‘Prioritise safety in celebrating Heritage Day’: South Africans urged

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With Heritage Day upon us, the Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) has called on citizens to prioritise safety as the nation will be celebrating its rich, vibrant, and diverse cultures on Tuesday.

Previously known in South Africa as Shaka Day, a day commemorating the Zulu King of Shaka – Heritage Day is a public holiday celebrated on 24 September.

The day that celebrates South Africa’s roots, their rich, vibrant, and diverse cultures. South Africa is called the ‘‘Rainbow Nation’’ due to its color and diversity, and this is why Heritage Day exists.

On this day, South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people.

“As we come together to celebrate our cultures, traditions, and diversity, on Heritage Day, it is important to do so responsibly,” GTP spokesperson, Sello Maremane said.

“Every year, people come together from different parts to celebrate what makes us all uniquely South African.

“We encourage all citizens to do so responsibly and avoid taking part in unlawful activities such as public drinking, reckless and negligent driving amongst other things,” he remarked.

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Maremane stated that the Gauteng Traffic Police together with the Gauteng Traffic Wardens and other law enforcement agencies will be on high alert to ensure safety on the road and in communities.

He added; “We will continue to conduct law enforcement operations to address crime and lawlessness. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious incidents to their nearest police station.”

Heritage day theme

Meanwhile, the government will commemorate the national heritage day at Meqheleng Stadium in Ficksburg, within the Setsoto Local Municipality in the Free State province.

This is under the monthlong theme, “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom”. 

The 2024 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.

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture spokesperson, Zimasa Velaphi, said; “Government in collaboration with various key entities are hosting several activities among others aimed at celebrating our unique cultural heritage, reflecting on our liberation heritage, as well as healing the wounds of our past injustice.”