Heritage Day Celebrations Affirm Our Shared History And Mutual Pride

On 24 September 2017, national Heritage Day, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and its public entity, the Western Cape Cultural Commission (WCCC) partnered with the Saldanha Bay Municipality and other key stakeholders to commemorate our shared history and mutual pride in the West Coast.

The festive atmosphere at the Saldanha Bay Cultural Village and Hoedjieskop Museum was preceded by a wreath laying ceremony at the Nogtans sal sy jubel permanent display in front of the museum. This annual tradition commemorates the tragic history of the Klippiesdorp generation who were affected by forced removals and also reflects on the fishermen who lost their lives at sea.

Under the 2017 theme “The year of OR Tambo: Celebrating our Liberation Heritage” there was a diverse celebration of traditional dances, teachings, poetry and music performances. Representatives from across the province were unified in this colourful display of traditional activities where different chiefs, captains and leaders of various clans shared their indigenous pride with each other.

Councillor Avril Williams from the Saldanha Bay Municipality officially welcomed the distinguished audience and DCAS Deputy Director for Arts Development, Liezl Jansen, touched on the significance of heritage and the promotion of unity. The oral history stories of Wilfred Arendze and Maxwell Moss from the Saldanha Bay Cultural Village and Hoedjieskop Museum inspired the audience to use the lessons from the past to understand the present.

DCAS promotes nation building amongst diverse cultures and encourages communities to preserve our proud traditions. Let’s keep our multi-layered heritage alive through social inclusion BETTER TOGETHER.