South Africa celebrates repository of cultural heritage

President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead countrywide celebrations of Heritage Day on Friday, 24 September 2021. 
 
The President will join a virtual ceremony hosted by the Western Cape Province under the theme “The year of Charlotte Maxeke: Celebrating South Africa’s Intangible Cultural Heritage”. 
 
Government has declared 2021 as the “Year of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke” to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of the pioneering human rights  activist whose legacy has paved the way for generations of anti-apartheid and present day social activists working for the improvement of socio-  economic conditions for all South Africans.
 
Endowed with abundant diversity of indigenous knowledge, languages and beliefs, South Africa’s intangible cultural heritage cements the identity and belonging of all its people. 

These attributes are expressed in language, arts, customs, religion, clothing and food and the preservation of our natural habitat. 
 
The national motto, “All diverse people unite” reflects the national values tolerance and respect for human, social and cultural rights.

Heritage Day 2021 will celebrate our human treasures and living legends who are the repository of traditions and culture, knowledge and accumulation of intellectual capital. 
 
President Ramaphosa will address the virtual Heritage Day celebration that will be broadcast on major news channels and government digital platforms.

Details are:
 
Date: Friday, 24 September 2021
Time: 12h00 
Where: Major news channels and Presidency and Government digital platforms
 

Media enquiries: Tyrone Seale, Acting Spokesperson to the President  - media@presidency.gov.za 
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria