President Ramaphosa Calls on Stakeholders to Protect Heritage Sites

23 September 2024 – President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged businesses and other stakeholders to collaborate with the government in protecting and preserving South Africa’s historical, cultural, and natural heritage sites, especially in marginalized communities.

In his weekly newsletter ahead of Heritage Day celebrations, President Ramaphosa emphasized that while the government plays a key role in heritage preservation, the private sector, corporate sponsors, philanthropists, and heritage organizations also have a vital responsibility to ensure these legacies are safeguarded for future generations.

“Private sector support for heritage preservation is uneven,” said the President. “While some high-profile heritage sites like Robben Island, Mandela House in Soweto, and Constitution Hill receive donor funding, many lesser-known institutions and initiatives struggle to secure support. As a result, several important sites of memory have fallen into disrepair, which is a missed opportunity, as these sites could boost local economies and provide employment in their communities.”

The President stressed that protecting heritage sites is crucial not only for economic growth but also for nation-building and reconciliation.

“On this Heritage Day, I call on business and other stakeholders to join forces with the government to preserve heritage, particularly in marginalized communities. There are already commendable efforts underway, and by working together, we can uplift communities, create opportunities, and foster pride in being South African,” President Ramaphosa stated.

He highlighted that Heritage Day serves as a key moment for cross-cultural exchange and building understanding between different ethnic groups, particularly in light of South Africa’s painful apartheid past where indigenous customs and languages were marginalized.

“It is heartwarming to see South Africans from all walks of life celebrate Heritage Day by sharing traditions, cuisine, music, and cultural expressions. Beyond fostering cultural pride and unity, heritage preservation is an important driver of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development,” he said.

South Africa, known for its rich cultural and natural heritage, is well-positioned to leverage this to promote economic growth. President Ramaphosa pointed out that in December 2023 alone, over 400,000 tourists visited sites such as Table Mountain National Park and Robben Island, highlighting the economic potential of heritage tourism.

South Africa also has numerous historical sites from the pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid, and democratic eras, which not only serve as tourist attractions but as educational monuments for younger generations.

To strengthen heritage preservation, President Ramaphosa called for efforts to encourage young South Africans to pursue careers in the sector. Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, work opportunities have been created for unemployed youth in fields such as film and digital media production, cultural project management, storytelling, language preservation, and as museum guides.

This year’s Heritage Day celebrations will take place at Meqheleng Stadium in Ficksburg, Free State, under the theme: “Celebrating the Lives of Our Heroes and Heroines Who Laid Down Their Lives for Our Freedom.” The theme will also highlight the solidarity and support South Africa’s liberation movements received from neighboring countries during the struggle for freedom.