President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s National Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, on Thursday, as the country marks the annual public holiday celebrating its diverse cultural heritage.
The national event will be held at the Bongolethu Sport Stadium under the theme, “Celebrating Our Living Heritage: Strengthening the Ties That Bind Us.”
The theme focuses on the role of living heritage in promoting national unity, social cohesion, Ubuntu and a shared sense of belonging.
National Heritage Day also provides an opportunity for South Africans to celebrate their diverse cultural traditions while reflecting on the role of heritage in nation-building.
The Oudtshoorn event will mark the culmination of Heritage Month, during which communities, heritage institutions and practitioners participated in programmes aimed at promoting cultural expression, sharing knowledge between generations and preserving Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture had previously announced George as the venue for the national celebration but has since secured Oudtshoorn as the site for the event.
Ramaphosa’s participation comes as communities across the country prepare to mark Heritage Day on 24 September.
