The year 2012 is a moment in time that marks a number of significant historical events, places, people, epochs and eras. A few prominent examples are the centenary of Alexandra Township, the centenary of Sophiatown, the centenary of the Voortrekker Museum and the centenary of the formation of the African National Congress (the oldest liberation movement in Africa).

The year 2012 therefore has the potential to provide an impetus and serve as a foundation for a forward thrust in our efforts to identify, collect, protect and promote our heritage to deepen social cohesion and nation building and to serve as both catalyst and driver of sustained development.  The year 2012 presents opportunities for South Africa to usher in a new era in the history of heritage preservation and promotion in our country.

The year is characterised by a plethora of commemorative activities that highlights the significance of our rich and diverse heritage. It has begun to witness the unveiling of our monuments and memorials that pay homage to those who made the supreme sacrifice during the wars of resistance and in the struggle for our liberation. It is also seeing the launch of new projects with similar intentions.

The year 2012 is therefore seen as both the culmination of work that has been done over a number of years as well as the launch of new projects that will go a long way in transforming the heritage landscape.  The envisaged transformation should not only be seen in terms of conceptual/ ideological change, but also change that will impact positively on the socio-economic well-being of communities within which these projects are located.

This will ensure that heritage becomes one of the major catalysts in the implementation and the realisation of Mzansi’s Golden Economy – a key driver of the New Economic Growth Path.

Objectives

• To protect, preserve, promote and perpetuate the memory of watershed historical epochs and historical figures who shaped our history and heritage;
• To harness our cultural heritage in bringing about national reconciliation, nation building and social cohesion;
• To heighten awareness and deepen consciousness around our heritage and it’s potential to give South Africa a new national identity;
• To highlight the role of heritage in socio-economic development through the establishment of heritage infrastructure and creation of tourism opportunities;
• To promote our common African cultural heritage (both tangible and intangible) in order to  cement  relationships with our neighbouring states and thus curb the scourge of xenophobia; and to reaffirm our liberation heritage as part of our country’s collective memory and cultural heritage.

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Legacy Projects

Voortrekker Monument

Arab Priest exhibition

Heritage Bursaries

Geographic Names

Repatriation of the remains of Trooi and Klass Pienaar

UNESCO Conference

Historic Days

Liberation Heritage Route

Audit of Intangible Cultural Heritage