Government commends citizens for taking pride in diverse heritage

30 September 2015

Government commends all citizens for promoting and embracing the diversified unique culture during Heritage Month 2015.

Government adopted the Heritage Month campaign as a vehicle to promote social cohesion and develop a common national identity. The theme for this year focused on celebrating indigenous knowledge, identifying, promoting and preserving South Africa’s living heritage.

“We thank civil society, private sector, schools and communities for playing an active role in affirming and promoting our diverse cultures, languages and religions during heritage month. Different individuals were showcasing their traditional attires, dances, music and indigenous food across the country which further enrich our programme of social cohesion.” said the Acting Cabinet Spokesperson, Ms Phumla Williams.

The main event took place on 24 September 2015 which is a national holiday that was devoted to celebrate South Africa’s living heritage at Ramokgopa Stadium, Mokomene in Limpopo.

Notable projects were launched during the month of September as part of celebrating heritage month. These include the unveiling of the Matola Monument and Interpretative Centre in Maputo by President Jacob Zuma in partnership with President Filipe Nyusi to honour the fallen heroes of the 1981 Matola raid and their affected families.

“The Matola Monument symbolises the national liberation heritage route as part of cultural heritage. It is a reflection of the liberation struggle journey that we have travelled as a nation and that shaped us to be an inclusive rainbow nation we are today” said Ms Williams.

President Zuma accompanied by ministers and deputy ministers paid tribute to the sacrifices and contributions made by Mozambican nationals towards a free, non-racial and democratic South Africa.

The month also saw the unveiling of the significant National Heritage Monument at Groenkloof Nature Plaza. The monument was established by Department of Arts and Culture to revitalise South Africa’s heritage landscape, whereby 55 statues of the struggle veterans from different cultural backgrounds have been erected to elevate the historic journey of the country.

“As South Africans we have a role to play in keeping our history alive. We urge all citizens to continue embracing and showcasing our colourful unique heritage throughout the year. Let us strive for a common national identity that is cherished by all and share our historic knowledge from generation to generation. ” said Ms Williams.

Enquiries: 
Phumla Williams
Acting Cabinet Spokesperson 
Cell: 083 501 0139

Issued by Government Communications and Information Systems