Mashatile
Acting President Paul Mashatile has urged South Africans to reimagine heritage institutions as vibrant hubs that bridge the past with the future, emphasizing their role in cultural diplomacy, youth empowerment, and tackling societal issues. Speaking at the national Heritage Day commemoration in Oudtshoorn on Wednesday, 24 September 2025, Mashatile delivered a keynote address on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, aligning with this year’s theme: “Reimagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era.” He highlighted the need to preserve cultural identity while addressing challenges like unemployment and social fragmentation, calling for decolonised, inclusive spaces that nurture creativity and opportunity.
As the nation celebrates its diverse heritage, Mashatile’s vision resonates with the day’s spirit of unity and progress.
The event, held at Bridgton Stadium, drew thousands, with Mashatile also leading a tree-planting initiative at Dysselsdorp Secondary School as part of the Presidential Ten Million Trees Flagship Programme, reinforcing environmental and cultural ties.
Transforming Heritage for a New Era
Mashatile stressed that museums, monuments, and heritage sites should evolve into “spaces of cultural diplomacy, inclusivity, intergenerational conversation, laboratories of creativity and incubators of opportunities for our people, particularly the youth.”
He believes these institutions can combat unemployment and social divides by empowering communities to challenge dominant narratives and preserve marginalised histories.
“The theme challenges South Africans to honour their history while building a dynamic and inclusive future,” he said. “Our heritage institutions nurture cultural identity, encourage unity, and offer economic opportunities in sectors such as tourism and the arts.”
He called for decolonising museums through co-curation and knowledge production, reflecting a post-colonial ethos.
Mashatile condemned apartheid’s destruction of African cultural structures—forced removals, fragmented families, and biased education—urging a restoration of dignity. Government initiatives include a national policy for repatriating human remains, reburying Khoisan ancestors, and identifying international holders of sacred relics.
Addressing Drug Abuse and Community Action
Mashatile raised alarms over drug and substance abuse, especially among youth, noting the stigmatisation of children as “amaphara”—petty thieves hooked on drugs like nyaope. “I call everyone to stand up and fight this demon that has engulfed our nation. It is our joint responsibility to combat alcohol and substance abuse and work together to eradicate similar practices within our communities,” he urged.
He called on families, communities, NGOs, businesses, and government to unite against this scourge, linking it to broader social challenges addressed by heritage institutions.
Tree-Planting and Clean Environment Initiatives
Earlier, Mashatile led a tree-planting event at Dysselsdorp Secondary School, part of the Presidential Ten Million Trees Flagship Programme to combat climate change. “This campaign is part of the Presidential Ten Million Trees Flagship Programme, which aims to encourage South Africans from all backgrounds to plant trees,” he said.
He also tied this to the Clean Cities, Towns and Villages programme, calling it a “cultural imperative” that aligns living heritage with sustainability. These efforts reflect a holistic approach to preserving heritage while tackling modern issues.
Call for National Dialogue and Inclusive Future
Mashatile wrapped up with a push for the National Dialogue, a platform for all voices—regardless of age, race, or class—to shape a united future. “The dialogue is a crucial platform for all voices… to shape the future of our democracy through meaningful, inclusive dialogue,” he said.He urged citizens to engage, leveraging diverse experiences to build the nation they envision.
This aligns with Heritage Day’s theme, encouraging South Africans to draw on their past—marked by resilience against apartheid—to forge a progressive path forward. The event’s focus on youth, culture, and sustainability sets a hopeful tone for the year ahead.
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