Heritage key to social cohesion, says Mashatile

By Johnathan Paoli

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged South Africans to preserve and reimagine the nation’s diverse heritage as a tool to combat unemployment, drug abuse, crime and social fragmentation, while strengthening unity and cultural identity.

Speaking at the national Heritage Day celebrations at Bridgeton Sports Grounds in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, on Wednesday, Mashatile welcomed the theme, ‘Reimagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era,’ as encouragement to honour the country’s history whilst looking to the future.

“I call upon all South Africans to reimagine our history and heritage institutions for a new era, so that they may continue to add value to human development and serve generations to come. I wish all South Africans across the length and breadth of our nation, across the continent, and throughout the Diaspora, I wish you a wonderful Heritage Day,” Mashatile said.

The event, hosted in a town renowned for its rich