Pretoria: Gauteng will make the most of Heritage Month by profiling the legacy of the struggle for liberation, among other activities.
“Gauteng has given the country a lot when it comes to the liberation of the country and as such we believe it is an important site of heritage in the struggle for liberation.
It is home to important sites including the Constitutional Hill, Freedom Park, Apartheid Museum, Nelson Mandela Museum, the Human Rights (Sharpeville) Precinct, Maropeng, Regina Mundi and more,” said MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile
Activities for the month will include the province profiling the legacy of the struggle for liberation with plans to unveil sites of importance and working towards the declaration of some institutions as heritage sites, including the Constitutional Hill and the Regina Mundi Church in Soweto, he added.
The move by Gauteng is part of the National Liberation Route project which aims to record Africa’s history of liberation by profiling sites, including places of residence and terrains, which are known to have hosted activities and combatants of the struggle for liberation.
Maile said Heritage Month should be used to highlight the importance of preserving the country’s heritage for a solid and brighter future.
“It should also be about promoting the importance of learning and embracing the rich heritage of South Africa and in pursuing social cohesion and nation-building,” he said.
On Heritage Day, 24 September, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane will lead the provincial celebrations Maropeng, the Cradle for Humankind.
The proceedings will include the provincial indigenous games where the public will also have an opportunity to play games including diketo, kgati (skipping), intonga (stick-fight) and more.
Also on the menu is the tour of the area (Maropeng) and entertainment by different artists.
Other activities during Heritage Month include the provisional declaration of Constitutional Hill as a heritage site and the unveiling of nominated National Liberation Heritage sites.