Wally Serote scoops lifetime award

Poet and writer Dr Wally Serote has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Serote is among those that were celebrated during the annual Golden Shield Heritage Awards in Kimberley.

The aim of the awards is to recognise the contribution of individuals to the country’s heritage.

South Africans, who are the embodiment of their heritage, were celebrated during the Golden Shield Heritage Awards ceremony, which is in its sixth year. Eight finalists made the cut with tourist destination the Big Hole in Kimberley, taking the award in the Preferred Heritage Destination category.

The Big Hole’s project manager Glynnis-Lynn Domoense says: “It is a huge honour that Golden Shield Heritage Awards recognized the Big Hole for the tremendous heritage that we have and we will continue to preserve and promote this heritage for the next generation.”

The awards come at time when the country is observing Heritage month. National Heritage Council CEO Sonwabile Mancotwa explains the importance of the awards.

“The Golden Shield Awards are unique in the sense that it recognises excellence in heritage the people’s pride. It’s the only awards that recognise people who played a role in a comprehensive manner.”

Xitsonga musician Dr Thomas Chauke received the National Living Treasure award.

“I am grateful to the radio stations. They are the reason I am where I am today.”

Meanwhile, Nontsikelelo Biko, the widow of the Black Consciousness Movement leader Steve Biko is expected to be honoured at the Ubuntu Awards later in the month.