Living heritage is the cornerstone of our communities

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Living heritage is the cornerstone of our communities, shaping our identity and fostering continuity; these are the sentiments of the National Assembly.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and National Council of Provinces Chairperson, Amos Masondo, have urged all South Africans to embrace diversity and tolerance.

Today, as we come together to celebrate Heritage Day, we recognize the rich tapestry of cultures that weave the fabric of our nation.

Living heritage is the cornerstone of our communities, shaping our identity and fostering continuity. It is an essential source of reconciliation, cultural diversity, social cohesion, peace, and economic development.

Let us focus on what unites us, transcending racial and cultural boundaries. Together, we must affirm, promote, and safeguard our heritage, a testament to our rich history.

Heritage Day is not just a date on the calendar; it’s an opportunity to reflect upon the dreams and aspirations of those who came before us, whose legacy lives on within our hearts and minds.

On this day, we must engage in constructive dialogue to further embrace our varied cultures and enhance social cohesion. We must fulfill the promise of the “Freedom Charter” that South Africa belongs to all who call it home.

As we celebrate, we must ask ourselves if we are protecting our heritage or unintentionally eroding our traditions, languages, and customs.

To promote social cohesion, Parliament calls on all communities to protect, restore, and reclaim our living heritage.

Let us strengthen social compacts that support peace, reconciliation, and economic growth while combating intolerance and social ills such as racism, crime, and gender-based violence.

Living heritage serves as a valuable resource to address the pressing socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, poverty, and inequality by preserving traditional skills, fostering employment opportunities, promoting indigenous knowledge, and enhancing social cohesion, thereby contributing to economic growth and community development.

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South Africa proudly hosts ten of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, recognizing the cultural and economic value of living heritage.

We’ve transcended the legacy of apartheid and colonialism, which prioritized colonial buildings and artifacts over our indigenous living heritage.

Our ongoing mission is to democratize the heritage landscape, emphasizing the importance of our living heritage for the generations to come.

Today, let us celebrate our unity in diversity, strengthen our commitment to preserving our living heritage, and work collectively towards a brighter, more inclusive future for South Africa.