Celebrating our Heritage | Western Cape Government

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Celebrating our Heritage

2 September 2014

The National Heritage Day celebrations on 24 September 2014 are an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and diversity that has the power to help build our nation.

The national theme for 2014 is “Celebrating 20 Years of Democracy: Tell Your Story that Moves South Africa Forward”. We were born and raised in diverse backgrounds with different beliefs and customs; our love and respect for our food, music, language and traditions shaped the rhythm of our lives. South Africans are also well known as people who live in one country with so many diverse cultures. But there is no other country in the world with the same culture, traditions and heritage as ours. May we never take it for granted – we should claim our heritage.

The line-up of DCAS heritage celebrations includes the launch of the ShweShwe travelling exhibition and the exciting international initiative to participate in the photographic competition Wiki loves Monuments.   This is an opportunity for locals to capture the world’s culture and heritage for Wikimedia projects, including Wikipedia, from 1 to 30 September 2014. All photographs entered in the competition will be reviewed by a panel of some of South Africa’s most celebrated photographers. The final selection at a national level will receive prizes, while the winning photographs from South Africa will be judged in the international competition.

Our country is home to various world's official heritage sites, as determined by UNESCO's World Heritage Committee. Closer to home in the Western Cape, we have various sites of heritage significance. The four Western Cape Heritage Sites are Community House in Cape Town, Ratelgat in Vanrhynsdorp, Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay and Baboon Point in Elandsbaai.

Please read more about Heritage Western Cape to gain an understanding of what they do on a daily basis.

It is our right to be proud of our heritage. Let’s work together to embrace it and make sure that it will stay alive for generations to come!

Media Enquiries: 

Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730
E-mail: Annerie.Pruis-LeRoux@westerncape.gov.za