Women’s Living Heritage Monument set to be opened

The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in Gauteng says it’s committed to opening the Women’s Living Heritage Monument in Tshwane. This is despite the facility remaining idle for eight years.

Unveiled in 2016, the monument features statutes of four struggle stalwarts: Lillian Ngoyi; Sophie de Bruyn; Helen Joseph and Rahima Moosa.

The four led the historic 1956 walk to the Union Buildings to pass laws.

Two other multi-million-rand heritage facilities in the province, the Boipatong Monument and the Kagiso Memorial and Recreation Centre remain partially operational.

Department spokesperson, Nomazwe Ntlokwana says budgetary constraints have been impeding the opening of the Women’s Living Heritage Monument.

“The department is committed to opening the facility, but this is subject to sourcing and approval for the additional requested budget to complete all works and the department is in talks with Gauteng Treasury regarding the matter, since we are already in the budget adjustment window period,” says Ntlokwana.

Residents of Meqheleng say heritage sites are closing down:

Ahead of Heritage Day on Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on businesses and other stakeholders to work with the government on heritage preservation, particularly in marginalised communities.

In his weekly letter to the nation on Monday, Ramaphosa says South Africa’s diverse heritage is one of the country’s most valuable assets.

The president has lamented the uneven private support for heritage sites, saying these sites present opportunities to stimulate local economies as well as assist in nation-building and reconciliation.

Ramaphosa says a lack of support for less prominent heritage sites, outside those like Robben Island, the Mandela House in Soweto and Constitution Hill, has resulted in these falling into disrepair.

He says this is a wasted opportunity as these sites provide work opportunities in the communities in which they are situated.

He says it is the responsibility of government together with the private sector, corporate sponsors and philanthropies to ensure these legacies and safeguard them for future generations.

Heritage Month | Khoi and San feel neglected: