we jump to conclusions, we must bear in mind that South Africa is a secular state. We must give space for healthy debate on disputes such as this.

The mines say that about 450 jobs will be created if the mine is opened, but the community says that its way of life must not be destroyed.

We fully agree with the view that, whoever has the final say, economic development must be balanced against community wellbeing.

The same argument should be extended to the gas exploration programme in the Karoo. This country desperately needs jobs, but we should not sacrifice our identity for the sake of profit.