Kimberley – Local communities from across Kimberley, in the Northern Cape, have started flocking to Galeshewe Stadium to celebrate national Heritage Day.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to give a keynote address at the event later today.
In the streets of Galeshewe, young and old can be seen making their way towards the stadium to be part of the Heritage Day celebrations. Buses, mini-buses and private vehicles are ferrying people to the stadium.
At the stadium, different cultural groups clad in their different traditional attires representing the various cultures in the Northern Cape are seen rehearsing their traditional songs and dance.
Suzette Stuurman, 18, from Upington, clad in her traditional attire, told SAnews that she is excited to celebrate this day as it reminds her of her tradition and culture.
“It is important for us young people to know our tradition and culture. We should be proud of our traditions,” she said.
Similar celebrations are being held throughout the country.
Government has called on all South Africans from all backgrounds to join these national celebrations as part of efforts to restore the dignity, citizenship and identity of all citizens.
South Africa celebrates the 2016 Heritage Month under the theme, “Celebrating our human treasures by asserting our African identity,” to highlight the role played by the Living Human Treasures, the country’s living legends in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
September marks the annual Heritage Month in South Africa and it is used to celebrate and promote the varied cultural heritage of the nation.
Tangible heritage refers to buildings, historic places, artefacts and monuments, while intangible are attributes that we have inherited from past generations such as language and knowledge.
This year’s celebrations aim to put at the forefront the living human treasures and legends who, based on their immense contribution to the arts, culture and heritage landscape, are the custodians of indigenous knowledge.
In that regards, government has encouraged South Africans to take pride in their living heritage and play an active role in affirming, promoting and preserving it.
Ministers, Deputy Ministers, the Premier of the Northern Cape accompanied by her MECs and local communities are expected to attend the event at the Galeshewe stadium. – SAnews.gov.za
