Sep 2014

Tell your story this Heritage Month

Written by Samona Naidu
This September South Africans from all walks of life are encouraged to celebrate Heritage Month by paying homage to their past and sharing their stories of freedom and democracy.

Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa.This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Democracy: Tell Your Story that Moves South Africa Forward.’

The theme aims to reconnect the nation and celebrate its rich and diverse collective heritage.

According to Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, the purpose of Heritage Day, commemorated on 24 September, and Heritage Month as a whole is to celebrate national identity, nation building, social cohesion and, above all, freedom of expression.

The Minister has dedicated the next five years to highlighting commemorative days like Heritage Day, Freedom Day and more. The department will lead and coordinate these special days and months to promote constitutional values, cultural transformation and an active citizenry.

This year’s Heritage Day event will take place in Mahikeng, North West.

Events building up to Heritage Day will include an exhibition, National Book Week and dialogues. In addition, national, provincial and local government will offer services such as applications for and tracking of identity documents, applications for social grants, mobile health clinics and career guidance for learners.

“The history of a nation is best captured and reflected in the lives and experiences of its people. We are an African people and our stories tell how far we have come,” added the Minister.

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