On September 24, 2023, South Africa celebrated Heritage Day, a day to commemorate and celebrate the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The celebrations took place under the theme “Celebrating Our Cultural Diversity in a Democratic South Africa.”
Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered the keynote address at the main event in KwaZulu-Natal. In his speech, Mashatile reflected on the country’s journey to democracy and the importance of cultural diversity in nation-building.
“Our young democracy has many gains, and we are equally aware that we have much to do to achieve a fully democratic, non-racial, and non-sexist society—a future that we all dream of and are responsible for making a reality,” he said.
Mashatile also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote social cohesion and nation-building through various initiatives, such as increasing the use of indigenous languages in public schools, supporting sports and cultural activities, and providing financial assistance to unemployed people.
“The R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD grant) is benefiting nearly 10 million unemployed people, mainly young people and women. With the current difficult economic times, we will continue to cushion those needing continued assistance, and are prioritising the improvement of the avenues that South Africans depend on to access the support from government,” he said.
Mashatile also mentioned the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has benefited over 1.2 million people, especially women and youth. This is in addition to other public employment programmes such as the Community Works Programme (CWP) and the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
“All these interventions, and others are aimed at building a nation that is not only socially integrated, but a nation whose people are economically liberated and able to sustain their livelihoods and contribute to the vision of an equal and prosperous South Africa,” he said.
Mashatile concluded his speech by calling on all South Africans to embrace their culture, heritage, and indigenous knowledge, and to safeguard the interests of the kind of future that they aspire for – a future rooted in democracy, social cohesion, economic prosperity, and enhanced unity in diversity.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile to deliver his keynote address at Heritage Day on 24 September 2023. He speaks about crucial role of DSAC with regards to social cohesion.
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) September 24, 2023
This moment is full circle as he too was the minister of Sport,Arts and Culture.#HeritageDay2023 pic.twitter.com/IXghe8lAJW
Indigenous Games Festival
Mashatile also announced the launch of the Indigenous Games Festival, which will showcase the best of indigenous games from all South African cultures. The festival is taking place at Hoy Park from September 24-29, and the entrance is free.
The Indigenous Games Festival is an example of the kind of initiatives that the Department of Arts and Culture prioritises towards its strategic objectives aimed at the preservation of culture and heritage.
Heritage Day is an important day for South Africans to reflect on their country’s past, present, and future. It is a day to celebrate the country’s diversity and to recommit to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
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