[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

25 September 2008

South Africans should preserve and celebrate their culture through music and dance. That is according to speakers at the 2008 heritage day celebrations, where thousands of South Africans gathered to celebrate the country's cultural diversity. This year's event was held at the Maropeng Heritage site Cradle of Humankind in Mogale city.

In attendance were Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan, Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Member of Executive Council (MEC) Barbara Creecy together with the Executive Mayor of Mogale City, Calvin Koketso Seerane and other representatives from the municipality.

Minister Jordan said Heritage day is a day to relive the heritage handed down by ancestors. He said Heritage day is also a day on which South Africans should ask pertinent questions of who they are.

Jordan said Heritage day was an important day on South Africa's calendar. "It's not only the day where all South Africans are given the opportunity to pause, reflect and look back at the good things that have been passed on to us by those who came before us, but also a day to celebrate and relive the heritage that was bequeathed to us by our ancestors." "In a democratic South Africa, dance and other forms of cultural expressions celebrate and honour the country's diversity," he said. The Minister said this was unlike in the past where people were divided and often looked down upon as backward.

This year's Heritage day theme is "Celebrating our Dance, Our Heritage".

Speaking at the function, Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa urged South Africans to help protect and preserve the country's heritage as all South Africans were responsible for protecting the country's heritage.

Shilowa said, "It is important for the people of Gauteng to be tolerant of different cultures as Gauteng is the melting pot for many cultures not only from Africa but all around the world".

In line with this year's theme he said musical icons such as Brenda Fassie, Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens and many others should not be forgotten but should be remembered for their contribution to our music and dance.

In his address, Shilowa also bade farewell to President Thabo Mbeki. "You have indeed done your work. You have served your country well and with dignity," Shilowa said.

This year's Heritage day celebrations began with a rare performance from the South African National Defence Force band. Dressed in their beige and brown uniform the band paraded for the public while others performed a guard of honour. Moments later they fired a Nineteen Gun Salute and this was followed by an air display by the South African Air Force Silver Falcons.

Heritage month recognises various aspects of South African culture which are tangible and intangible creative expressions such as music and performance, our historical inheritance, language, the food we eat as well as the popular memory. This year's celebrations are an expression of pride in multi-cultural dance and aimed at promoting indigenous dance and encouraging new dancers, especially among the youth.

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
25 September 2008