‘Join hands to celebrate’
MEC launches Heritage Month at museum
Department of sport, recreation, arts & culture (Dsrac) MEC Bulelwa Tunyiswa launched Heritage Month under the theme, “The Year of Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela: Advancing Transformation of South Africa's Heritage Landscape”, at the Amathole Museum, in King William’s Town on Monday.
The programme paid tribute to the selfless role played by South Africa’s internationally recognised icons, such as Tata Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu.
Tunyiswa indicated that “the two stalwarts of South Africa’s liberation struggle and pioneers of the country’s freedom and democracy laid a solid foundation for all of us – black and white – to coexist and live in peace and harmony in an environment that promotes national reconciliation, unity, social cohesion, social justice and socio-economic prosperity.
“We also need to be reminded that this is the birth month of the late “Mother of the Nation”, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who also would have celebrated her 82nd birthday on September 26. May their souls rest in eternal peace,” said Tunyiswa.
She said there would be events rolled out by the provincial government, state entities, municipalities and cultural institutions in celebration of Heritage Month.
“Our heritage has massive potential to boost tourism and thus contribute to employment opportunities for many people, particularly youth and women.
“Let us all join hands to celebrate, protect and market our rich heritage for the benefit of current and future generations,” said Tunyiswa.
Eastern Cape provincial legislature deputy speaker Mlibo Qoboshiyane, who was among the dignitaries attending the event, applauded the department for launching the Heritage Month at the museum.
“This is my first time at this museum and it has a rich history that needs to be showcased so the Eastern Cape and the whole country can know our culture and heritage. However there’s a need for more of our cultural assets to be preserved and also exhibited in these museums,” said Qoboshiyane.
An overview of Idabi Lenkululeko eQonce was exhibited on the day.
The exhibition integrates local history, which includes the Bhisho Massacre, as well as pieces on icons, such as Steve Biko, Mapetla Mohapi and Steve Tshwete. It also covers local sport.