Pretoria - Government has called on South Africans to continue embracing and showcasing the country’s colourful unique heritage throughout the year.
“As South Africans, we have a role to play in keeping our history alive. Let us strive for a common national identity that is cherished by all and share our historic knowledge from generation to generation,” acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said on Wednesday.
The country just wrapped up September as Heritage Month – which is used as a vehicle to promote social cohesion and develop a common national identity.
Government has thanked South Africans for promoting and embracing the diversified unique culture during Heritage Month, saying they helped the country keep history alive.
“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 enriches our programme of social cohesion,” Williams said.
The main event took place on 24 September 2015 which was held at Ramokgopa Stadium, Mokomene, in Limpopo.
The theme for this year focused on celebrating indigenous knowledge, identifying, promoting and preserving South Africa’s living heritage.
Williams said notable projects were launched during the month.
These include the unveiling of the Matola Monument and Interpretative Centre in Maputo by President Jacob Zuma in partnership with President Filipe Nyusi.
The monument is in honour of the fallen heroes of the 1981 Matola raid and their affected families.
Williams said the Matola Monument symbolises the national liberation heritage route as part of the country’s 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.”
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. – SAnews.gov.za
