By Karabo Marifi
In a heartfelt call to action ahead of South Africa’s Heritage Day celebrations, President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the youth to consider careers in the preservation of the nation’s rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage. The president made this appeal in his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, emphasizing the critical role young people can play in safeguarding South Africa’s diverse heritage for future generations.
As the country prepares to celebrate Heritage Day on Tuesday, Ramaphosa highlighted the need for both the private sector and communities, especially those in marginalized areas, to work closely with the government in protecting and conserving heritage sites. He stressed that, while the preservation of heritage is primarily the responsibility of the government, other stakeholders, including corporate sponsors, philanthropists, and heritage organizations, have a significant part to play in ensuring these sites remain a vital part of South Africa’s national fabric.
The Role of the Private Sector in Heritage Preservation
President Ramaphosa noted that private sector support for heritage preservation is currently uneven. High-profile heritage sites such as Robben Island, Mandela House in Soweto, and Constitution Hill attract donor funding, while many lesser-known but equally important institutions struggle to obtain the support they need.
“Private sector support for heritage preservation is uneven. While some high-profile heritage sites like Robben Island, the Mandela House in Soweto, Constitution Hill, and others receive donor funding, other less prominent institutions, events, and initiatives struggle to obtain support,” said President Ramaphosa.
This disparity has left many important sites of memory in a state of disrepair. Ramaphosa called this a missed opportunity, noting that these sites could potentially stimulate local economies and provide much-needed employment to the communities in which they are situated.
“As a result, many important sites of memory have fallen into disrepair. This is a wasted opportunity, because a number of these sites could stimulate local economies and provide work opportunities to the communities in which they are situated,” the president said.
Heritage Preservation as a Tool for Nation-Building
For President Ramaphosa, heritage preservation goes beyond simply maintaining sites of historical significance—it plays an integral role in nation-building and reconciliation. South Africa’s painful past, rooted in colonialism and apartheid, left many indigenous customs, traditions, and languages marginalized and denigrated. Today, however, Heritage Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cross-cultural exchange, tolerance, and understanding.
Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of Heritage Day in building bridges between races and ethnic groups in the country. “It is a valuable opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and for building bridges of tolerance and understanding between races and different ethnic groups,” he stated.
The president shared his appreciation for the ways in which South Africans, from all walks of life, celebrate Heritage Day. He noted that this national holiday has become a regular occasion for people to showcase their traditions, cuisine, dress, music, and other forms of cultural expression. These celebrations not only foster cultural pride and self-expression but also contribute to nation-building efforts.
“I have always found it heartwarming to see how South Africans from all walks of life celebrate Heritage Day in their communities, schools, workplaces, places of worship, and institutions of higher learning,” Ramaphosa said. “It has become a regular facet of Heritage Day to see South Africans share their traditions, cuisine, dress, music, and other forms of cultural expression with their compatriots.”
Economic Growth and Job Creation Through Heritage Sites
Beyond its role in nation-building, heritage preservation is also an important driver of economic growth and job creation. President Ramaphosa pointed out that South Africa, being one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, is uniquely positioned to use its natural and cultural heritage to promote sustainable development and create employment opportunities, especially in marginalized communities.
“As one of the world’s most mega biodiverse countries, South Africa’s natural heritage attracts tourists from around the world, supporting local job creation and investment in natural resource infrastructure,” Ramaphosa highlighted. He pointed to tourism hotspots like Table Mountain National Park and Robben Island, which collectively drew over 400,000 visitors in December 2023 alone.
The president also underscored the importance of South Africa’s historical sites, which span pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid, and democratic eras. These sites not only attract tourists but also serve as valuable educational tools for the younger generation, providing them with insights into the country’s rich history.
“These sites are not just important for tourism. They are also sites of memory and monuments to the past that serve to educate the younger generation of South Africans,” Ramaphosa emphasized.
Encouraging the Youth to Pursue Careers in Heritage Preservation
A key focus of President Ramaphosa’s Heritage Day message was his call for more young people to explore careers in heritage preservation. He highlighted the potential for job creation in the sector and the need for skilled individuals to maintain, promote, and manage South Africa’s cultural and natural heritage sites.
Through initiatives like the Presidential Employment Stimulus, Ramaphosa explained that the government is already providing opportunities for unemployed young people in fields such as film and digital media production, cultural project management, storytelling, language preservation, and museum guiding.
“To preserve the country’s rich heritage, we need to do more to attract young South Africans to careers and opportunities in the sector,” Ramaphosa stated. “Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Heritage Council, and the National Arts Council, we have provided unemployed young people with work opportunities in film and digital media production, cultural project management, storytelling, language preservation, and as museum guides.”
Commemorating Heritage Day 2024
This year, the government will commemorate Heritage Day at Meqheleng Stadium in Ficksburg, Free State. The theme of the celebration, “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom,” will put the spotlight on South Africa’s liberation movements and the solidarity and support they received from neighboring countries during the struggle for freedom.
This theme is particularly significant as it pays tribute to the sacrifices made by South Africa’s freedom fighters and the critical role played by other African nations in supporting the country’s liberation efforts.
Ramaphosa expressed the importance of recognizing these sacrifices and the need to continue educating future generations about South Africa’s journey to freedom.
“On this Heritage Day, we honour the heroes and heroines of our liberation struggle. Their courage and sacrifices laid the foundation for the democracy we enjoy today,” Ramaphosa said.
The Role of Heritage in Nation-Building
Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa’s rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage is not just a source of pride but also a tool for fostering unity in a country that has experienced division and oppression. He emphasized that heritage sites and practices can serve as vehicles for social cohesion and reconciliation.
He also noted that these sites, and the stories they tell, are invaluable for educating younger generations about the country’s past, which in turn helps build a shared future rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
“As a nation, we must use our heritage to bring people together, to foster a sense of belonging, and to heal the wounds of the past. By preserving our cultural and historical sites, we create opportunities for reflection and learning, ensuring that the sacrifices made by those who came before us are never forgotten,” the president stated.
Building a Future Through Heritage Preservation
In his message, President Ramaphosa painted a clear picture of how heritage preservation, if given the attention and support it deserves, could play a transformative role in South Africa’s future. Beyond its immediate cultural and educational benefits, heritage conservation can act as a catalyst for local economic development, particularly in underserved areas.
He urged the private sector to take a more active role in supporting heritage initiatives, noting that the government cannot shoulder this responsibility alone. He called for businesses, corporate sponsors, philanthropists, and other stakeholders to partner with government efforts, particularly in marginalized communities.
“By working together as government, business, and society, we can use our national heritage to uplift communities, create opportunities, and make us all proud to be South African,” Ramaphosa said.
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