Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has urged for the incorporation of cultural customs into the province’s school curriculum. This call to embrace the rich tapestry of South Africa’s diverse heritage came during a vibrant Heritage Day celebration at the Kagiso Sports Complex in the West Rand, attended by hundreds of eager participants.
Highlighting Gauteng’s wealth of cultural resources, Lesufi noted that the province boasts over 110 museums and five prominent heritage sites, crucial elements in preserving and promoting South Africa’s cultural identity. However, the premier also acknowledged the challenges associated with maintaining these significant sites, which stand as monuments to the nation’s history and cultural diversity.
“There will be challenges, obviously, with maintaining some of these particular sites and that is why days like today serve as a reminder not to ignore these important locations,” Lesufi stated. “It is imperative that we ensure they are functional, avoid letting them become white elephants, and utilise them effectively.”
Lesufi’s statement resonates with the sentiments expressed by Acting President Paul Mashatile, who delivered a keynote address earlier at the Bridgeton Sports Grounds in the Oudtshoorn Local Municipality, Western Cape. Mashatile established a compelling link between heritage and the future, suggesting that a strong cultural foundation paves the way for a dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative, and economically inclusive society.
This year’s Heritage Month is celebrated under the theme: “Re-imagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era,” focusing on how cultural evolution can address various social, economic, and technological challenges facing modern society. As celebrations unfold across the country, it becomes evident that embracing heritage is not only an act of remembrance but a vital component in fostering a progressive future.