On September 24, we recognize and appreciate our country’s cultural wealth. South Africans commemorate the day by commemorating the diverse cultures that make up the country’s population. Throughout the country, various events are held to mark this day.
The Department of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of the Eastern Cape, will organize the 2013 National Heritage Day celebration with the theme Reclaiming, Restoring, and Celebrating Our Living Heritage. Kgalema Motlanthe, Deputy President, will speak at the National Heritage Day celebrations in Mdantsane, Buffalo Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape.
Living heritage is the bedrock of all communities, as well as a vital source of identity and continuity. Cultural tradition, oral history, performance, ritual, popular memory, skills and practices, indigenous knowledge system, and a holistic view to nature, society, and social connections are all aspects of living legacy. In South Africa, the terms “intangible cultural heritage” and “living heritage” are used interchangeably.
Cultural variety, social cohesion, reconciliation, peace, and economic prosperity all benefit from living legacy. Every community has living human treasures who have a wealth of information, skills, and history relevant to many parts of diverse living heritage. As a result, it is critical for South Africans to reclaim, repair, and protect these varied parts of living heritage in order to expedite the use of living heritage to address the difficulties that communities face today.
A draft policy on South African living heritage was produced by the Department of Arts and Culture. Once enacted, this policy will set the tone for the South African Agenda, emphasizing the following roles: preserving living heritage as a vital resource for future generations, and making Heritage Day a public holiday.
Why is it vital to commemorate one’s ancestors?
You inspire individuals to feel proud of their identity by celebrating it. On September 24, everyone will be dressed up in their traditional attire to honor their origins and traditions.
Why did they select September 24th as Heritage Day?
Shaka, a Zulu ruler, was honored on this day. He passed away on September 24, 1828. Shaka was instrumental in creating South Africa a more unified nation. South Africa’s post-apartheid parliament did not designate September 24th as a national holiday.
