‘Heritage Day celebrates the heroes who fought against oppression’

Acting President Paul Mashatile says the aim of this year’s Heritage Day celebrations is to honour the lives of those who stood against injustices, including oppression.

Mashatile says that the repatriation of the remains of heroes and heroines that were buried in Zambia and Zimbabwe forms part of the Resistance and Liberation Heritage Route Project.

He delivered the keynote address at the national Heritage Day celebrations at the Meqheleng Stadium in Ficksburg in the Free State.

“It is therefore important that we, as a nation, preserve the memory of those who fought for our freedom. They have dedicated and sacrificed their lives to the defence of our country, as well as the assertion of the values and principles that must be upheld. It is because of their bravery, resilience, and resolute commitment that we have a brighter future for generations to come.”

National Heritage Day Celebration:

Weather warnings

Over the weekend, South Africa was hit by a snowstorm mostly affecting the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The snowstorm claimed the lives of two people.

Mashatile has called on citizens to strictly adhere to weather warnings as the world grapples with climate change.

This follows the snowfall that left motorists stranded for almost two days on the N3 road between Estcourt and Harrismith at the weekend.

Mashatile has commended all officials who responded to the snowfall crisis.

“In celebrating our heritage, we must be alive to the impact of climate change on not only our wellbeing but also on our culture. Extreme weather conditions such as those witnessed over the past few days affect some of our cultural and heritage sites, therefore undermining our national goals to protect and preserve our culture for generations to come,” says Mashatile.

He says that response teams remain on standby for any eventuality to assist those in need.

“Even while these teams are committed to helping and saving those in need, we ask that our people exercise caution and pay close attention to any warnings issued by the South African Weather Services,” adds Mashatile.

To watch the Heritage Day Keynote Address as delivered earlier today #HeritageDay 🇿🇦https://t.co/EKPBbQRnRV pic.twitter.com/lEAN4Ui2UD

— Paul Mashatile🇿🇦 (@PMashatile) September 24, 2024