Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie says that museums, archives and heritage sites must be repositioned as active drivers of national identity, social change and development.
Government launched the 2025 Heritage Month under the theme, “Reimagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era.” This year’s theme reflects a strategic shift, from heritage institutions serving as mere custodians of memory, to becoming engines of innovation, inclusion, and community development.
‘’The initiative recognises that South Africa’s heritage is
not only a reflection of the past but a powerful catalyst for building a
dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative, and economically
inclusive future built on the democratic values of human dignity, equality and
supremacy of the rule of law,’’ said the department.
‘’Historically, South Africa’s museums, archives, and
heritage sites have preserved the diverse narratives of our people, especially
in the post-apartheid era. However, as society faces evolving socio-economic,
and technological challenges, there is a growing need to reposition these
institutions as active contributors to national identity, social change and
development.,’’ it added.
COURTESY: GCISMcKenzie says heritage institutions cannot just be museums
of dust and silence.
‘’They must become places of action, innovation, and
opportunity. Young South Africans, should walk into a museum or heritage site
and see themselves, feel inspired, and leave empowered to shape a better
tomorrow.’’
“We are entering a new era. Our institutions must reflect
the dreams of a new generation. Through technology, creativity, and the full
participation of our people, we can turn memory into momentum. The courage of
our past heroes must ignite the fire of future innovation,’’ he added.
This year, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in
collaboration with the Western Cape Provincial Government will host the 2025
national Heritage Day celebration in Oudtshoorn.
‘’The 2025 Heritage Month also takes a powerful step back to honour the heroes and heroines of our liberation struggle. In partnership with the Association for Ex-Political Prisoners (AEPP) and the Robben Island Museum (RIM), the department will host a Reunion of Ex-Political Prisoners on the 27th of September at the Robben Island Museum, under the theme, “Reuniting with Robben Island as the Stronghold that Fortified Our Resistance to Achieve Our Freedom”.
‘’This symbolic and emotional gathering will pay tribute to
Robben Island based ex-political prisoners, those brave, courageous and
selfless combatants who put their lives on the line for the attainment of South
Africa’s freedom and democracy. This event not only honours the legacy of
resistance but reconnects our national consciousness with the lived experiences
of those who endured incarceration in the name of justice and equality,’’ said
the Department of Sport, Arts and culture.
What does #HeritageDay mean to you? And why we celebrate it in #southafrica#heritage#culture#capetown#BushRadio pic.twitter.com/sDZjO0IhdD
Done by: Mitchum George
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