By Akani Nkuna
Political parties have marked Heritage Day by celebrating South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage, while the ANC has called for greater integration among the country’s different cultures, emphasising mutual respect and a strong commitment to the Constitution.
In a statement on Thursday, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu highlighted that this year’s Heritage Celebrations came at a time when the country faces mischaracterisation by external forces seeking to impose a notion that the population struggles to co-exist in harmony, saying that the ANC rejects such claims and calls for the citizens to unite.
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“We must firmly reject the idea that diversity must mean division. South Africa’s history teaches us that our strength lies in integration, mutual respect and a shared constitutional compact,” she said.
“The principle that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, remains an enduring answer to those who would have us retreat into narrow racial, regional or ethnic lagers. Our constitutional order demonstrates that our different identities can flourish within inclusive democratic governance, equal citizenship, civil rights and accountability.”
Bhengu lauded SA’s monuments and heritage institutions as important sites of memory reflecting the scars of colonialism and apartheid, while also capturing 32 years of democracy, constitutional transformation, institutional change and efforts to build an inclusive national identity.
She also emphasised the need for tolerance and mutual respect within society while urging for a thorough protection of heritage institutions and national symbols.
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“South Africa has survived many attempts to divide its people, undermine democracy and reverse the gains of freedom. There is freedom in our land, and through our shared value system we must remain focused on the work of overcoming the injustices of the past, advancing development and reaffirming our patriotic duty to defend and deepen democracy,” said Bhengu.
Bhengu said that the preservation of the country’s rich history and cultural heritage was essential for “nation-building” and ensuring that the memory, sacrifices and achievements from the previous generations lived on.
Meanwhile, RISE Mzansi National Leader, Songezo Zibi has criticised the narrow framing of Heritage Day as mainly cultural displays, saying South Africa needs stronger values-based leadership to build a shared national identity, purpose and spirit, while warning that moments of unity often fade as divisions return.
“We need a political culture that frowns upon the abuses of power, state resources and rights of South Africans we see on a regular basis. We need to build a national culture where the practice of mobilizing people to support criminally accused politicians outside courtrooms, and to have no contrition when they are convicted, is a thing of the past,” said Zibi.
The EFF has warned that South Africa cannot meaningfully speak of unity and a shared heritage while women continue to live under the threat of violence and femicide, saying the crisis challenges the society the country claims to be building.
“A country cannot celebrate its heritage while women are unable to move freely and safely within their own communities. The protection of women and children, the effective functioning of the criminal justice system and the prosecution of perpetrators must be understood as part of the struggle to build a society worthy of the freedom that previous generations fought for,” said EFF spokesperson, Thembi Msane.
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