The 24th of September, Heritage Day, in South Africa, is reserved as a national public holiday to celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions that make up South Africa’s contemporary social life.
South Africa’s history is scarred by divisive regimes including colonialism and apartheid which sought to create a segregated and unequal society through a racialized social structure. In celebrating South Africa’s liberation and the wealth of cultural diversity. This day of celebration enables the prioritisation of the all people from across the African continent and rest of the world who contribute to the rich cultures and forms of knowledge we have in South Africa today.
The theme for Heritage Day 2020 is ‘celebrating South Africa’s living treasures’[1]. In launching this theme Minister Nathi Mthethwa noted that the Department of Arts and Culture would ‘double-up the effort in ensuring that these suppressed knowledge forms receive the recognition and support they deserve; not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because of the potentiality of their political economy.’ This was also echoed by President of Republic of South Africa in his speech on the easing of lockdown alert level on the 16th September 2020 when he reiterated that “I urge everyone to use this public holiday as family time, to reflect on the difficult journey we have all travelled, to remember those who have lost their lives, and to quietly rejoice in the remarkable and diverse heritage of our nation”. He further indicated that it will take the combined effort of each and every South African to restore our nation to prosperity and development.
For inquiries or more information please contact: Thifulufheli Sinthumule (CoRMSA) thifulufheli@cormsa.org.za/+27 71 358 0059 or Muluti Phiri advocacy@cormsa.org.za/+27 71 15 00113 Abigail Dawson (CoRMSA) communications@cormsa.org.za/ +27 74 851 5683