By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Acting president Paul Mashatile stressed the need to protect both tangible and intangible heritage, highlighting the connections among diverse communities through shared living heritage, including oral histories, belief systems, cultural practices, and indigenous knowledge.
Mashatile was delivering the keynote address during the Heritage Day commemoration at Meqheleng Stadium, Ficksburg, on Tuesday.
This year’s theme puts a spotlight on South Africa’s liberation movements who received various forms of solidarity and support from neighbouring countries during the liberation struggle.
Mashatile told South Africans to reflect on 30 years of democracy, which in itself is a milestone that underlines the nation’s diversity and heritage.
He noted that it is also critical that the country recognise and remember the courageous individuals such as JB Marks and Moses Kotane and many others who gave their all for the great gift of our freedom.
Mashatile said the theme is fitting because it allows the country to honour the lives of those who confronted adversity with unflinching bravery, and stood up against injustice and oppression.
The commemoration of our heritage is a result of the sacrifices and efforts of those who came before us, fighting against apartheid and championing social justice and human rights.
“It is therefore important that we, as a nation, preserve the memory of those who fought for our freedom. They have dedicated and sacrificed their lives to the defence of our country, as well as the assertion of the values and principles that must be upheld. It is because of their bravery, resilience, and resolute commitment that we have a brighter future for generations to come,” he said.
Mashatile emphasised the importance of honouring struggle heroes and educating future generations about their sacrifices.
As part of this process, and in honour of the freedom fighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice, Mashatile highlighted that the country will be honouring those who have fallen outside of the borders.
A homecoming ceremony will take place this Friday in which President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially receive the repatriated remains from Zambia and Zimbabwe.
As South Africa marks three decades of democracy, the nation reflects on its rich heritage while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality.
Acting President also urged citizens to unite and celebrate diversity in the pursuit of a more equal society where opportunities are not dictated by colour, gender, class, or religion.
“To tackle these ongoing challenges, we must unite and celebrate our diversity while striving to create a more equal society where opportunities are not determined by colour, gender, class, or religion.
“This would entail increasing people’s skills through access to equal education opportunities, quality health care for all, and provision of basic amenities, as well as facilitating work opportunities and shifting economic ownership patterns, “he said.
Furthermore, Mashatile said government, interfaith, civil society formations and traditional leaders must work together to eliminate persisting inequalities and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) which is prevalent in our communities. He added that all acts of criminality, and GBVF undermine government efforts to foster the culture of social cohesion and moral regeneration.
“We must not let anybody conceal evil acts of abuse under the guise of one’s belief system and culture. It has to be said that no nation can condone any form of abuse against women, children and those most vulnerable within society, including the LGBTQIA+ community. To demonstrate our commitment to the fight against GBVF, the government has introduced new laws protecting women and children,” he said.
Mashatile further called on different sectors of society to collaborate with the South African Heritage Resource Agency to develop community abilities and capacities to help identify and protect heritage resources.
“We have to guard and protect our heritage from forms of neglect and threats such as natural disasters, urbanisation, globalisation and developments that pose challenges to the preservation of our most treasured landmarks, artefacts, and traditions.
“All communities from the Free State Province, including Ficksburg, have the responsibility to protect and preserve historical sites like the Old Prison Cells and the General Fick Museum. We must educate young people about the significance of such sites because they are an important part of who we are and where we come from,” he said.
He also called for a renewed commitment to heritage conservation, emphasising its importance not only in preserving the past but also in shaping South Africa’s future.