WHETTING THE YOUTH'S SEA LEGS

The lives of all South Africans are inextricably linked to the oceans that surround our country and the water bodies within. Our rich cultural heritage of our waterways has been largely overlooked and misunderstood in the past. In a bid to elucidate this heritage, the Department of Arts and Culture in conjunction with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) launched the Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit in 2009.

The Unit's predominant focus is on education and public awareness. In partnership with the Department of Education, SAHRA and the Robben Island Museum, designated learner groups from across the country were invited to participate in specific events and activities during the Cape Town Marine Week in 2009 and 2011 respectively Activities included snorkeling in Simons Town and investigating maritime heritage on Robben Island, providing insight into South Africa's Maritime Underwater Cultural heritage. Learners subsequently shared their experiences and insights with Deputy Minister Phaahla and DG Sibusiso Xaba.

We hope that this continued practice will encourage learners to reflect on their underwater cultural heritage and promote the related issues in their classrooms and homes. We moreover strive to grant all learners access to South Africa's Maritime Underwater Cultural heritage by featuring this subject matter more prominently in the school curriculum. Perhaps some of these learners will pursue careers in the heritage sector and continue our legacy.