Cultural and natural heritages are considered invaluable resources. They can be used for a variety of purposes, from promoting destinations to constructing nations. To protect, preserve and promote the values of national cultural heritage, Iziko Museum, in partnership with ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property), invited various stakeholders from all over Africa, to participate in an inception workshop. The sole purpose of the Workshop, was exchanging ideas, for the establishment of a Youth Heritage Hub in South Africa. Mr Espéra Donouvossi from ICCROM stated that “young people are able to be creative and take the lead in reflecting on the kind of society we live in through various forms of cultural expressions such as theatre, poetry and music, the South African Youth Heritage Hub aims to bring that creativity into existence”. Iziko has been tasked with establishing the hub by June 2024. In closing the meeting, Dr. Purity Kiura, who established the Kenyan Youth Heritage Hub stated that “African youth should be the custodians of their own cultural heritage”.
Sporting events are more than moments of competition, national pride, and entertainment. They are economic activities that can stimulate tourism, create employment, support local businesses, and generate revenue across multiple sectors of the economy.
Umntwana womgquba a term traditionally used in the Nguni language that means “born out of wedlock,” but nowadays it is used to emphasise that one is born kwisintu. As lontwana, I look back on my own adventures: sometimes I pat myself on the back, and sometimes I wish I could redo them.
Each September, South Africa turns its attention to the rich cultural tapestry that defines our nation. Heritage Month is a time to honour the traditions, languages, histories, knowledge systems, customs and creative expressions that have been passed from generation to generation, while recognising that our heritage is not confined to the past.
My first encounter with heritage at the Mandela Bay Development Agency was, appropriately, somewhat uncomfortable. It began with cleaning. The Gale Monument, the Horse Memorial and the Queen Victoria statue became my first practical introduction to the business of preserving history.
