South Africa will mark Heritage Month in September under the theme: “The Year of OR Tambo: Celebrating Our Liberation Heritage and Democracy”. During the month South Africans are encouraged to come together to share, celebrate and showcase their cultural heritage.
Government will use National Heritage Month and the promotion of cultural institutions as a vehicle for nation building, social cohesion, national reconciliation, moral regeneration, economic and social development. It is also a platform for communities to showcase different aspects of South Africa’s diverse heritage. South Africans are encouraged to take pride in the country’s cultural institutions and play an active role in affirming, promoting and preserving it.
2017 marks the 12th anniversary of the UNESCO conference resolution that recognised liberation struggle heritage as significant and of universal value.
Our cultural and heritage sites offer the space for communities to interact, learn and connect with each other.
The month will also be used to celebrate the liberation heritage route and honour men and women who fought against apartheid. Young people will also be educated that the freedom we continue to enjoy today was not free. It was made possible by the sacrifices of thousands of patriots who confronted the evil apartheid government.
A foremost advocate for a democratic South Africa was OR Tambo, therefore it is most fitting that we are celebrating his centenary this year.
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