Sacredsitesarethepreferredspaceforritualperformancesandidentityconstructionfromwhichtheissueofsensitivestructures,distinctivefeatures,inpidualinterpretationsandsymbol,andmeaningemanates.TheimportanceofMotouleng,Mautse,andMantsopacaves(EasternFreeState,SA)fordifferentreligiouspersuasions,indigenousknowledge,andancestralvenerationofAfricansandtraditionalhealerswillbeinvestigatedamongstthefollowing:namely,howsacredsitesareexemplificationsofAfricanindigenousreligion;whytheyformlocationsofculturalandspiritualexpression,andwhytheymayberegardedaspertinentnodesofidentityconstructioninavibrantchangingSouthAfricansociety.Thispaperexploresthewayinwhichinterpersonalexperiencesofthecavedwellersshapetheirsenseofselfandtheconflicttheyencounterinthecontextofinteraction,whereidentitiesareconstructedanddeconstructedinvariousways.Thispaperprovidesadetailedpersonalexperienceandexaminationoftheparticipant’slifeworldonvariousissuespertainingtocontestationandidentityconstructionatthesacredspaceoftheEasternFreeState.Theexistenceofthesesitesposesanumberofchallengestocavedwellers,landowners,andheritagepractitionersandtocontinuedpreservation,management,anditsrestoration.Crucialtothisdebateishowthesesitescouldbeprotectedbothphysicallyandlegally.
